Every once in a while, you want to be able to throw an amazing party, right? One that your guests will talk about for years to come. There’s just one small thing holding you back—you’re on a budget.

Just because you’re being smart with your money so you can get out of debt and be well on your way to financial freedom, does not mean you can’t throw a killer party. It just means you have to be creative in how you go about it. Here are seven secrets exposed so you can entertain in style and not break the bank.

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How To Throw An Amazing Party For Less

Set A Budget

When you have limited funds, it’s a good idea to allocate money to a special event. Decide how much you want to spend on everything—decorations, food and drinks—and set that money aside. That way you won’t go crazy. If you’re over-budget after you have added the total costs, trim your guest list or get friends to split the final tally for the party.

Have The Party At Home

There’s no use paying for a fancy location when home will do just fine. House parties are cozier and more fun anyway! People feel relaxed and the intimate setting allows them to loosen up and be more social.

At home, you’ll also have most of what you need available to you. Depending on the size of the crowd, you may need some extra chairs. Anything else you need, try borrowing from friends and family before you rent or buy.

Simple Invitations

Unless you are hosting a formal party, creating simple digital invitations is a good way to go. Use a service like Evite to make your own invitations and send them out to your friends. It’s fast, easy and free. Your guests also have the option to RSVP which is great so you know how many people will attend. No need to spend money on food and drinks for guests who won’t be there. Score!

Affordable Decor

Make your own party decorations taking inspiration from Pinterest instead of purchasing expensive decor from a store. String lights, votive candles and citrus fruits in bowls instead of floral arrangements can look incredible.

You can also purchase supplies if you’re not interested in making your own. Amazon and Target have budget-friendly options.

Music

Sure, you could hire a DJ to play all the latest tunes. Alternatively, you could also set up a playlist on YouTube (and enable the autoplay option) or use a smart phone music app. I guarantee it would be WAY cheaper to go the second route.

Create the kind of ambiance you desire with a playlist to suit any mood from chart toppers to classical music.

The Menu

Add an assortment of bite-sized appetizers to your menu. kebabs, sliders and meatballs with dip are perfect examples of meals that can take your party to the next level. These finger foods also come with a much cheaper price tag than typical entreés and they eliminate the need for forks. (One less thing to buy.)

The Booze

A party is not complete without some alcohol. Am I right? But booze can get expensive! You can significantly reduce that liquor budget by creating a signature cocktail for the event. You will only need a couple of kinds of alcohol to make your drink and you can use a recipe that requires less expensive ingredients like wine spritzers.

Don’t forget about the guests that don’t drink and the designated drivers. Make sure that, in addition to the alcoholic beverages, you supply non-alcoholic ones too e.g. fruit-infused water, sparkling water, punch or juices.

Accept A Helping Hand

When you tell your friends that you’re having a party, you are bound to have a few of them ask if you need them to bring anything. Accept their kind offer but don’t leave it totally up to your guests to decide what they should bring. Have a list of items and tell them exactly what you need. When they agree to bring an item, cross it off your list.

An amazing party does not have to cost you a fortune. Use these smart tips to downsize your budget but not the fun.