How Much Will Your Party Cost?
If you set a budget prior to purchasing items for the party, you will know in advance how much it will cost. Good parties donít have to be expensive ones. If you plan ahead and are sensible, you can have a fantastic party on a small budget.
First, begin by drawing up a table that includes everything you are going to need for your party. The first column should include the following items:
1. Invitations and mail costs
2. Venue hire (if not having at home)
3. Equipment hire (have a separate breakdown of this for each item)
4. Decorations
5. Food
6. Entertainment
7. Staff (catering, bar, or set-up crew as required)
The second column will be headed budget Estimate and for each above item put a minimum and maximum dollar amount you are willing to spend on that item.
The third column will be the amount you actually spend. The bigger the party you are throwing and the more formal the event, you will probably find there are more categories for spending money. For example, a wedding budget planner will be much more expansive as it will need to include things such as flowers, suit rental, wedding dress, transport, etc. If you are thorough with your budgeting you wonít get any unnecessary surprises when you total up what you have spent.
If you are going to use an event planner, preparing a budget before you meet with them is a sensible idea. The budget will work as a guide for your needs and the event planner will then know what you can and canít afford.
Remember that spending huge amounts of money wonít mean a more successful party. You can save dollars by using your imagination and deciding where your dollars are best spent. Here are some tips for saving on your party:
1. Make or computer design your own invitations and hand deliver or email where possible.
2. Use balloons as your main decoration. Inflate them yourself using a rented helium tank. Cut flowers from your garden will add to any theme.
3. Have the party at home if it is big enough.
4. Cater yourself, or hold the party in the afternoon where a big meal isnít expected.
5. Borrow chairs and tables from friends. Enlist their help for setting up and offer to do the same for them when they have a party.
6. Hire teenagers to provide entertainment for children’s birthday parties.
Budget well for a successful and you wonít have an economically draining party!
