Posted under:
Beer and FoodSUPPLIES
- List of foods
- Cash
- Discount stores
- Sales
- Coupons
- Homemade foods
Overview
When planning a party, it is very important to create a budget. This ensures that you do not spend more money than you actually have. Your budget should be separated into categories with one of the categories being for your food. Your food will most likely take up the majority of your budget. It is also the easiest part of your budget to go over if you are not careful.
Step 1
Make a list of the foods that you need at your party.
Step 2
Be flexible to substitutions on your list. Many store brands are good alternatives to name brands, and they are often much less costly.
Step 3
Make as much of the food yourself as you can. You could pay $12 for a box of already-made cookies that you could have made yourself for $2.50. That is a significant savings. You can prepare cakes, cookies, and many other dishes the day before the party which will make it more practical.
Step 4
Shop at discounts stores first. Discount stores don't carry the same items each week, so browse these stores first. Whatever they don't have, you can get at the regular grocery store after. Many dollar stores also carry food. You can get candy for your candy dish, spaghetti sauce, spaghetti, pickles, olives, crackers and much more.
Step 5
Buy items you have coupons for and items that are on sale. For example, if you wanted Mama Lucia meatballs, but OnCor's meatballs are on sale for $2 less and you have a coupon for $1 off, you stand to save $3 by buying the OnCor meatballs.
Step 6
Serve items you can buy in bulk at a cheap price, such as meatballs and cocktail weiners.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Consider throwing a pot-luck party. This way, everyone brings a dish and you are not responsible for a ton of food. This will reduce your costs to the bare minimums.
- WARNING : Don't have more than one main course. This is what will run you over your budget, and it isn't necessary.
