[2023] Party for 50 on a Budget: How to Throw an Epic Bash Without Breaking the Bank

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Are you ready to throw a party for 50 people without blowing your budget? We’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to plan, decorate, and feed a crowd on a budget. From menu ideas to party accessories, we’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to throw an epic bash without breaking the bank. So let’s get this party started!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Throwing a party for 50 people on a budget requires careful planning and creativity. Shop Party Supplies on Etsy. From planning your menu to finding cheap party food ideas, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing fun. By shopping smart and focusing on budget-friendly options, you can throw an epic bash that your guests will remember for years to come.

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the details, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind when planning your party for 50 on a budget:

  • Set a budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the party and stick to it.
  • Plan ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to research and find the best deals on food, decorations, and party supplies.
  • Get creative: Look for DIY decor ideas and inexpensive alternatives to pricey party items.
  • Potluck-style: Consider making it a potluck and ask guests to bring a dish to share.
  • Bulk buying: Purchase food and supplies in bulk to save money.
  • Keep it simple: Focus on the essentials and don’t feel the need to go overboard with extravagant decorations or gourmet food.

Now that you have these quick tips in mind, let’s dive into the details and plan the ultimate budget-friendly party for 50 people!

Plan Your Menu

When planning a party for 50 people on a budget, it’s important to create a menu that’s both delicious and cost-effective. Here are some tips to help you plan your menu:

  • Choose budget-friendly dishes: Opt for dishes that are made with affordable ingredients and can be prepared in large quantities.
  • Consider a theme: A themed menu can help guide your food choices and make the planning process easier.
  • Offer vegetarian options: Including vegetarian dishes can help reduce costs and cater to guests with dietary restrictions.
  • Calculate quantities: Use our handy guide below to estimate how much food you’ll need for a party of 50:
Food Item Quantity
Main Course 5-6 servings/pp
Side Dish 4-5 servings/pp
Appetizer 3-4 servings/pp
Dessert 1-2 servings/pp
Beverages 2-3 servings/pp

Remember, these quantities are just estimates and can vary depending on the preferences of your guests.

Cheap Party Food Ideas

Now that you have an idea of how much food you’ll need, let’s explore some cheap party food ideas that are sure to impress your guests without breaking the bank:

  1. DIY Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with all the fixings, including tortillas, meat, beans, rice, and various toppings. This allows guests to customize their own tacos while keeping costs low.

    • Shop Tortilla Shells on Amazon
    • Shop Taco Seasoning on Amazon
  2. Pasta Buffet: Cook up a big batch of pasta and offer a variety of sauces and toppings for guests to choose from. This is a crowd-pleasing option that won’t break the bank.

    • Shop Pasta on Amazon
    • Shop Pasta Sauce on Amazon
  3. Slider Station: Serve mini sliders with a variety of toppings. This is a fun and budget-friendly alternative to a traditional burger bar.

    • Shop Slider Buns on Amazon
    • Shop Ground Beef on Amazon
  4. Build-Your-Own Nachos: Lay out a spread of tortilla chips, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and other toppings. Guests can create their own nachos, and you can save money by buying ingredients in bulk.

    • Shop Tortilla Chips on Amazon
    • Shop Salsa on Amazon
  5. Finger Foods: Serve a variety of finger foods, such as mini quiches, meatballs, and chicken skewers. These can be made ahead of time and are easy to eat while mingling.

    • Shop Mini Quiche on Amazon
    • Shop Meatballs on Amazon

Remember to include vegetarian options and consider dietary restrictions when planning your menu.

Shop for the Party Food

Now that you have your menu planned, it’s time to shop for the party food. Here are some tips to help you save money while stocking up on supplies:

  • Compare prices: Check prices at different grocery stores and online retailers to find the best deals.
  • Shop in bulk: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk to save money in the long run.
  • Use coupons and discounts: Look for coupons and discounts on the items you need to further reduce costs.
  • Consider store brands: Store brands are often cheaper than name brands and can be just as tasty.
  • Shop seasonal: Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season to save money and ensure freshness.

