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Party Planning Guide

Sometimes the party can get too expensive, so here are some possibilities for reducing the costs:

Reduce the menu selections -fewer items result in less waste.
Simplify the menu selections - use simple food rather than elaborate dishes. Be mindful of expensive ingredients as well as difficult or time- consuming preparation methods.
Make some of the food yourself, but don't use a recipe that you have not previously prepared; add your hors d'oeuvres and desserts to the catered entrée.
Replace a more expensive wine with a less expensive one. Use both mixed drinks and wine. Mixed drinks are often less expensive to serve than wine.
Replace an open bar with a single thematic cocktail service such as margaritas or cosmopolitans.
Reduce the size of the glassware and/or increase the amount of ice in each glass.
Borrow china or serving pieces from friends rather than rent them. Use paper plates and plastic ware.
Pickup and return the rented items to save on the delivery and setup expenses.
Shorten the social time before dinner to reduce the number of drinks and hors d'oeuvres needed.
Ask your friends to lend you a hand or some of their decorations so you don't have to buy them.
Cut the guest list!