| The best parties all have one thing in common. | | | | party costs if you let them get away from you. |
| You're probably thinking, "sure, they all have a | | | | One effective way to limit food costs is to have |
| really big budget!" Wrong. They all are very well | | | | the party at the time of day when most people |
| planned. If you want to throw a fantastic party | | | | aren't hungry. Having your party shortly after a |
| on a budget, it is very doable if you take time to | | | | regular meal time isn't a bad idea. If you do this, |
| plan ahead. | | | | you can likely just serve a few snacks and be |
| First, try to remember amazing parties you have | | | | fine. |
| attended. You are doing this so you can use them | | | | Premade or catered foods are unreasonably |
| as inspiration, to generate ideas, not so you can | | | | expensive if you are trying to be frugal. You will |
| copy them entirely. If you crib someone else's | | | | want to make most of the food items yourself. |
| party it won't be memorable and it'll be a pale | | | | This may mean doing some substitutions, or being |
| imitation. But if you get inspiration to spark your | | | | flexible, in order to pull it off but it can mean huge |
| own creativity, great! | | | | savings. |
| First things first. You need to establish and stick | | | | Your decorating dollar will be used more |
| to a reasonable budget. You can make the most | | | | effectively if you pick a theme and stick to this. |
| of your resources by using barter and trade to | | | | You can then pick a few elements that will fit this |
| keep down your costs. If you have friends help | | | | theme and provide visual interest, and it will be |
| you plan, they may be willing to step in and | | | | more effective than a room full of unrelated |
| contribute skills. Your music maven friend might | | | | random elements. |
| make a great DJ, and your artsy cousin could do | | | | Finally, don't forget to have fun. That's the most |
| up killer invitations. Encourage willing people to use | | | | important thing. You want to be making pleasant |
| their talents. | | | | memories with friends and family. It isn't worth |
| Even if you can get much of your décor done | | | | fretting over the snacks or the décor if it is |
| cheaply, you still need to watch your costs for | | | | going to mean you are miserable at the party. |
| food. Food costs can hugely increase your overall | | | | Just keep to your budget, and enjoy yourself. |