5 Ways To Save A Lot Of Money On Your Next Party

Parties are great, but they can get pretty expensive very quickly, especially if you plan to invite a lot of guests. Party supplies, decorations, food and drink all add up. To save money when planning your next party or event, keep these simple but effective tips in mind.

Reuse whenever possible

Recycling is not just great for the environment, but it works wonders for your wallet, too! Take a look at any party decorations and supplies you may already have and see if they can be repurposed for your next event. Some parties are easier to decorate on a budget than others because you can use anything you find; other events, such as weddings or baby showers, require a little more creativity.

Opt for solid coloured party lanterns or party balloons in bright solid colours to provide a cheerful environment for your event. The paper lanterns can be reused again and again, making them a great value for money. String lights and fairy lights are both great decorative items that can be used for many different occasions. Try placing them in unusual places, such as inside large glass bowls or containers to create easy centrepieces.

It’s always a good idea to ask around among your friends and family to see if they have any items you can use for decorating your event. You never know what they may have that you can use to create a great bash!

Get creative

Balloons are inexpensive and can be fun for children’s or adult’s parties. For a dramatic effect, try placing a small glow stick into a balloon, then filling it with helium. Weighed down with a small weight, this makes a great table decoration. It’s inexpensive and easy to make, plus it can be tossed in the trash when the party is over, making cleanup easier.

Love the look of an ice sculpture but hate the cost? Make your own icy centrepiece using a mould. You can create a fabulous ice castle for a princess party or a simple wine chiller for each table. Decorate them with flowers or fruit for a fun or sophisticated look for less money than a professional ice sculpture costs. Easy, beautiful and impressively inexpensive!

Fun food

Catering a large party can get expensive, but you can save loads of money by cooking some of the food yourself. Skip the large, store bought cakes and opt for homemade cupcakes and cake pops. These are easy and impressive, perfect for children and adults, and fun for any occasion! If you’d still rather have a large cake, use a decorative mould to create an eye-catching cake that your guests will love.

Another way to save money on your party is to use food as part of your decorations. Pretty fruit platters make great table decorations, while a punch fountain makes a great looking centrepiece for any table. Tiered trays with small cakes or cheeses always look great, or you could provide a cheeseball and crackers for each table.

Try to match your food to your theme whenever possible. For example, Halloween parties benefit from spooky punches and candy bugs, while Christmas parties are a great time to bring out homemade Christmas cookies and cakes. You can even create themed cocktails for every holiday that look great and taste amazing. Check out some of our fun recipes for some inspiration!

Bring a dish

One way to save money on your party is to ask your guests to each bring a dish. This works best for informal parties and can be a great way for your guests to show off their culinary skills. Try asking for themed dishes to make it more fun and don’t forget to find out what each guest will be bringing so you can ensure that enough food and drink is served. It’s a good idea to have guests label their dishes so anyone with a food allergy will know which foods they may need to avoid.

Make sure you have plenty of space to store the food while it’s not being eaten, especially in hot weather. For outdoor parties, bring out extra coolers full of ice to keep cold foods at the right temperature and avoid anyone getting sick. For pool parties, consider using a floating cooler for drinks and ice. These are relatively inexpensive, reusable and loads of fun for your guests!

Hosting a cocktail party? You could ask each guest to bring a different spirit for mixing, or have them bring the mixers and you provide the booze. Don’t forget the nibbles, which can be simple veggie trays or cheese platters. Have fun with the planning and your guests will have fun, too.

Set a budget and shop online

It might not seem like it, but driving around to several shops for party items can really add to the cost of the event. Besides the cost of driving, there’s the time it takes from your day to consider. Plus, you almost always buy more than you originally intended once you step into the shop. Buying party supplies, lights and party decorations online is easier and can be much less expensive, if you plan ahead!

Make a list of the items you want to have for your party or event, then decide how much you are willing or able to spend. This will help you budget for your event and prevent overspending. Some things, like food and drinks, will have to be bought from a shop, so remember to set a budget for these, too. Once you know what you can spend, take a look at your choices online.

At Party Supplies Now, we have everything you need to plan and host the perfect party or event for less money. Check out our great party supplies, decorations, lights and other party items that will help you plan an awesome event. We’ll help you create a memorable occasion without spending a fortune. Just use these great tips, plus our helpful website, and you’ll be celebrating for less in no time!

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