When a birthday comes into fruition, you may want to have a decadent celebration with all of the trimmings. However, you shouldn’t go into debt or use up all of your savings to host a lavish party. Instead, consider ways that you can celebrate those important days while sticking to a budget.
Have a Potluck
One of the reasons that birthday parties get so expense is due to the cost of food and drinks. Instead of taking on all of these costs by yourself, let guests know that you’re hosting a potluck celebration. Keep in mind that this approach can come across as rude in some situations. For example, hosting a potluck could work well if you’re inviting relatives and close friends to celebrate a milestone birthday in a modest manner. However, guests might be turned off if you have fancy decorations and party activities yet fail to provide food and beverages. If you do choose to have a potluck, you may want to select a food theme like international cuisine, BBQ, or simply desserts.
Cut the Guest List
Maybe you do want to have a party with birthday kits and decorations, excellent cuisine, fancy cocktails, and hired servers. It’s possible to still throw this type of event as long as you are willing to cut the guest list down a bit. Instead of inviting friends whom you haven’t seen in years and cousins who don’t bother to keep in touch with you, trim the guest list down to include only the people whom matter the most to you. The fewer people who attend, the more money you can spend per guest.
Select a Staycation
In the past, you might have opted to go on big trips when milestone birthdays arrived. Despite the fun that a vacation can bring, these trips do cost a great deal of money. No need exists to take on the cost of a hotel and dining out for every meal when you plan a staycation for yourself. Take a look at the list of local attractions you’ve been meaning to check out. It’ll likely feel good to treat yourself to these experiences and to check items off that list. If a family member or friend owns a cabin or apartment nearby, you may be able to use that location for a night to half a lower-cost getaway.
Keep it Simple
Any birthday can feel more important and special when you spend it with the people who mean the most to you. Instead of going for a grand party or trip, get together with your closest family and friends for a simple day of reminiscing and laughing. If you want to feel special and valued on your birthday, these are the people who can give you that feeling you crave. Focus on activities that bring the group together and create a positive environment.
Having a budget doesn’t mean you need to cut out the fun. You can look into ways to reduce the price of the celebration instead.