Between rising costs of living and tighter monthly budgets, planning a holiday party has become more stressful over the years. But as demanding as it can be to throw a winter shindig, the holiday cheer that it spreads around your friends and family makes it worth all the challenges.
When you follow careful suggestions for saving money while party planning, your holiday celebration doesn’t have to break the bank. While you may need to make some adjustments, the little effort sets you free from going over your budget.
To help you do more with less when it comes to planning your holiday party, here are a few tips to help.
Create a party budget
Before you start decking the halls or buying party favors, it’s crucial to set a budget for your party. Besides giving you an amount that you can comfortably spend, this also helps you become more conscious of your choices. For instance, if your budget doesn’t allow for expensive gifts, knowing that beforehand helps you pick the best minimalist gifts for loved ones instead of making rushed choices at the last minute.
Find pocket-friendly ways to have fun
While a snow machine or an open bar can make any holiday party a success, you don’t always have to spend a fortune to share some seasonal joy. By setting fun rules, such as having everyone wear adult Christmas onesies or sing Christmas carols, or even having guests bring their own holiday beverages for guests to try, you can make your party a delightful event without emptying your bank account.
Cut down on invitation costs
In today’s day and age, many casual parties have done away with formal invites. But holiday parties fall under those types of events that still use traditional invitations. Besides tradition, this also ensures that guests can make themselves available during a time full of social gatherings. While you may still need to send invites for your party, you can cut costs by choosing an online invitation service and letting go of traditional mail.
Make Your Own Party Decorations
While learning how to create a budget and save money, you may often stumble upon the advice to go the DIY route for different needs. This holds true for party planning just as much as it does for home improvement or car repairs. By making your own party decorations from art supplies, fresh plants, and edible arrangements, you can save some money on creating the ideal ambiance for your get-together.
Cook food at home
No matter the size of your guest list, catering costs can often rack up a huge bill. In some cases, you may have no choice but to get outside help for your party. But if you have the option to cook your own food for the event, you shouldn’t steer away from it. By using a recipe management solution, you can also keep track of popular recipes and make the cooking process easier for yourself. You should also think about bringing your own drinks as well. Not everyone is on the alcohol train anymore, so variety is key. There are now CBD and THC drinks that are perfect for those who still want that bubbly feel without the extreme hangover. Take a look at some THC bundles, solo drinks and gift cards, to see which would be best to pick up, not just for the party but also for some presents as well. Make sure that the adults are the only recipients of these.
Explore budget-friendly entertainment
Similar to any other type of party, holiday parties also need some entertainment to have some life in them. But hiring DJs and bands doesn’t come cheap, and simply putting on some music might not cut it. This is where you need to learn how to save money wisely and ask someone from your social circle to provide entertainment for the party. This can help you get musicians, comedians, and even magicians at a friend and family discount.
Plan activities without breaking the bank
Apart from hiring affordable entertainment, you can bring more joy to your party by introducing fun activities. At the same time, you can ensure that you choose options that don’t require you to spend a small fortune. From a drinking game to a cookie decorating kit, you can take your pick from various activities. This allows you to make sure that your guests have a lot of fun at your party, even when it’s thrown on a budget.
By remembering these suggestions, you can plan a budget-friendly holiday party that your guests can cherish for weeks to come. At the same time, you can stay true to your resolution to save money right into the new year.