10 ways to plan the perfect party without breaking the bank.

When planning a party it is easy to get a vision and get carried away. We all want to have the perfect event whether it’s a birthday bash, wedding, baby shower or small intimate event we want our friends to compliment us on how well put together it was.  I have good news no matter the size of your budget you can have the perfect party. No one has to know that you pinched pennies.  Here are 10 ways to have the perfect event.

1.       BE CREATIVE…think outside the box don’t let your budget restrict you. Look at fabulous, lavish and over the top ideas and find ways to take elements of them and simplify them. Some of my most successful events had minimal investments, but maximum creativity and originality! Have an open mind.

2.       DYI ( Do- it- Yourself) If you are the type that hosts several events consider investing in vases, candles etc. the investment is often sometimes less than the rental of these items and the plus is you get to use them again.

3.       Be Unique! Find your own flavor find little touches that speak to your personality. It will not go unnoticed by your guests.

4.       NIX THE FLOWERS… flowers are expensive but here is a secret trick. CANDLES, CANDLES and more CANDLES. Candles have the ability to change the ambiance of a room.  Consider candle centerpieces or accents for your next event.

5.       The internet is your friend. Almost everyone has an email address. One wedding I planned decided they were going to send virtual invitations to most of their guests. The few that did not have access to the internet they mailed invitations, but the internet cut down on costs dramatically. There are several sites that will let you design your own virtual invitation for free! Paper invitations can be anywhere from $2.00 to $10.00 per invitation.  http://www.paperlesspost.com is a site I have found to have tons of choices for all kinds of events.

6.       Keep the menu simple. Many times we go overboard thinking of all the foods we like. We spend extra money to have extravagant menus that many of our guests are not impressed by. Guests enjoy the simplicity. Think of a few good choices not what YOU like but what people will eat. Many times you don’t even eat at your own event. Your guests will not mind and you won’t either when you realize how much you have saved!

7.       Know your crowd! This is important your lavish ideas may not even impress your guests. Heck they don’t even know who Preston Bailey or David Tutera is. Tons of decorations don’t make it look better it just makes it look busy.

8.       Think outside the box. A house party can be just as elegant as a party at a country club, or banquet hall. If you’re doing a small party for close family and friends consider something at home and save yourself on the costly hall rental fees! On the other hand if you need to rent a hall consider finding one that allows you to provide your own catering and liquor. This gives you more flexibility with food costs, and you would not believe the mark up on liquor at some establishments!!!!!

9.       Plan ahead, when you wait till the last minute you are a prisoner of retail costs. Planning ahead allows you to search for the best deal, order online, and catch sales. Sometimes the costs of waiting till the last minute can double your party planning expenses. Remember in school when they told you to write an outline before writing a paper? Do this when planning a party. Structure keeps you focused and focus prevents you from overspending!

10.   HAVE FUN!!!! Most people won’t remember what thread count your linen was; they won’t even notice that your flowers were imported from Africa and that the chandelier was hand blown crystal! What they will remember is if they had a good time. Pick the things you want to invest in wisely and remember the amount you spend will not determine how much fun your guests have.