Careful spending and a tough economy might inspire you to find creative and inexpensive ways to entertain this summer. On Point Event Planners, LLC wants to share steps to help you to shine and save money as you host a party or event. Here are a few simple ways to have big fun on a small budget.
Why host a party? Getting people together for food and laughs is a great reason for a party. Be careful if you plan to mix groups of friends. You want fun guests who will mingle, not a situation of “us” and “them”. Would you like your guests to dress up or wear costumes like character roles for a murder mystery party or American Idol Rewind party? Would you like a theme party or variation of a 60’s, 70’s, 80’s party? Do you want something romantic? An invitation filled with rose petals, hearts, or even smiley faces are fun to send and receive. Surprise a loved one. We helped a client to surprise his wife on a small budget. A trail of flower petals from the front door to the dinner table and a heart-shaped PB&J sandwiches made her smile. She was dessert. Decide on the details and try to be flexible. When and where you choose to host your party can impact cost. Take a few minutes to visualize or imagine from start to finish, how you would like your party to flow. Getting together at your favorite restaurant is an ideal way to catch up with friends and colleagues. Working with the business owners in advance might ensure your guests are treated with extra care. Consider the decorations, the menu, and the time of your party. Really try to be flexible. One client learned this lesson when six of her relatives made a surprise appearance just two days before her formal dinner party. We contacted each of her guests to note the formal dinner was now a casual “Pajama & Pizza Party”. We decorated our client’s loft with yellow blinking lights hung behind sheer white curtains to distract from clutter and her relatives’ luggage. Throw pillows, unscented candles and music were arranged along with yellow and cream colored balloons and streamers that hung from the ceiling. Guests wore pajamas made of silk and cotton. Some even wore cartoon characters as they enjoyed lemon-drop martinis and different types of pizza. Develop an A-List and a MayBe-List of people to invite. The A-List should include people who will absolutely attend your party. People who have to manage a busy schedule or a babysitter are on your MayBe-List. This will help you to track the number of responses and who might need more time to reply. Give a firm deadline to RSVP and follow-up. Follow through with vendors and pay deposits and installments on-time. On a check we issued for a client, we noted “payment for our favorite caterer”. For the event, the caterer supplied extra portions of appetizers and dessert at no additional cost to our client. On the day of your party it is important to take time to prep, host and have fun. Allow your vendors time to arrive and set up based on your decorations and furniture arrangements. Be ready at least 30 minutes before guests are expected to arrive, to greet the one or two eager guests who arrive early. If guests offer to help, let them. It will ease your load and allow one-on-one time to chat. If something goes a bit off track, don’t stress it – go with the flow. Remember why you chose to host your party, and have a great time! Lisa Bullard is the founder of On Point Event Planners, LLC, an event planning and meeting management company, offering personalized service and attention to detail whether your event is for 20 or 200 people. Consultant services on hosting an event of your own are also available. The team also services the real estate market to manage unique open house events, agent networking galas, and house-warming events. Contact an event planner or meeting manager today at 888-876-1117. Send an email to info@onpointplanners.com. Tell us about an event you or party that you have in mind. Visit our website at www.onpointplanners.com and we will partner with you to plan your event… your way.
