Erin's 10 Step Program (to event planning)

Have you thought about planning a party? Be it a birthday, engagement, work event or anything, you'll need a few things. And if you are like most of the world, you'll be planning on a budget. I love budgets (mainly in my professional life.) I need to stick to them a bit more (in my personal life.) But still, there's something about saving money and coming in under budget that just gives me a high. I could float for days. First thing I do is call my Mom and share my money-saving ways with her - obviously she taught me everything I know.

Here's the general idea to event planning... first, you need a theme. And make it something special, something personal, and something attainable. With anything involving a budget, it's like 12 Steps, or in my case, 10 Steps.

So... here are my 10 Steps to Budgeting an Event, in case you wanted to know, or better yet, because you are still reading:

1. If you are extravagant and a spender (like me), then you need to admit you have a problem (or an issue if problem is too big of a word.)
2. Find a higher power to restore sanity, i.e. My sister Shannon keeps me in balance (my husband likes me happy, and will justify anything for me. I love him a lot.)
3. Make an Inventory of the things you need. The Must Haves like invitations and gifts or food, and the Would Like to Haves like that ice sculpture of you and your bff for her bachelorette party.
4. Set the Budget. And then have your Higher Power (HP) look it over for honesty and truth in reporting. Make changes as needed, or as dictated by your HP.
5. Start window shopping to compare prices. Keep notes, make spreadsheets, call friends. Pride is not an option when it comes to staying on track with your budget. (But think of the Pride you will have in yourself and your event when you throw a great party on your budget!)
6. Pay in cash if possible. Cash is always much more accountable. (At least for me.) An idea, set aside your budget in cash. If you buy party favors from Oriental Trading Company on your Visa, put the cash into an envelope and deposit it in the bank when you pay your Visa bill.
7. Be flexible... some of the best finds happen when you aren't looking. Inspiration strikes on the Clearance rack! You may change the entire color scheme for a surprise 30th birthday party because you found hot pink damask print plates on the $1 rack at Target and they totally remind you of your Birthday Girl's prom dress from high school. Something to make her remember on her special day.
8. Sort of a #7 part B, Keep your receipts. To make exchanges as your needs change.
9. Always set aside 5-10% of your total budget for an emergency fund for the day of the event. For things you forgot, like ice, tape, drinks, napkins. things come up. And if you remember everything, then you have that money back in your pocket - extra savings.
10. Remember... this is a party. The more stream-lined the plan and the event, the more time you will have to have fun! And thank your HP for all the mental help when your budget works out!!!