Slimming your party budget
It’s the season to throw a party! Right now you are probably planning office parties or parties to welcome friends and family from abroad. Guarding against overspending is no doubt uppermost in your mind. However, with these Pinching Pennies guidelines, you won’t overspend and be overstressed this year.
On average, a good starting budget would be around $300 per person for food and drinks. However, no matter the amount of money you plan to spend, the basic elements are:
Food, beverages, music, location and ambiance, and of course guests.
Now, once you have these elements mapped out, consider the following:
1. Professionally designed invitations are nice, but to save money, e-mail invitations. It is not only economical, but very 21st century.
2. If you are having a small get together, a great way to liven up the party is to have a talent contest where everyone at the party showcases what he can do. You could even give a little prize for the best performance.
3. Another way to save money is to have the party mid-day after lunch before dinner. This way, you can serve less food.
4. Keep in mind that people enjoy more food, not less food that is very expensive. One serving of lobster as opposed to several helpings of chicken does not a successful party make.
5. If your budget is really low, have persons bring their own liquor.
6. Bake your own cake. It is much more economical than buying a ready made one.
7. When purchasing food, keep in mind that 20 persons will need 5 pounds of meat, 5 pounds of salad (potato, macaroni), 5 pounds of another vegetable, and 5 pounds of dessert; 40 persons will need 10 pounds from each food group and so on.
8. No matter how much you budget to spend, add 15 percent to that figure to account for any cost overruns.
9. Decide on how much time you will spend on the party planning and food preparation. If you are a good cook and have the free time, it is very economical to do it yourself.
10. If you don’t have the time to cook, get professional help. But be sure to call around and compare the costs involved. You have the option to choose from caterers, restaurants, supermarkets, and party rental companies. Ask them for menus, price sheets, lists of services, beverages available, etc.
11. By the way, it might sound simple, but be sure of the number of people you are entertaining. All your plans will revolve around the number of guests. In fact, to be safe, try to have extra food and drink on hand.
12. Where will you be having this party? If it is at home, do you need extra chairs, tables, serving pieces, linens, and glasses? What if someone wants to smoke? Gets sick? Will the dog chase your guests as they come through the gate? Make sure your home is prepared to accept guests.
13. Consider borrowing chairs, tables, and dishware before renting. If you and your friends are throwing parties this year, coordinate the dates so that each person can contribute the needed items to whomever is in need.
14. With regards to music, if the budget does not allow for a sound system, have the guests bring their favourite CD. Ask for a volunteer to be the selector for the evening.
Remember being prepared is being relaxed. The goal of the party is to bring people together to have a special and memorable time.
