How to Throw a Party Without Breaking the Bank

Throwing a party may be synonymous with breaking the bank; but that is not always the case if you know how to manage and budget. You can still throw a grand party without splurging and get to enjoy the whole event. Great parties need not be expensive, but you do have to be resourceful.

Based on experience, there may have already been countless parties where you're forced to spend more than what your budget allows ,just to meet your guests' and your expectations. Planning is very important so that you will be able to prevent unexpected and surprise costs. Here are some ways to throw a party while staying within your expense range.

1. Budget. Because money matters to you most at this moment, set your full allowable budget for the entire event. Write it down on a piece of paper and stick it on your refrigerator to keep reminding yourself the maximum limit, while you're planning on the kitchen table.

2. Party. First determine what kind of party you're planning to throw. You will be able to assess the materials, phases, and expected guests once you figure out the exact type of party; whether it is a birthday, wedding, Christmas dinner, etc.

3. Guests. Think about the kind of guests you're expecting. Consider their age, social status, family, and civil status. On most occasions, older guests may mean bigger expenses, higher social status may mean higher expectations, and civil status may mean more attendants. Determine how many and which guests exactly you can afford to invite.

4. Food. Knowing how to cook is indispensable for any party thrower, unless you can afford to hire catering services. Plan ahead the courses, amount, and types of food that you're going to serve at the party. Schedule the time needed to finish preparing all of them. If you can make one or two dishes, that still equals more savings.

5. Drinks. Buy wine and other beverages at the supermarket and put them in the refrigerator. Try searching for at least one way of mixing up a great punch or cocktail drink to serve your guests. At best, keep rations in huge amounts rather than single glasses where everybody can pitch in for a second glass.