The definition of luxury according to dictionary.com is "a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity: Gold cufflinks were a luxury not allowed for in his budget."
Now, you and I know you could simply go to the closest discount store, pick up what you need and have a great time. But why not do something more? After all, life is all about quality experiences and living your best life! Understandably, not everyone will have the option to live it up when it comes to celebrations. But what if I told you that you could do both? That's right, what if I told you that you could have the party of your dreams without sacrificing your budget?! Read on to learn 5 keys to throwing a luxury party on budget and how how you can live it up without breaking the bank!
1. (K.I.S.S) Keep It Simple Sister
Keep everything as simple as possible. The more you add to your party, the more you will have to match everything and the more added stress you will endure, and we don't have time for that!
Keep the menu simple! Choose one appetizer (just make sure it satisfies all dietary needs), choose one main course that doesn't cost a lot of money. Perhaps a pasta of some sort. If it is easier for you, order dinner in and put them in serving bowls before presenting it to your party go-ers. Instant elegance! Just make sure to put the packaging in the recycling so you can take all of the credit.
Keep the guest list simple. Yes, that's right! The more people you invite, the more your budget grows, or shrinks, which would mean the quality of your event will go down. Use this smaller list so that you can put money into the important things (see tip #3). I personally love doing events 10 people and under so that I can interact with everyone but still make it a special moment for all. They also think I put a lot of time and effort into it when all I did was follow these 5 keys.
The old adage "you get what you pay for" couldn't be any more true! Focus on the quality of the items that you are getting rather than the cost. For example, yes, you can get a pack of 50 plates for $3 at a local discount store, but the plates are flimsy and when hot foods go on top, the plates could burn. Since now that we have agreed that less is more, put that extra money into investing in quality pieces. In fact, when you invest in quality pieces, you don't have to do much more decorating. Take for example our Garden party - Party in a box kit. This kit has all the foundational items you need for a gorgeous party!
All you would have to do, is pair it with a lovely balloon garland and you have a gorgeous party that looks as though you spent hours of time and money! Now, you can focus on ensuring everyone has a wonderful time!
3. Focus On How You Want Your Guests To Feel
Think about the last great event you went to...What do you remember? Maybe the food? The music? Or, maybe you remember cracking up with your best friend over how ridiculous you both looked attempting to win the Oreo cookie challenge.
On the other hand, have you ever been to an event that looked absolutely stunning, but maybe it was boring, disorganized, the food was cold and the music put everyone to sleep.
Either way, the common theme is how you felt! You may not have a huge space to gather or the latest champagne ping pong game set, but if you have great food, the right vibe (music), and have games that cost nothing more than a pack of Oreo cookies, you are guaranteed to have a pleasurable experience that no one will forget!
On the other hand, have you ever been to an event that looked absolutely stunning, but maybe it was boring, disorganized, the food was cold and the music put everyone to sleep.
Either way, the common theme is how you felt! You may not have a huge space to gather or the latest champagne ping pong game set, but if you have great food, the right vibe (music), and have games that cost nothing more than a pack of Oreo cookies, you are guaranteed to have a pleasurable experience that no one will forget!
4. Presentation Is Key - Think from the guests perspective
Organize your set up in the order that the party will take place and in areas that just make sense. This doesn't necessarily have to do with physical luxury, or what can be seen, but it is about the experience you are providing. For example, if you are doing a birthday party, have a little table or area to place all of the gifts. Or, have a dessert table where only the desserts will go. This will provide visual cues so multiple people don't have to ask you the same questions all evening.
If you are doing a buffet style dinner, Set up the buffet in the order that your guests will need them. For example, your guest will want a plate first, don't put the plate and forks in the same area because they will now have to balance the fork or try not to lose it until the end. I would suggest the plates first, the meats, the grains, the salads, then the forks and napkins. They can grab them on their way to their seat. For drinks, set up a drinks station with multiple choices so that they can decide what they would like and have that easy flow for a seamless celebration!
Another example would be, providing the Wi-Fi password to guests either on the invitation or on a text message chain along with the address an hour prior to the event.
5. Ask for help
Please do not feel you have to do it all alone. You can ask your guests to bring SPECIFIC items to help you craft the party of your dreams. Maybe ask everyone to bring a dessert, or a drink, the snacks or even ask everyone to have a game idea. Ask for anything that will relieve you of any added costs and stress. When you don't have to think about these things, you can focus on the flow of the evening and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Check out more of our blogs that focus on curating a luxury experience without sacrificing any of the truly important things.