Budget | enamour

Set Your Budget

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Basics: Why, Who, What, When

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First, come up with the total amount you're willing to spend on the party. Then, split your budget up into categories, like decor, food and beverage, venue, etc. That way you'll know exactly how much you have to spend in each area. Set priorities so cuts can be made if necessary.

Keep 10% of your budget as contingency money. There will always be something unexpected come up.

Big plans, small budget?

Food and beverage is usually the most expensive part of throwing a party. Here are some tips for staying on track.

DIY Food Bars

Food bars are a fun way to serve food and can even become part of the décor.

Some examples are a sandwich bar, pasta bar, build your own pizza bar, taco bar, potato bar and many others.

Or desserts & snacks – ice cream bar, popcorn bar, s’mores bar, donut bar, or something really simple like cookies and milk. The options are endless!

For more on food bars/stations and food presentation, click here.

You can do food bars for breakfast/brunch - make your own omelet bar, oatmeal bar, biscuit bar, waffle bar, bagel bar.

Potluck/Recipe Exchange

These types of get-togethers are great because everyone chips in and is a part of the fun and you don’t have to pay for all the food. Plus you might find a new recipe that becomes a favorite. More on how to throw a potluck click here.

The Rest

Accept others offers to help

If someone offers to help, let them! This isn’t just limited to food and drinks, but also other necessary items like ice, plates, napkins, and cutlery.

Ask for help with larger items such as extra tables, chairs, linens, extra coffee pots, popcorn machines, etc. to avoid rental fees.

Does someone have or know someone with a particular skill such as photography, cake making, bar tending? Ask for volunteers

At a friends wedding, she had a friend that knew how to bar tend. He offered to work for free and then just accepted tips.