5 Tips to Save Money When Throwing a Party

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Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, wedding reception, a just plain dance party, there are plenty of ways to save money. Recently, I threw myself a 30th birthday party with a sock hop theme. Here are some of the ways you can save money when throwing a party.

Cut the Guest List

Renting out a large hall for your party can be expensive. Smaller halls are available for a lower cost, but they also fit less people. Include the people who are most important to you first. My guest list included family, close friends, and my co-workers. If you don’t like your co-workers, don’t invite them! Remember: you can still have a great time with only a small number of people.

Shop the Dollar Store

The dollar store is the absolute best place to buy tablecloths, napkins, and utensils. I highly recommend Dollar Tree. They have almost everything you’ll need in various colors and designs to help you save money. I bought 8 tablecloths and enough napkins, plates, and cutlery for about 50 people for all under $20.

Skip the Fancy Decorations

In the beginning, I planned for centerpieces that looked like ice cream sundaes and old records as place settings. In the end, I found a pack of cardboard records for only a few dollars and placed them on all the tables. I also found a cool cardboard jukebox to hide the speaker behind. Your party doesn’t have to be fancy to be a hit. Everyone who was there had a good time, even without all the extras.

A Playlist and a Bluetooth Speaker

I really wanted my co-workers cover band to play at my party, but that would have meant reserving a bigger hall and paying his band for the night. That was way out of my budget. Stay in your party planning budget and save money by creating your own playlist and using a bluetooth speaker. I used Amazon music to create my playlist and this JBL speaker to play all my favorite songs from the 50s. Try Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial

Four Letters: BYOB

Alcohol is probably the most expensive item to have at a party. There was no way I was trying to afford enough alcohol for everyone I invited. Instead, I made up a cute little soda bar with things like maraschino cherries, lemons, and limes, and had the guests bring whatever alcohol they liked to mix in.