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Have you got a big event coming up? Maybe a wedding , baby shower, bar/bat mitzvah , Sweet 16 or Quinceanera or even a company party ? Something you can’t wait for but you’re nervous it won’t go according to plan or maybe you forgot a detail or two?
The reality is that even the most exciting time planning a party to celebrate you or your friends, can be overshadowed by one thing… FUNDS. In fact, overspending on a big event is a definite way to spoil it for you in the long run. You don’t have to break the bank in order to have a great party!
I’m not saying it isn’t tempting to splurge. The average price of a wedding these days is $48,000—that could buy you a new car! And it’s not unheard of to drop a whopping $20,000 on a Sweet 16, complete with chocolate fountains and designer dresses. (WHATTT?!)
So how do you throw an unforgettable party that everyone will cherish without spending the equivalent of the GDP of a small country? Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Create a budget (and stick to it).
Planning a party without a budget is like going to the grocery store on an empty stomach — you’re going to buy everything in sight. Avoid overspending on unnecessary items by drafting a concrete plan. Once you have a list of everything you’ll need for the party, determine a realistic estimate of how much everything will cost. If it turns out that during your party shopping you discover that certain items cost more than you had expected, balance your budget by eliminating other items you can do without.
TIP : Twelve to 18 months in advance of the shindig, plan out as many details as you can and what it’s going to cost you. Divide the total by the number of paychecks you get in a year and start automatically shuttling that much money into savings. You can even open a separate savings account if it’ll help you keep your fingers off!
2. Use digital invites.
The world has gone digital, which means that even the way we plan our parties has changed. Save money on paper invitations by using free digital invite services. If invitations are really important to you because you want to set the mood for your party, contact us, we have an invitation specialist! (oh, and she saves you money!)
3. Go BYOB.
Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) is my favorite party-planning rule because it not only cuts costs from your get-together, but it also reduces some of the planning you need to do. Plus, people know what they like, and how much they like. It’s not a big deal if they bring their own bottle, or two! (no judgement)
4. D-I-Y centerpieces.
You can save money on party décor by creating your own centerpieces using things you already own or can buy at low cost. Say it with me…PINTEREST! If you hit a creative bump, click here ! You can also rent centerpieces from M.E.!!
If a voice in the back of your head is starting to say this is getting out of control—listen to that voice! Besides, you don’t want to end up regretting the spent money or choices you made for the event. Parties are meant to be fun! You want to enjoy it as much as your guests, if not more. Parties = fun, not regret or second-guessing, unless it has to do with the number of drinks you had.
And last but not least…music makes any party. I mean, you think party and it automatically goes with music and dancing. So, with that said, your dj is really going to be a top concern for you. However, if you work with Mystical , guess what, we make it easy! We really do! Each client gets their own login to to a ‘Party Planning’ account and you can add must play songs and photos is you’re planning a photo montage and keep notes for your dj, yea it really is that easy!
So let us do the worrying for you and let ME make your party unforgettable!
