Celebrating with your family and friends is such an exciting time. Welcoming a new baby or new family member deserves lots of celebration but it can also be a very expensive and stressful time. I want to share some tips with you to help you make it affordable as well as enjoyable. Hosting a shower on a budget doesn’t mean it needs to look cheap or feel any less special. With these tips, no one will know you had a small budget for your shower.
Planning and Prep
I love hosting get together and having people over and spend hours planning and prepping to make sure I’ve covered every detail. While it takes a bit of planning and work upfront, this will help make everything else go smoothly.
- Pick a date. Compare calendars as early on as possible to be sure your preferred date is available with everyone. Once a date is selected, make sure everyone notes it on their calendars so they don’t overbook themselves.
- Create a guest list. Ask your guest of honor to come up with a guest list. Space limitations might play a factor in the list so be sure to discuss how many people might comfortably fit in the accommodations.
- Decide on a location. Hosting at your home will obviously be the most cost effective option. If space allows, consider hosting things outside. Cleanup will be up easier and you’ll be able to have more space for your guests to mingle. Sometimes that isn’t an option and you’ll have to rent a space. Look at less popular times if you’ve got to rent a space. Those are often more affordable options.
Menu Options
After you get the basic information nailed down, you can start looking at how it’s all going to mesh together. Looking at the date and time for the event, you can start planning your menu. Most importantly, remember people are there to celebrate the guest of honor and won’t be critiquing your meal or offerings.
A breakfast or brunch option can be inexpensive. Think things like muffins, bagels, yogurt, breakfast casserole, and fresh fruit as options. For a mid-day get together, easy finger foods like small sandwiches, fruit or veggie tray, or dips are easy and inexpensive. Later in the evening, consider slow cooker options like chili, sloppy joes, or a casserole like baked pasta or lasagna as options.
Hosting in between a meal time is another way to help keep your costs down. Simple things like veggies and hummus with pretzels or even just punch and cupcakes are perfectly fine. I’ve got a Pinterest board dedicated to party food and drink ideas.
Bars are another great way to serve a variety of things but adjust according to your guest size and budget. Pancake and waffle bars for breakfast, a chili, taco, or baked potato bar for the afternoon or evening are all fun ideas.
Decorations
Start by looking around your own house to see what you’ve already got that you can use. After you’ve gone through your cupboards and house, ask friends to see if they have things you can borrow before you purchase anything. Check out your local dollar store. They’ve got lots of options and the price is very budget-friendly without looking cheap.
With a little planning and leg work before the event, no one will know that you threw a shower on a budget.
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