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No one wants to worry about expenses come party time. Bringing people together is a sacred tradition across many cultures, and celebrations commemorate some of the most notable times in our lives. Parties are all about creating a special event no one will forget for years to come.
But you don’t have to spend a pretty penny to throw an awesome party.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday, throwing an engagement party, or want to celebrate your kid’s graduation, learn how to manage your party budget to save money! This guide will walk through the best place to shop for a low-budget blast. Then, we’ll cover some other tips for planning and hosting the event itself.
Let’s get started!
Best Places to Shop for Party Supplies
So you’re looking to throw a big party, but you’re working with a budget on the tighter side. The biggest things to consider? What to buy, and where to buy it.
One of the easiest ways to save money on your party plan is to limit the amount you spend on smaller details, like:
- Decor
- Tableware
- Accessories
- Paper goods
Try creating a plan and aesthetic that uses an efficient, minimalist approach. The less stuff you need to buy, the less money you’ll spend.
For anything you do need to purchase, be smart about where you shop for these goods.
Budget Party Supply Stores
Once you know what kinds of supplies you’ll need for your big event, it’s time to hit the stores. When shopping on a budget, your best options come down to two well-known retailers:
- Party City – The #1 store most people think of when they start party planning, Party City doesn’t disappoint. With thousands of deals in-person and online, this is a one-stop-shop for all your party needs. Use a Party City coupon for even more savings!
- Hobby Lobby – Technically an arts and crafts store, Hobby Lobby also offers great deals on all kinds of party decorations and supplies. Check out the 40% off coupon, rotating sales, and clearance section for.
Michaels and Joanns also have great supplies and decor. Just make sure you understand the differences between Michaels vs Joanns to find what you’re looking for! And the best way to maximize your savings at these stores? Using RebateKey.
Browse our Party City shop for guaranteed 1% cash back on all purchases, plus additional deals and discounts. Or try our Hobby Lobby rebates for 4% cash back on all purchases, in addition to tons of extra promotions. On average, shoppers have saved $50 dollars over the past 30 days.
Dollar Stores
The unsung heroes of budget party planners nationwide!
Your local dollar store has a variety of low-cost options that can complement or supplement party supplies bought elsewhere.
Quality control is a concern, so you may not want to source 100% of your supplies from these stores. In particular, you should likely stick to dedicated party stores for party decor. But it can’t hurt to purchase lower-stakes items on the cheap, like napkins and disposable tableware.
How Do You Throw a Party on a Budget?
Besides knowing where to shop, there are plenty of other hacks for planning an awesome party on a budget. From the way you think about party decor to considerations for food and beverages, the savings are endless.
Let’s walk through some frugal party planning tips:
Host a Potluck
The cheapest food for you to serve at a party is… whatever the party guests bring.
One of the best ways to save money on party planning is to crowdsource as many expenses as you can. And the absolute best way to do this with food is to turn your shindig into a super fun potluck.
Having party guests bring their own food provides numerous benefits:
- Cost savings on food preparation
- Increased quantity and diversity of food options
- Guests’ participation helps them feel connected to the party
And, in addition to food, you can up the savings even more by including a bring your own beverages (BYOB) policy. Liven up your event with the help of all its guests!
Save on Services
Finally, another great way to save on party planning is to avoid paying for expensive services that you can instead accomplish on your own—or with a little help from family and friends.
Using smartphones, laptops, and everyday technology, you can easily replace several costly services:
- Who needs a DJ? Use free music apps for your playlist
- Instead of a professional photographer, use smartphone cameras
- Use free, digital options for invites, RSVPs, registries, thank you cards, and more!
Even if you personally don’t feel comfortable providing these functions, every family has at least one member with these skill sets. Leverage the youth in your networks to avoid paying for costly professional services.
Party Hard, Save Even Harder
At RebateKey, we’re here to help you save as much money as possible on the purchases you make every day. Whether you’re shopping for party decorations, gifts for friends and family, or much-needed self-care—we want you to shop and save with confidence.
That’s why we’ve revolutionized the rebate game, empowering you to earn cash back with the click of a button. With our platform, you can get up to 100% cash back on select purchases. Install our free Chrome Extension to see just how easy saving can be.
Cheers to savings!
Sources:
Bustle. How To Host A Party Without Breaking The Bank. https://www.bustle.com/articles/171049-11-hacks-for-hosting-an-awesome-party-on-a-budget
Money Crashers. How to Throw a Big Party on a Small Budget. https://www.moneycrashers.com/throw-party-budget-host/
