Frugal Party Planning

Sometimes planning for a party can be very expensive. But there are some things that you can do to keep the costs down.

• Party Items: Don't invest money in fancy party items like plates, cups, etc. When I have a birthday party for younger kids, I will buy just plates (many times on clearance or at the dollar store) with their favorite character on them. I buy cups and tablecloth (usually at dollar store) in a color that coordinates with the plates. I buy plain old napkins and regular plastic silverware. Also don't fall into the whole party favor trap. No one says they need to get a goody bag. If you really would like to give these out, check the dollar store for things you can put in there. Party favors for kids can run from $3 and up at places like Walmart or Target.
  
  
• Cake: Make your own cake. Store bought cakes can cost $20 and up for a half sheet. Even if you buy one of those shaped pans, you will still be under $20. For most occasions though, a simple cake with frosting is appropriate. Even if you buy cake mix and frosting, at full price you are still under $3, and if you use coupons you can get this total down even more.
  
  
• Gifts: Buy gifts throughout the year for birthdays when you find them on clearance. My daughter's birthday is in August and I already have three things for her that I bought cheap on clearance (plus we found a Princess backpack at Burlington that I want to go back and get for her this week sometime). By doing this, you can either save the extra money that you normally would have spent, or use that money to splurge and buy something nice for them.
  
  
• Food: There are several ways to have food at a party and still keep the costs down. Cooking out is always a nice idea. I have had build your own sandwiches (deli meats and bread) and meatball subs for parties. For my son's party this weekend we are having hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni salad, and chips. We will end up spending less than $30 for all the food, including cake and ice cream. Rolls will be bought at Aldi's for less than $1 a pack, hamburger will be bought for less than $2 a pound, I bought hot dogs last week for $1.50 a pack (Ballpark), chips were bought with a coupon and grandma is bringing the salad. I got the ice cream (Breyer's) for $1.50 after coupons, the cake mix for $.50 and the frosting for $.75 after coupons.
  
  
• Beverages: We usually buy some water bottles (we got these on sale last week 32 pack for $3.99), and also have a few 2-liters of soda (bought on sale for $1 each). I have also made Koolaid when there was going to be a lot of kids at the party. If you are using 2-liters, don't forget to buy plastic cups.
  

Do you have any ideas on how to keep party planning expenses down? Share with us by leaving a comment.