As a parent, you want your child’s birthday to be memorable. However, that doesn’t mean you can always afford to spend thousands on a lavish party. Thankfully, you don’t have to. While it might require extra work, it is possible to stick to a budget without putting a limit on your little one’s fun. You may even be able to create an event better than the extravagant birthday parties you’ve attended in the past. With that in mind, here are six ways to save money planning a party.
Check The Guest List
The more people attend your child’s party, the more expensive it will become. For this reason, you must resist the urge to invite everyone you know. Instead, keep the guest list small and allow your little one to bring the same number of friends as their new age. If they’re turning seven, for example, they can invite seven guests. It’s up to you to send invitations to any family members.
Skip All Party Shops
Just like with weddings, when you attach the word “birthday” to a party essential, it bumps up the price. What’s worse is when you’re working around a theme, like pirates or princesses. Rather than paying the markup prices you find at party shops, you should visit dollar stores. From paper plates to balloons, you’ll find all of your essentials at these stores, but for a much lower price.
Find A Free Venue
A venue can eat up a huge chunk of your party budget. Although renting out a bowling alley or a restaurant will lessen your workload, you’ll have to pay a small fortune for that help. Thankfully, there are many inexpensive and free locations to consider. If you didn’t want to host the party at home, then visit a local park or beach instead. Just check that you don’t need a reservation. There are venues where you could set up the decorations based on the theme. For instance, if it’s a water-themed party, consider water slide rentals miami or something similar.
Ask For Food Donations
Most people believe that it’s rude to show up to a birthday party without a gift. However, if you’ve splashed out on your little one, they might not need any more presents. Instead, you could ask the adults to bring donations of food with them. This could include snacks, like cupcakes, or side dishes, like a Texas chili bowl. Having this food will eliminate this expense from the party budget.
Pick Easy Party Activities
Clowns, pony rides, and other expensive party activities are usually a waste of money. Even when your child demands these things, you’ll often find that they’re not bothered about them when they arrive. Because of this, you should only allow one main activity. All other entertainment can be easy activities, like party games. These games will keep the children playing together.
Double Up With Friends
When your little one’s birthday falls around the same time as one of their friends, a joint party is a brilliant way to save money. By merging both parties, you can cut costs and save time, as the other parents would be chipping in too. Many kids are happy to double up, but others might feel pushed out. Having separate cakes and gifts will help to make both children feel special.
A child’s birthday party can be an expensive event, but the advice above will help you to plan a memorable one, regardless of budget.