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It never fails; every single time that my family decides to have a party, money will be extremely tight. Sometimes I think they plan it that way, but they always prove me wrong when they start making plans. Budget or inexpensive doesn’t seem to be in their party vocabulary. Over the years, I have worked with them on making a few minor changes that help to keep the cost of the parties down.
One of the biggest money savers we have found is to have a group party. Get more than one person involved and have each family pitch in on the cost. These are especially good for parties such as end of season athletic parties or skating parties. When you consider the cost of renting a party room at a skating rink, providing food and drinks for your guests, as well as any small token gifts you give to the attendees, you have run up quite a big bill.
If you get the different teams or several families to pitch in together, you may find that you can rent the skating rink for a private party and provide the same refreshments without going overboard on the cost. This is a case when the more the merrier! Just be sure that all agreements such as how the cost of everything is agreed upon and handled prior to the party. Otherwise, you may have one or two that don’t hold up their end of the bargain and you may get stuck with a higher cost.
Reunions are another expensive type of party. For those, if you have it at someone’s house or a public park, you will save a bundle off of renting a hall. And if you plan it as a picnic, then you can have lots of outdoor fun. With games for the children, seats for the adults, and some simple food, you are ready to have a great time.
Games for the children should include both some active and quiet time games. Simple things like balls, horseshoes, badminton, or foot races can give the children and some adults the chance to run and play and burn off a little excess energy. For those that are not very active, you may want to include some activities such as puzzles, cards, board games, or books. That way, when they get tired of running and playing, they can take a break and relax a little.
Cards, board games, and old scrapbooks are a wonderful way to keep the adults busy that may not be interested in the on going conversations. Activities can be planned out according to a schedule, but from my experience, it often is more fun to provide the supplies needed for the activities and then play it by ear. There is no law that says that the schedule you have for activities has to be written in stone.
For a party, food can often be one of the costlier expenses. There are several cost cutters that you can do to help with this expense. You can always have it potluck where everyone brings a dish. It is a lot cheaper than having it catered and lots easier than doing all the prep work for the food on your own. If you prefer to do it all yourself, then think simple foods. Finger foods such as sandwiches, chips, cheese and crackers, fruit, and canned or bottled drinks can save time, but be careful that you don’t go overboard on your budget. Simply using cups and three-liter drinks or fruit drinks can save a good bit, especially if they will drink the store brands.
Another costly expense is gifts for the attendees. Although this isn’t a custom that everyone follows, if you do, then you may find that a lot of your budget will go to cover this expense. Instead of purchasing party favors at the local discount stores, think of the theme of the party. Are there some crafts that the attendees can do together that will allow them to have fun, while making their own gifts? This is especially good for children. Craft magazines, such as Pack-o-fun, have some wonderful inexpensive ideas that my children love to do.
If you have a warehouse or surplus store in your area, check for items that they may have that would be suitable for the party. Some wholesale places will also sell to individuals if they meet a minimum purchase amount. Auctions such as Ebay, often have sections which will have toys or other such gift type items which can be purchases and shipped to you at a fraction of the cost than buying individual items from a local store.
If you have a digital camera and a good printer, you may want to consider taking photos of the group and making iron on transfers for those that would like them. They aren’t a tremendous expense if you let each person buy their own white T-shirt to put them on. You can often buy the transfers at office supply stores such as Office Depot or Office Max in larger quantities than you can at the department or computer stores. This idea is a wonderful take home gift for attendees of a reunion or special event.
If your gift needs don’t meet any of the above ideas, then why not try your own creativity. You can always make gifts, write a poem or short story, or make an activity book to send home. These can be extensions of the theme of the party. One party which my children attended had activity books printed from a desktop publishing type program. Microsoft Works will allow you to print in a book format. Print Artist allows you to print the graphic as a coloring page. And if you have a Hewlett Packard printer, check their web site. They have several templates that even allow you to make party hats and invitations.
Think ahead of what you would like to do. Then think about other options that will allow the same activity or fun level, without the cost. Having a party doesn’t have to be something only the well to do can afford. You just have to use your imagination, be willing to work, or be willing to accept help from others. Either way, you are bound to have a party that will be fun without breaking the bank.
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