Can you believe that summer is almost over? Seems like it just started right? Well, you have time for one last bash, so let’s do it right…shoot, are you low on money? Or need to save some cash for back to school shopping? No worries, you can still have a party!

Keep reading to learn how to throw a great end of summer party without spending a lot of money. Plus, we’re giving you a free event planning budget template to download and print at the end!

Take advantage of your guests’ generosity

Sometimes potlucks get a bad rap, but just know that providing all of the food can get a bit expensive. So, since most people call and ask what they can bring when they are invited to a party, make sure you absolutely take them up on this!

Be sure to write down what they will be bringing or assign different side dishes to your guests. More often than not appetizers and side dishes take the most time to prepare and contain a bunch of ingredients. Divvying up the task will save you money. Plan to just buy and prepare the main dish and then fill in what you need once you know what your guests are bringing.

Buy flowers from the market or pick them

Flowers can spruce up the drabbest of spaces. If you want to liven up your party décor adding flowers is an easy and relatively cheap way to do it. Plus it’s natural, perfect for the season and they will last you for much longer than your party.

To find cheap prices on flowers visit your local farmers’ market. Unless you have a garden or access to flowers that can be picked, then pick them yourself!

DIY decorations from the thrift stores

If you need decorations for your party make sure to hit up your local thrift store to find the best prices. Things like vases, bowls and other décor can easily be found at thrift stores. If it needs a little TLC, just look up some DIY projects. This may even work in your favor if you have a specific look you are going for to fit your party theme.

Mix and match

If you have plastic dinnerware and napkins left over from previous parties you have had, go ahead and use them all together. While they may be different colors and designs you can use them together to create a colorful and eclectic look. By doing this you are mixing and matching and can make it look intentional. You’ll get to use up all of you dining party supplies and don’t have to buy more, or at least not as much. Big money saver!

Make your guests feel special

Personalizing party décor is a great way to do this. How, you ask? Well, by creating personalized place cards with their names on it. This is something that is often overlooked at a gathering, but is really easy and cheap to do. It really makes your guests feel special and like you took the time to think of them. If you’re not having a sit down event, consider making name tags for guests, especially if they won’t all know each other.

Take it outdoors

Enjoying the great outdoors; that’s the point of summertime isn’t it? So why not have your last soirée outside and soak in the heat while it lasts. Even though you may be hating those triple digits right now, you’ll be craving them come wintertime! Just make sure you have shade, lots of water and it’s not too hot. If you can have your party in the evening, even better!

Plus, having it outside will mean you don’t have to worry about your air conditioner running and costing you money.

We hope this was helpful for planning your end of summer party!

Don’t forget to download the free event planning budget template below.