Tips for a budget-friendly birthday bash

Thanks to Facebook’s weekly reminders, more attention is being
paid to friends’ birthdays than ever before. Adults particularly
tend to celebrate landmark birthdays that end in a round figure.
The cost for such parties, however, can easily get out of hand.

In the spirit of creating a back-to-basics bash, I offer the
following nine tips.

1. Discount Decorations

Dollar stores are your go-to place for party decorations. You’ll
save up to 70 percent on party store prices, and the selection is
equally nice. Dollar stores also are a great place to find
inexpensive wrapping paper and reusable gift bags.

2. E-invitations

Facebook is one of the best ways to create a simple invitation
using the “Event” function, but not everyone uses the social
network. Several websites, including evite.com and SmileBox.com,
offer free electronic invitations that do the trick while providing
RSVP feedback.

3. Serve Finger Food

A four-course meal takes a lot of time, skill and money.
Instead, keep guests happy with simple hors d’oeuvres created in
your kitchen. You’ll want to avoid the pre-packaged appetizers from
your grocery or specialty store as they’ll cost you 40 percent to
60 percent more than homemade.

4. Borrow Your Finery

Stepping out in a new outfit or dress shirt will surely impress
your guests, but it’ll do little for your budget. Borrow something
to wear from a friend for that special birthday-outfit feeling. If
that’s not possible, check out second-hand stores for a bit of
frugal frippery.

5. Booze as Gifts

Instead of bringing gifts to the event, ask guests to contribute
booze for the celebration. Alcohol is the most expensive element of
any adult party, especially if you’ve invited a rowdy crowd.

6. Skip the Cake

Store-bought cakes are often expensive and don’t always taste
the best. Instead, serve simple cupcakes, baked goods, ice cream,
or make your own cake from a box mix.

7. Select a Strategic Time Slot

Plan the event for directly after lunch or dinner, when guests
will already have eaten and won’t expect much in the way of
food.

8. Register with CardAvenue.com

Take the burden off friends by having the birthday gal or guy
register for gift cards at CardAvenue.com. They can buy discount
gift cards for the recipient’s favorite stores or restaurants and
they’ll never know the cards were purchased at less than face
value.

9. Don’t Stress Out

You’re less likely to buy extras at the last minute if you don’t
sweat the small stuff. Your role is to be a good hostess and you
can’t do that with frayed nerves.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for
Kinoli Inc.. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has
been featured on NBC Today Show, FOX Friends, MSNBC,
ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many
more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit
www.andreaworoch.com.

© 2011 phillyBurbs.com . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Share and Enjoy