Party On A Budget!!!

Do you have a special day coming up? Anniversary, baby shower, bachelor/ bachelorette or BIG Birthday? I am a strong believer in life memories, nothing like the ones that can be due to a special day. A day that means the world to one and a happy memories to others. These days are the ones to celebrate and surround yourself with friends and family.

The problem is that many times a wonderful party can be dimmed by a large financial headache. You don't want to suffer in the future for a decision you made for a 1 time event. Remember this is about you, not the party, so just give your guest something to remember this BIG day by. Don't waste money on things like an expensive venue or elaborate decor. Go simple but fun. Trust me... you'll thank me in the long run.

During this specific budget planning, you must have restraint. Find helpers, let them know exactly what your budget is and tell them to keep you on track with purchasing and reservations that don't increase that set figure. Keep in mind, a lot of the things you desire, can possibly be done on a much smaller scale to fit your budget. That way, you don't really have to play elimination on the things you want at your party.

If this day is truly a SPECIAL DAY, then you can start your planning and saving in advance. Don't wait until the last minute to figure out your budget.... remember by starting early with saving up, you can possibly increase your initial projected budget. Also, you may want to find out who is willing to help both financially and physically. Sometimes, having someone to coordinate, set up or run errands is just as helpful as a monetary donation/ gift. For example, if this event is for a birthday, tell your gift givers in advance that you'd like gift cards or money to add to you party budget, which of course they are invited to.

Different things you can do to keep to your budget are; use eVite for your invitations and RSVPS. This way you can invite as many people you'd like without having to spend a dime as well as confirm your total number of actual attendees. After knowing how many guests you will be expecting, you'll need to choose a location. Now, for a birthday, decide what activities will be going on and how much room you will need to accommodate everyone. When it comes to music, you can use an IPOD docking station and have a pre made party playlist or a cd changer with pre ready CDS with all the songs you like, instead of paying a ridiculous amount for a DJ. Try not to hire anyone to decorate, if you and some helpers do it yourself, it makes the party more personal, more YOU. Decide what you want the event to look like, is there a theme? Then use GOOGLE, its your best friend when planning a party. And always, always remember to stay within your budget. And if you do this right, you may actually have a little money left over to get yourself a gift.

For more on party budgeting tips or to schedule a consultation with one of our Special Events Coordinators, please contact us at the number/ email below.

- K.Zaid

k.zaid@lesoireeeventplanning.com

404.591.5669

How to save money on weddings..

*Photo by Daniel Devine*

The most important thing you can do is Prioritize!!!!

Communicte with your fiance & Come up with a reasonable budget. Don't forget, if you have family who wants to help, get specifics on how they can help & factor that into your total budget. And don't over do it, no one wants to go into debt just to get wedding. Be wise! After the budget is decided, create a priority list. 1. being must have and 10. being something you want but not necessarily needed (or something you have chosen to have but wont spend much on). This way, you know where the majority or your budget is going and why? For example: 1. Venue, 2. Food & beverage, 3. flowers.. etc.

Now, together, make your guestlist; because you are working with a minimal budget you might want to include an RSVP. This is so you know your exact head count.

Next, Decided if you want an indoor/ outdoor wedding. Wedding venues vary in price, depending on size and accommodations. The least expensive way to go is definitely indoors. Think about choosing a venue that provides food, beverage, table/ chairs and linens. Then, you only have to worry about decor. One other thing you can do, when choosing the venue, is to pick one with a great scenery or somewhat pre-decorated to cut back on flowers and decor. If you are artistic, maybe you and a group of friends can make your own centerpieces, favors and bouquets to save money.

Hiring someone for each process can become expensive, but if you have friends and family willing to donate time and energy, take advantage of it. Also, look into your contacts, friends, acquaintances, find out who you know, maybe a someone who cooks for large events or someone who bakes cakes because you never know what you already have access to within your own network.

Lastly, if you decide to do all of this yourself to cut back on expenses, you may also want to think about hiring an event/ wedding planner just for the day of know as, a "Day of Coordinator". Like LeSoiree, many planners include a 'day of coordinator", which is basically what it sounds like. A coordinator who comes in the day of to take charge and facilitate the ceremony and some of the reception. This is a great idea for someone who wants to enjoy "their big day", instead of working to make sure everything goes as planned.

I hope you enjoyed our ideas and whether you are that type of person who wants someone to just do it all for you, or only needs help on the big day, keep us in mind. We will make all your dreams come true and have all your guests leaving in awe.

- K.Zaid

LeSoiree Event Planning