When your child is still a baby, you may celebrate their birthday by having a few people over for cake and presents. The fact that your baby is not going to remember it gives you the opportunity to keep it low key. As your child grows older and is invited to their peers' birthday parties, you may find their own party becoming a bigger deal.
It is no secret that planning a birthday party for your child can cost a lot of money. When you're on a budget, planning their party may feel almost impossible, especially when other parents are going the extra mile with their party. In a sea of decorations, supplies and even venues for different themes, you may have difficulty catching your breath.
The good news is you do not have to break the bank to plan a party that is special enough for your little one. There are many ways to host a fun-filled party without spending a lot of money. Here are several tips on how to plan your kid's birthday party on a budget.
Sending Invitations
It may not seem pricey to mail out invitations, but you are spending money on the invitations themselves and stamps to mail them out. In the day of modern technology, you can send out invitations using social media, such as planning an event on Facebook. There are also applications and websites that allow you to send invitations via email like Evite. If you are set on using traditional invitations, consider handing them out to your guests personally.
Party Decorations
Between streamers, banners, balloons and table settings, you could find yourself spending well over $40 on decorations. You can reduce the cost by skipping over the character-themed products. For example, instead of looking into Super Mario Brothers decorations, red and green tableware may be better for your budget. If you love a good DIY project, consider making your own banner and centerpiece, or skip over these products altogether to reduce the cost.
Food and Snacks
There is a good chance you are going to spend just as much on party food as you would on catering. The cost of food such as pizza, subs and birthday cake can range from $10 to $100, depending on your selection and head count. One idea is to plan the party from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and let your guests know you are only serving snacks. Another idea is to buy food in bulk and keep it simple, such as mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. If your budget allows it, you can also throw several packs of hot dogs into a pot, therefore skipping the charcoal that comes with grilling. Renting The Venue
The cheapest way to throw a birthday party is to host it at home, but that is not an option for everyone. Renting a venue with the works may seem like an easier choice, but it could cost you anywhere from $300 to $1,000 in total. It is better to rent a venue that only offers a party area, and you can take care of the rest. You should also look into places that offer discounts on certain days. Pump It Up is one example, and you can save money by hosting your party on a weekday and skipping the party extras. In a venue with jumping areas or arcade games, your little guests are not going to be worried about the extra details.
Entertaining Guests
Hiring a performer to entertain your guests can range from $80 to $250 per appearance. Save money by skipping over the professional entertainers. A party of younger children can be entertained by water balloons or arts and crafts, while a party of older children may enjoy a karaoke machine or video games. Remember, children are great at entertaining themselves, and playing together may be all they need to have fun.
There is more work involved in a budget-friendly birthday party because you are not paying someone to handle it for you, but it is a great way to save money in the long run. The best part is your child is going to be focused more on the memories than the bells and whistles.
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