by Colin Joss
Halloween parties are a lot of fun, but they can also be extremely expensive. The more people you invite, the more food you have to provide, and decorations, entertainment, and costumes are also a part of the party atmosphere. Don’t worry-you can have a great party even on a tight budget. Here are six steps to saving money when you planning a Halloween party.
1. Try a potluck. Why plan snacks yourself, when your guests can bring the food. But tell your guests if you’re making the main dish or the desserts. Or instead of a meal, try finger foods if you’re party’s at night. But if you want a meal, make it simple like sandwiches or cold cuts.
2. Don’t spend a fortune on a costume. You’ll have lots of other expenses. Rather than buying a costly costume, make your own home-made version. A pair of overalls and a shirt can become a farmer’s costume or a bed sheet can be a great start as a toga or a ghost. Rake through your closet and become inspired.
3. Get ready early. Buy party supplied in November when they’re on sale, if you hold a party every year. Obviously, you’ll need to buy candy and other food fresh, but costumes and decorations can be boughtly cheaply after October 31. Visit party stores but remember to for great bargains and discount and department stores too.
4. Make your money go further. Pumpkins can be painted by kids at the party and the insides can be baked into pies the following day. Keep decorations, lights, fake spiders, and other stuff for using again next year.
5. Keep the party small. I know it’s tempting to invite the whole neighborhood, but you probably don’t have the space or the money to do that! Make your list and then cut back. A good way to do this is to keep it adults-only, or you can just invite your closest friends. Don’t feel bad about keeping people off of the list. Everyone understands that planning a party is hard and if it’s too large it will be too expensive.
6. Buy in bulk. When you can, buy items in bulk-especially candy. You can find great deals if you buy larger sized bags, and whatever candy you don’t use you can stick in the freezer to use throughout the year.
Enjoy yourself. If you’re worried about money go to someone else’s party. Or if you do have your own party, follow the tips above to save some money.