Budget Saving Tips for Party Planners


Party planners have a tough challenge today. Quite often they are tasked with coming up with a memorable event while doing so with a reduced budget. While that can certainly seem like an impossible task, I have a few tips for party planners that will help you keep most aspects of the party intact without blowing the budget.

Party Planners Can Still Have Decor and Save a Bit of Money at the Same Time

One of the first things that usually gets chopped from budgets is decor. Or at least some aspects of the decor. Most party planners, while understanding that decor does enhance the overall theme of the party, feel that they can cut this area out if they need to save money. My suggestion is rather than cutting out your decor take a look at what you’re using for decor. I quite often tell my clients that they can still have decor and shave money off the budget by using a good balloon company. And I’m not talking about blowing up balloons for the table.  Rather look for a local company that specializes in balloon decor. There are some real cool displays that they can do for you – ranging from vignettes to entrance archways (I know that sounds corny but ask to look at their portfolio and you’ll get a good understanding of what I mean by archways and how they can very). I’ve done elegant functions where balloon decor played a vital role in the overall appearance of the room. And my client loved it.

Party Planners Can Have Their Cake and Eat It Too

Of course food and beverage takes a large chunk of your budget. If your party planning includes a full sitdown dinner there are still ways of providing a great menu and saving a bit at the same time. Rather than having seating for all of your guests consider replacing large banquet tables with cruiser tables. Cruiser tables are those tables that you see at functions that are taller and you can sit or stand – quite often you’ll see them at receptions. Then on the menu side talk to your caterer about a heavy hors d’oeuvres selection (10 to 12 pieces per person) or a couple of food stations. You get the point I’m trying to make here – that there is still a way to offer a great selection of food. Your guests will circulate and, as your caterer will tell you, they will eat far less than they would have with a full sitdown menu. You don’t have to compromise on the quality of food it’s more or less the quantity of food without your guest even really noticing.

These are just a couple of suggestions for party planners that are looking to save a bit of money. These suggestions alone should allow you to execute a successful party while not scrimping on the overall theme or feel to your event.

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