By being strategic with your shopping, you can save a significant amount of money on your party food.

Party Accessories & Must-Haves

No party is complete without the right accessories and must-haves. Here are some budget-friendly options to consider:

  • Decorations: Create a festive atmosphere with DIY decorations, such as paper garlands, balloons, and table centerpieces.

    • Shop Party Decorations on Etsy
  • Plates and Utensils: Opt for disposable plates, cups, and utensils to save time on cleanup.

    • Shop Disposable Plates on Amazon
  • Party Favors: Send your guests home with a small party favor to thank them for attending. Consider DIY options or affordable trinkets.

    • Shop Party Favors on Etsy
  • Music and Entertainment: Create a playlist of your favorite songs or consider hiring a local DJ or band for entertainment.

    • Shop Party Entertainment on The Bash

Remember, the key is to keep it simple and focus on the essentials. Don’t feel pressured to splurge on extravagant decorations or party favors.

Party Drink Ideas

When it comes to drinks, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to choose from. Here are some ideas to quench your guests’ thirst without breaking the bank:

  1. Punch Bowl: Create a large batch of punch using inexpensive ingredients like fruit juice, soda, and fresh fruit.

    • Shop Punch Bowls on Amazon
  2. Signature Cocktail: Create a signature cocktail using affordable spirits and mixers. This adds a personal touch to your party without breaking the bank.

    • Shop Spirits on Amazon
  3. BYOB: Consider making your party a “Bring Your Own Beverage” event. This takes the pressure off you to provide a wide variety of drinks.

    • Shop Beverages on Amazon
  4. Water and Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Provide water, soda, and other non-alcoholic beverages for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol.

    • Shop Non-Alcoholic Drinks on Amazon

Remember to have plenty of ice on hand to keep drinks cold throughout the party.

Stay on Budget with Budget Boot Camp!

If you’re serious about sticking to your budget and saving money on your party for 50, consider enrolling in our Budget Boot Camp! Our program is designed to help you master the art of budgeting and make the most of your money. From meal planning to couponing, we’ll teach you all the tips and tricks you need to throw a budget-friendly party and beyond. Don’t let your finances hold you back from throwing the party of a lifetime!

FAQ

party for 50 on a budget Party Plan Checklist

How can I celebrate my 50th birthday on a budget?

  • Answer: Celebrating your 50th birthday on a budget is completely doable! Consider hosting a potluck-style party where guests bring a dish to share. Opt for DIY decorations and focus on the essentials to keep costs low. Check out our guide above for more budget-friendly ideas.

What is the cheapest way to throw a party?

  • Answer: The cheapest way to throw a party is to keep it simple and focus on the essentials. Opt for DIY decorations, make your own food, and consider a potluck-style event to save money on catering. Don’t feel pressured to splurge on expensive party favors or extravagant entertainment.

How much food do I need for a 50 person party?

  • Answer: The amount of food you need for a 50 person party will depend on the type of event and the duration of the party. As a general rule of thumb, plan for 5-6 servings per person for the main course, 4-5 servings per person for side dishes, 3-4 servings per person for appetizers, 1-2 servings per person for dessert, and 2-3 servings per person for beverages. Use this as a starting point and adjust based on your guests’ preferences.

How can I feed a lot of people for a party for cheap?

  • Answer: Feeding a lot of people for a party on a budget requires careful planning and smart shopping. Opt for budget-friendly dishes, consider a potluck-style event, and shop in bulk to save money. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your menu and focus on affordable ingredients.

Can I throw a party for 50 people on a tight budget?

  • Answer: Absolutely! With some careful planning and creativity, you can throw a party for 50 people on a tight budget. Focus on budget-friendly menu options, DIY decorations, and affordable party supplies. By shopping smart and getting creative, you can throw an epic bash without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Throwing a party for 50 people on a budget doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With careful planning, smart shopping, and a little creativity, you can host an unforgettable event without breaking the bank. From budget-friendly food ideas to affordable party accessories, we’ve provided you with all the tips and tricks you need to throw an epic bash. So go ahead, start planning, and get ready to celebrate in style!

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