No one can deny that Halloween parties are fun for people of all ages, but they can also become expensive quickly if you do not establish a realistic budget.
And while everyone wants to invite all of their friends, the more people, the more money the party costs.
After all, you have to figure in the decorations, entertainment, food, and costumes.
It’s not until you make a list of everything it takes to plan a successful Halloween party, that you realize how easy it is to blow your budget.
However, with the right planning, you can create the perfect Halloween party on any budget.
Let’s get into the five tips now…
TIP 1: Make It a Potluck
Potlucks are a great idea for any party. For starters, you do not have the work and expense of creating multiple dishes yourself.
Besides, who wants to be in the kitchen all day?
You also get the advantage of trying new delicious recipes from different cultures.
It is often easiest to make the main dish yourself and assign dishes to different party-goers (for instance, asking one family to bring a side dish, another dessert, another salad, etc.).
You can also make your Halloween party snacks or desserts only.
Use your creativity, because you’re not restricted to any one type of food or theme.
This is a Halloween party, so make it fun!
TIP 2: Plan Ahead and Shop on Sale
If you host an annual Halloween party, paper supplies and decorations can often be bought cheaply in November for the following year.
If this is your first year hosting a Halloween party, start buying as soon as Halloween merchandise starts hitting the shelves so that you can take advantage of the lower prices and better selection.
Do not subject yourself to the picked-over items that no one wants.
Remember, the early bird gets the worm.
TIP 3: Look for Items That Can Be Used More Than Once
If you can get two uses out of one item, you have saved money right there.
For example, pumpkins that are painted or left natural (no carving) can be used to make baked goods after the guests have gone home.
Fall decorations can work just as well in November as in October, provided that there is nothing specifically Halloween about them.
Also, look for Halloween decorations that can be reused from one year to the next. That way, if you do invest more money this year, you won't have to do the following.
PRO TIP 1: If within your budget, purchase high-quality Halloween items that can be used over and over.
As with the Fall decorations, they’ll pay for themselves when compared to purchasing cheaply made products that may need to be frequently replaced.
PRO TIP 2: If available, read the consumer reviews on all products that are on the pricey side before purchasing because price no longer dictates quality in this day and age.
TIP 4: Small and Intimate Beats Large and Loud
While a large party involving the entire neighborhood may sound like fun, the amount of money that it will cost, let alone the amount of room that you will need, can make this a bit prohibitive.
Consider making the party for adults only, or limit it to only the families that you are closest with.
You don’t need hundreds of people to attend in order to have fun.
TIP 5: Shop at Warehouse Stores
Buying in bulk is often less expensive, especially when you need to buy a large number of items.
Candy, paper goods, and treats for the goodie bags can often be found for less than you would pay at department stores.
Conclusion
Chances are, if you spend more money on your Halloween party than you were intending, it is only going to stress you out, and you may even feel resentful.
So, by shopping smart and planning ahead, you can have just as much fun without the stress.
The party you throw is for both you and your guests to enjoy.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could host an exciting budget-friendly Halloween party that your attendees rave about for years to come?
Well, that’s possible if you take the time to plan it out and not wait until the last minute to do so.
The next time you need to plan a Halloween party, be certain to keep these five tips in mind.
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