How You Can Throw a Killer Party for Under $50

CEE Standard: Saving

Are your students looking for ways to host fun get-togethers on the cheap? Help them think through their budget, supply list, and how to say no to some big-dollar items. 

You plan to have the time of your life by throwing a super fun party for all of your friends. But there’s only one problem: Money’s tight. Really, really tight. And you’d hate to disappoint everyone by calling it off.

You could always play hooky or lock yourself in your room and turn your phone on “do not disturb” mode. Or you could make the few dollars that you do have stretch to pay for that party you promised. If the latter sounds like the better plan, here’s how to get started:

1. Run the Numbers.

How much dough are you working with? Before you set foot in a store, jot down the amount of cash you have at your disposal for the party. If you skip this step, chances are that you’ll go overboard and spend money you don’t have.

2. Go Shopping.

With your budget in hand, it’s time to go shopping. But if I were you, I’d be strategic and plan ahead (i.e., make a list) to make sure I don’t run out of money.

Decor

Since your guests are coming to have a good time, don’t spend too much money here. Think about it: No one’s going to look around and say, “Wow, the walls are pretty bare.”

Stores like Party City, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Walmart usually have great deals on decor. And if you want to maximize savings, stick with simple decorations or make them with items you already have around your house.

And if you’re wondering about formal invitations, I would ditch those as well. There are tons to choose from at party stores, but a text message or Evite will suffice.

Max Budget: $10–$15

Food and Drinks

Potluck, anyone? Have your guests bring an assortment of scrumptious party foods and tasty treats. Otherwise, you could spend well over $100 on food and drinks alone.

To ensure that you don’t have five of the same dishes, have everyone tell you what they’re bringing beforehand or create a list of budget-friendly dishes and drinks and let your guests choose. (Hint: Pinterest will be your best friend for fun themed party dishes and treats if you decide to go with a theme.)

Another tip: Skip the party platters, since it’s much cheaper to make dishes on your own. And be on the lookout for coupons and special promotions in the sales circulars.

Max Budget: $25

Music

No need to hire a DJ for your party. Pandora or Spotify will suffice, or ask one of your friends to handle all the music. You can even have your guests submit their favorite songs to put on the playlist!

If you have a smart TV, you can stream tunes directly from that. Or have a friend bring over their portable speakers.

Max Budget: free 

Entertainment

Now that you’ve covered all the bases, the last order of business is entertainment. You could always buy a few games from the party store or find printable games online, but the cheapest option is to let guests entertain themselves. It may sound like a silly idea, but think about the parties you’ve attended in the past. Did you spend your time playing games or chatting it up? Exactly.

But if you insist, a costume contest or dance competition could be a viable option. There are tons of free game ideas to be found online also. This is another area that you could ask a friend for help or just tell everyone to bring their favorite party game with them!

Max Budget: $5–$10

 A Final Thought

As I mentioned earlier, you want to start planning now for your budget-friendly bash. If you wait until the day before to start shopping, you might not be able to find what you need or the best deals, which will mean more money spent. Most importantly, cash is king — stay away from plastic, and your wallet will thank you. Be safe and have fun!