Jun 21 2008
Birthdays on a Budget
You always read about saving up money when planning kids’ parties, but have you ever made the math regarding your own party? Or a friend’s or your partner’s? If you’re in a budget or if you simply want to make the most of the day with as little money as possible, here are some tips:
Skip the party. Unless you have a set tradition or have your heart set out in celebrating your birthday in a very specific way, consider canceling the party itself. Rather than inviting people over and spending money on food, drinks and entertainment, choose a few friends and head to a restaurant, a drive out of the city or a weekend away. Or make it a video night or a girls-only night, where you can play spa and share late-night secrets (or the sport equivalent, if you’re a guy).
Skip the decorations. Aren’t you a little old for banners, centerpieces and color-coordinated tableware? If you want to create a particular mood, host the party at night, lower the lights and use candles. Or head somewhere where the ambiance has already been provided by somebody else.
Take a “field trip.” Invite a few friends to join you and head out of the city for a night of antique-hunting, hiking or window shopping. Go skiing, take a camping trip or rent a room at a bed and breakfast and then have lunch the day after. Even spending a night at a favorite spot in your own city (a museum, a café, the botanical garden) is a great way to reduce expenses, since you would only be paying for the entrance fee and maybe a drink or quick appetizer.
Make it a potluck. If you feel “iffy” about asking people to bring over a dish, ask for drinks or desserts, or host a picnic and tell everybody to bring a dish to share.
Make it about spending time with the people you truly love, rather than about the party and you will not only spend less, but also enjoy the day more.
One Response to “Birthdays on a Budget”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Not A Member? Register for Free!
Great tips. We always have birthday parties. Luckily, my family is very small. It is just a tradition we have had for years. We always kick in and help (one will get the pizza, another will do the cake, and so forth). You are right that it really helps to keep the costs down.