| One easy way you can cut cost is the time of day | | | | event planning process, and guests usually delight in |
| you decide to have your event. For events such as | | | | the fact that they are able to contribute and be a |
| weddings or birthdays or baby showers, holding them | | | | part of the party. |
| in the afternoon definitely puts less of a dent to your | | | | Food is not the only area where you can save on. |
| pocketbook. You would definitely have lower | | | | You can also focus on other areas such as the |
| expenses for afternoon events which require less | | | | entertainment or the decoration. For example, for |
| food and catering such as light snacks and beverages | | | | children's birthday parties you can ask parents, friends |
| such as punch or tea or coffee, as opposed to full | | | | or relatives to entertain the kids with simple songs or |
| course meals and full bar for evening events. | | | | magic tricks, or to make balloon animals or to hold |
| Another factor to consider for event planning is | | | | water fights. |
| whether you need to hire a caterer. For small events, | | | | Decorations also do not have to break the bank. For |
| you could probably get away with most of the | | | | example, for children's parties you can buy a bunch |
| planning and cooking by yourself. However, for bigger | | | | of balloons and streamers. Or for a garden party, |
| sized events, caterers can provide invaluable | | | | instead of buying expensive outdoor lighting that you |
| assistance. | | | | probably will never use again, you can buy a couple |
| If your event planning budget is really tight, then | | | | of outdoor torches and use the outdoor lights that |
| probably the best idea for slashing cost in the food | | | | usually adorn your trees and bushes on special |
| area is to host a potluck where every guest supplies | | | | occasions in your garden to create beautiful, soft |
| either food or drinks, with some bringing salad or | | | | lighting. Your guests will never know the difference |
| entrée, and others bringing soda or wine. The | | | | between expensive and cheap lighting, and probably |
| event planner needs to communicate and coordinate | | | | won't even care as long as the ambience is cozy and |
| closely with the guests so that there is a nice variety | | | | the party fun. |
| of food and drinks with something for everyone, and | | | | Putting careful thought into planning the event would |
| also so that guests do not bring similar dishes. This is | | | | allow your dollar to go a long way yet still allow you |
| a wonderful way to include all the guests in the | | | | to hold an event that is great fun for everyone. |