Planning Your Event on a Budget
We’ve all been there, dreaming up an important day that is filled with the utmost extravagance and a perfectly smooth running timeline. What often gets left out of that dream is the budget. Whether it’s your wedding, rehearsal dinner, annual fundraiser, or employee retreat, the details are important to you, and we understand that. If your dream event is met with a strict or tight budget, there are ways to get around that and still build your dream occasion within your not-so-dreamy budget.
When building your budget...
Decide what is the most important to you
Is getting married in the Summer your top priority? Is hosting an event with 150 guests your main goal? No matter what it is, it is important to find your #1 goal when it comes to your event. This will determine where you will be able to cut costs and where to allocate funds to remain within your budget.
Timing
If the time of year doesn’t matter to your event, or does not fall in your top priorities, try finding a venue that will offer you the best price for an off-season date. These dates usually fall between November and April, which will most likely put you in an indoor venue which can affect the size of your event and how many guests are allowed.
Guest List
While a guest list is often the last thing people want to cut from their budget, it is where a lot of money can be saved, even if some feelings get hurt. For example, when planning a wedding, is it imperative that 200 of your closest friends are there to watch you say ‘I do’? When thinking about each of those people at around $60-$90 each, evaluate your list and decide who you both can’t imagine not sharing this special occasion with.
After establishing your budget, you can find different ways to cut those costs without sacrificing the quality of your event.
Catering
Changing up your dinner plate and opting for a more affordable plate is a great option and there are so many different caterers that offer affordable and delicious options. For a cheap and delicious plate, Barbecue and Mexican food are great options that will keep most guests satisfied. Just don’t forget a veggie option! Be careful: people often think having large quantities and varieties of pastas and salads would be more affordable; however, those can be pretty pricey and rack up a larger bill at the end of the night. Typically a no-fail, affordable solution is opting for a buffet-style catering for your guests. However, with COVID-19 regulations, most locations are not allowing buffet style.
Alcohol
When it comes to alcohol, everyone will have an opinion. If an open bar is something that is a priority to you and the quality of your guests’ experience, go for it. This can be extremely pricey, especially if some guests like to party all night long. You can still give your guests a fun experience with a beer and wine bar, or mix it up with special batched “His & Hers” cocktails! If you’re feeling really price conscious you can opt to supply your own alcohol and hire a TIPS certified server to serve, if the venue allows it.
Party Favors
Supplying a party favor for guests to take home is a tradition that is no longer the norm at many events. While you want guests to remember the occasion, that probably wouldn’t come from an individual coaster or personalized mug. Options for interesting and worthwhile party favors could include a take-home dessert or something they could enjoy after leaving the venue. A fun idea could be a photo booth where guests could enjoy the fun of picture taking during the event and take the pictures as a fun memory that they’ll enjoy holding onto!
Extras
Sometimes it’s the littlest details that add up and completely blow your budget. Stunning your guests with simple decor can still create a perfect ambiance and can highlight parts of the venue that are naturally stunning. This can also be applied to your invitations. There are hundreds of companies online that can create standout stationary.
Creating your dream event on a budget should not be hard as long as you’re working with the right people. Learn about our team and we can start planning your budget-friendly occasion.