How To Throw The Perfect End-Of-Summer Party On A Budget

The weather is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and the leaves are starting to change colours. Yes, summer is coming to an end, and now is the perfect time to celebrate with one last unforgettable summer party! 

But how do you throw the perfect bash without breaking the bank? I'm glad you asked! Here are some tips and ideas to help you make your end-of-summer party one to remember and still have change left over!

Create a Budget 

Let's kick off this summer shindig with an ultra-sexy budget. Figure out how much you can spend, then break it down into categories such as scrumptious food, fabulous decorations, and entertaining activities. This way, you can prioritise your spending and allocate your funds wisely.

Choose a budget-friendly location

Step two of hosting an epic end-of-summer bash: hunting for the perfect location! Naturally, your very own backyard or front porch takes the spotlight. It's all yours to transform, decorate, and dance as you please, with no pesky venue fees!

No backyard? No worries! There are still plenty of budget-friendly options. Reach out to a good friend or family member with a gorgeous garden or backyard and see if they'd be down to let you host the party there. Be sure to get them a thank-you gift for their hospitality and discuss logistics beforehand.

And hey, don't forget about the local park or beach! Many places let you throw shindigs for little or no charge. Just make sure to check their BBQ and capacity rules and what time you have to pack up.

Choose a Theme

Now we get to the difficult bit. Choosing a theme for your summertime bash! Are you all about the beach vibes? Or does a Hawaiian luau tickle your fancy? Maybe you're craving a boozy summer brunch or an ice cream social. With endless summer-themed options, choosing just one might be the ultimate struggle!

That being said, whether you opt for a fancy garden soiree or dive headfirst into a vibrant rainbow fiesta, your chosen theme will ignite your creativity for decorations, invitations, and menu planning. So, embrace your lively imagination and select a theme that captures your sun-kissed summer vibes and reflects your unique personality and style.

Opt for Digital Invitations

Once you've locked in your party theme and date, it's time to send out the invites. With the cost of inflation, don't even think about paper invitations with stamps and envelopes. Instead, go digital! Create your invitations on free online platforms like Canva or Evites and spread the word through email or social media. Not only are digital invitations free, but they are also eco-friendly!

Remember to include all the crucial details: RSVP details, dress code, time, location, and any special requests.

Limit the Guest List

Are you the type of person who hates 99.99% of the population? Fantastic! I won't have to tell you twice that limiting your guest list is a simple and effective way to keep costs down. 

Fewer people means less spending on food, drinks, and party supplies, which has the added bonus of creating a fun, intimate, and manageable atmosphere.

DIY decorations

By now, you are probably starting to see a trend. Don't break the bank!

When decorating for your party, spending a small fortune is highly unnecessary. Instead, dive into your home and create mesmerising centrepieces, garlands, and table settings using items you already own.

Want to craft a beach-themed centrepiece? Just grab a glass bowl, sand, seashells, and candles, and you're all set for a coastal extravaganza!

And while you are outside, don't forget about your local wildflowers and plants. They are the perfect, free, and imaginative resources for your party decor.

No vases for your flowers? No problem! Use whatever you have lying around. For example, if you're serving pineapple chunks or making pina coladas, turn that hollowed-out pineapple into a makeshift vase filled with colourful wildflowers. Oh, and don't stop there! Take an orange, slice it in half, and adorn it with adorable bits of greenery.

In need of more inspiration? Luckily, countless websites are just a click away, overflowing with delightful DIY decoration ideas to get your creative juices flowing!

Food and Drinks

Of course, no summer party is complete without lip-smacking food and refreshing drinks. However, these essentials can often break the bank. Don't fret! Instead of splurging on pricey catered options, get creative with your own budget-friendly menu. Plan your delectable delights based on your theme and the time of day to maximise the fun and flavour.

As a friendly reminder, make sure you have some delicious vegetarian and gluten-free options for those guests with dietary restrictions.

To kick things off, one easy way to save money is by offering fun and interactive DIY food bars! Think taco or nacho bars where guests can build their own delicious dishes.

You can also jazz up a salad bar or go for a potato chip and salsa bar. If you're aiming for a summer brunch party, why not set up a waffle, crepe, and pancake station? Just don't forget the whipped cream and syrup! Your guests are in for a blast while your wallet enjoys the benefits of bulk servings.

If DIY food bars aren't your thing, you can always embrace the "less is more" mantra by getting creative with bite-sized delights. Get your guests' taste buds watering with mini pizza bites made from filo pastry, stuffed mini peppers with broccoli and chives, or go for some spicy 'n' sweet vegan cranberry bean ball canapes.

Indulge in apple and cheddar mini scones, beef and caramelised onion canapes, or savour the flavours of Moroccan stuffed mushrooms. Don't forget to dazzle your guests with marinated mozzarella cubes, tasty spinach puffs, and delightful parmesan bread bites.

If the sound of bite-sized delights doesn't quite tickle your fancy, fear not, there are plenty of other options available, such as:

• Mango Chutney & Chicken Sliders
• Spiced nuts
• Melon Prosciutto Skewers
• Summer vegetable & flatbread platter with dill & mustard dip
• Spicy-Sweet Glazed Shrimp
• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• Pull-Apart Cheesy Pesto Bread
• Easy Stuffed Dates
• Baked Cheese with Hot Honey
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Mini Strawberry Ice Cream Pies
• Piña Colada Cake

Of course, no summer party is complete without refreshing drinks! You've got endless options: Champagne punch, ice-cold beers, fruity frozen cocktails, fresh berry lemonade, refreshing soft drinks, the Bad Ass Barbie Cocktail or a delightful selection of wine.

But let's face it, stocking up on alcohol can get pricey. Here's a tip: offer a limited selection of signature cocktails or mocktails that match your party theme. Get crafty and give each drink a fun name. This adds a personal touch and saves you money since you only need to buy ingredients for a few special drinks instead of an endless variety of alcohol.

Entertainment

No end-of-summer party is complete without fun activities for your guests. You can choose games and activities that fit your budget and theme, like a water balloon toss, frisbee, outdoor Jenga, cornhole, volleyball, or hula hoop contest. If your party extends into the evening, a campfire and DIY S'mores bar will surely go down a treat!

If that's not enough, consider renting a bounce house, setting up an outdoor movie with a projector, or unleashing the inner superstar with a karaoke machine. Remember, the key is to plan activities that will bring joy to everyone, regardless of age or skill level.

Oh, if you do plan on having children at your party, don't forget to carve out a special area just for them to play and have fun.

Finally, ensure you have plenty of summer tunes playing throughout the party! Before the big day, curate a killer playlist packed with your all-time favourite summer tracks to get everyone singing along. And don't worry if you don't have a sound system - a Bluetooth speaker will do the trick!

Now go out and make this end-of-summer party one to remember!