There are lots of ways to save money when organizing a surprise party.
From the invitations to the decorations, the cost of throwing a surprise party can easily get out of hand if you are not careful. However, that does not mean it is impossible to throw a surprise birthday on a tight budget. With careful planning, a little creativity and some help from friends and family there are lots of ways to cut the cost without cutting the fun. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Set your budget. Before you begin deciding what color the invitations should be or what type of birthday cake you want to serve, set your budget first. Once you have set your overall budget begin to work out how much you wish to spend on each aspect of the party, such as the food.
2. Make your own invitations. It is simple to make invitations using a basic word processing program and home printer. Alternatively, create your invitation on your word processor and email it to friends for zero printing costs.
3. Buy cheap party supplies such as cups, napkins and paper plates from a dollar store. You may be surprised at what else you may find, such as balloons or birthday banners. Buy your paper plates in white and choose colorful napkins to brighten them up.
4. Buy or make cheap decorations. If you have children in the family, ask them to help make paper chains. If the party is an adult affair, put tea lights in glass jars around the room for an inexpensive way to add mood lighting.
5. Bake cupcakes yourself rather than ordering a birthday cake. Even those with limited cooking skills should be able to follow a basic cupcake recipe. Put them on a cupcake stand that can be used as your centerpiece. Reserve a cupcake with a candle in it for the guest of honor.
6. Make your own food. Caterers can be expensive and often the food they make can be created at home for a fraction of the cost. If the party is a drinks party, your guests will not be expecting a large meal. Finger foods such as sandwiches or potato chips will be sufficient.
7. Organize a "potluck dinner." If the guests are close friends and family, ask them to bring a small dish each. This will keep your costs down and give your menu more variety. Alternatively, ask guests to bring their own drinks if you will be supplying the food.
8. Make homemade punch. Trying to buy a range of drinks to cater to the tastes of all your guests is costly. Serve your punch in a large bowl so that guests can help themselves. You will also feel that you have made a contribution if guests are bringing their own drinks.
Tags: birthday cake, family them, food Make, friends family, lots ways, Make your