Creative Budget-Friendly Party Planning Tips

Huge extravaganzas, blockbuster affaires, five-star entertaining…who has the energy or disposable income these days to plan over-the-top parties anymore? And, really, it’s just not necessary if what you care about is bringing friends and family together to celebrate or mark a special occasion. As someone who has done her fair share of events for work and pleasure, my most successful endeavors come from summoning up a little creative MOJO, some DIY spirit, and keeping it simple.

Pick an Un-Themed Theme

Rather than pick something standard or choose the latest, popular character theme, try to brainstorm a bit about the guests of honor and the people who will be attending. Think about who they are, what they like to do for fun, their passions, hobbies, etc. Think about their “styles,” and jot down notes about favorite colors and personality types. Pretty soon you’ll see a unique theme emerge and it will be something that will surely surprise and delight your guests. And if that popular character is a must, then think about how you can add an unexpected twist.

Let me give you an example. My daughter was in her senior year at college, about a month away from graduation. She lived on campus but the college wasn’t too far from our home. I talked to her about having a graduation party and she really wasn’t up for it. She can perform on a stage in front of hundreds, but is pretty shy in social situations, so a big blow out is never her thing. After thinking about it, I realized that what was most important to her was the upcoming reading of her original full length play. It was her senior project, and she was the first student given the permission to write a full length play—most college students write one-acts. When I asked her if she’d like a special reception before the play, I could see her eyes light up and I knew that this was the celebration that would be most meaningful for her.

Now I needed a theme. The reception was for the premiere of a play…so honoring words came to mind. And my daughter, well she’s very creative and has a bohemian spirit. And then I thought of who would be attending…college students and faculty. So what could I do to surprise them with an atypical college campus reception? Brain churn, and suddenly there it was: BOHO Biblio!

Start with Your Own Stuff.

Once you have a possible theme, take stock of what you already have on hand that can be put to use as decorations. Pull everything together to help you envision the set up and displays, and start making a list of the things you’ll need to purchase and rent to complete your party scene.

For BOHO Biblio, I had vintage hankies that I slipped-stitched together to make runners, an antique quilt top, glass jars and white ceramic pieces as containers, a very old typewriter, scrabble pieces, and white platters, galvanized buckets and baskets for the food. I rented tables and burlap tablecloths.

What Can You DIY?

Assess what items you might be able to make or assemble yourself—activity station, flowers, decorations or food—to keep the budget happy. But, it’s important that you enjoy the process, so don’t take on too much yourself. Get some help or rethink the plan.

My very crafty niece and I created unique pieces using pages from old (not valuable) books and twine:

• BOHO Message Board—decoupaged an inexpensive frame with strips of newspaper. We attached eye screws and twine and tied on colored alligator clips so guests could write personal messages to my daughter and attach them to the message board. This cost around $5 to do and the kids went crazy over it, especially the guys! My daughter treasures it still.
• GARLAND—We used a circle punch to cut out hundreds of paper circles and glued them at intervals onto twine to make garland. The cost was under $5.
• FLOWERS—Using Playing With Books, by Jason Thompson, we made the most incredible paper flowers and used them in lieu of real flowers at the event.

When It Comes to Food, Keep It Simple!

Whether you cater or choose to do the food yourself, don’t over-complicate the menu. I’m not an expert in cuisine (my former partner was), but for kids parties and reception-type events, it’s been my experience that you only need about three different food choices but serve them in abundance. You’ll have an inviting and impressive display.

For my daughter’s reception, I found a bakery that made mini-donuts—so adorable! And since most of us don’t eat them on a regular basis, the mini-size made them a fun, festive, and not-too-wicked indulgence. Then I filled a galvanized bucket with ice and brought the college crowd (including the faculty) back to their childhood with juice, regular and chocolate milk boxes—it was the talk of the event! I included mini-white bags so guests could pack their own bakery “takeout” for later.

From Beginning to End…Enjoy Yourself.

Choose joy over stress…fun over perfection. It doesn’t matter if it’s paper plates or fine china, just enjoy the act of giving, creating and celebrating with those you love.

What type of theme party would you like to throw?