Plan Your Summer Party on a Budget

It’s Summertime, which means long days spent by the pool and evenings filled with good friends and food. Everyone loves a tasty backyard barbeque, but the costs of hosting one can be a little discouraging. Food, dishes, entertainment- it adds up. That’s why it’s important to budget and prepare for your fun summer party.

“Budgeting is important because it’s the tool that we use to make sure everything is covered,” says Chris Urbanek, a Universal Banker at Town and Country Bank.  “Not all people have a daily income. Most of us only get paid twice a month. It is important to budget your money so that you continue to have enough money to pay for the expected and unexpected things that come up in your daily lives.”

Budgeting allows you to spend with a purpose, and it doesn’t have to be hard! Get ready to throw a bangin’ backyard barbeque on a budget by following these simple tips:

1. E-vites are in.

Now-a-days, everything is online, and your party invites should be, too. Send e-vites on Facebook or via e-mail to cut back on costs. Plus, you’ll get a quicker response and you’ll be able to get a feel for how many people are planning on attending.  

2. Keep the food simple.

Traditional backyard barbeques and pool parties have burgers, hot dogs, and chicken, which can be bought in bulk for a good price. Trying to do anything fancier than that can make costs skyrocket and takes more effort to prepare. Remember, coupons are your friends! Keep an eye out for coupons from your favorite grocery store.

3. Cool it on the beverages!

It’s much more cost-efficient to make pitchers of lemonade, iced tea, and ice water than it is to buy bottles of them. Use cups you already own to cut back on costs.

4. BBQ on a budget!

Many hands make light work, and many wallets make a cost-efficient summer party. It’s typical that when invited to a party, guests ask, “What should I bring?” Along with the traditional food that you plan on making, prepare for this question and have a list of other dishes you’d like your guests to bring. 

5. Use your own dishes.

Plastic dishes and utensils are appealing since they make clean up a little faster, but they also add to the costs. Try using the dishes and utensils you already have! On top of being cheaper, there’s less overall waste produced by the end of the night.

6. Party like a Rockstar!

When you’re with the right people, company is all you need, but sometimes a game or activity can really make a party a good one. Try your local thrift shops for fun games or a cheap soccer ball to kick around. And remember, the patio or even the entire backyard can be a wicked dance floor!