Anyone who’s planned a party knows that a ton of work goes on behind-the-scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. But what happens when you don’t have a lot of time to throw a get-together?
Most people will eventually find themselves in the sticky situation where they need to throw a birthday party at the last-minute. However, just because you don't have a lot of time doesn't mean that it won't be a success. It will just take a little extra creativity and some hustle to pull off the perfect party. Check out the tips below to find out exactly how you can throw the ultimate birthday party when you're running low on time:
Send out Digital Invitations
If you don't have the time (or the patience) to send out invitations through the mail or hand them out in person, opt for the digital route. E-vites are a cute and quick way to send out mass invitations to everyone on your contact list. A quick Google search will reveal dozens of sites that will allow you to do this, many of which are free to use! One trusted site that provides a ton of options is Hallmark Ecards, which has hundreds of cute, quirky, animated, and funny ecards for you to choose from. You can also personalize these digital invitations to match the theme of your party. All you need to pull this off is access to everyone's email.
Hit up the Dollar Store
Think about it - The Dollar Store has everything you'd need for a party, all in one convenient place. Not to mention, they're all available at affordable prices. If you're running low on time a quick stop local Dollar Stores, such as Dollar General or The Dollar Tree, will ensure you have all the party supplies you need! Some supplies that you can find there include plastic cutlery, paper plates, cups, napkins, party decor, and anything else you need to make a successful birthday bash. Plus, you'll be surprised at how cute some of the decor is, especially given the rock-bottom prices.
Buy Pre-Cooked Foods and Platters
One of the most underestimated and time-consuming parts of planning a party is preparing the food! You can easily spend hours slaving away at your kitchen preparing to feed the masses, but you likely don't have the time if you're planning a last-minute party. That's why pre-cooked foods and party platters are a party planners best friend.
Head to Costco, M&M Meats, or similar stores to pick up a meat and cheese tray or a fruit platter. You won't have to do any work, other than swiping your card and opening the platter when you arrive home. If you want to serve a larger meal at your party, you can order burgers from a local restaurant or order pizza for an instant, crowd-pleasing meal. And, of course, stock up on simple party snacks such as chips, popcorn, and soda so guests can help themselves.
Order the Birthday Cake Online
If you're in need of a delicious, last-minute birthday cake be sure to check out Cheesecake.com, which has a wide selection of gourmet gift baskets and platters that will satisfy any celebration! You can easily submit your order online and can have any baked goods you desire delivered to your doorstep within a matter of days. Just some of your options include tasty cheesecake, cookie cake, pie, or a gift basket filled with gourmet baked goods. With this option, you won't have to worry about putting together a dessert when you already have a million other things to plan and organize.
Need another reason to order your birthday cake online? Right now Cheesecake.com is having a special promotion where readers receive 10% off all online orders with this code. Buying food and desserts for a party can rack up a huge bill, but ordering through Cheesecake.com is the best way to be confident that you're getting a great deal and a delicious cake!
But cake isn't the only thing you can order online these days. Giftbasket.com offers a wide assortment of gift basket options and can be easily ordered online and shipped right to your door - no other work required. Choose from their wide section of gourmet food and chocolate baskets, where you can find anything your heart desires. These gift baskets also double as a great gift idea if you're running low on ideas. With this code, you will currently receive 20% off all online orders. Party planning has never been so affordable!
Ask for Help
There is no shame in asking for help, especially when you're planning something as big as a party. If you're struggling to get everything in order, ask friends who will also be attending the party to help out. You can put them to work hanging decorations, picking up the food from Costco, or tidying up before the party guests arrive. Also, most guests won't mind bringing a dish, dessert, or even staying a little later to help clean up. They'll just be glad they didn't have to plan the whole thing by themselves!
Scope out Special Sales & Deals
To say that planning a party is expensive would be a huge understatement. Party planners will need to carefully budget to make sure they're not overspending while putting all the details in their places. But, if pressed for time, you may not have the luxury of adhering to a strict budget.
Whether or not you're in a time crunch, the best way to stay under budget is to look for deals. See if your local grocery store is having a sale on food items and buy in bulk so you have enough for the party. Moreover, look for online coupons to find out other ways you can save. One source is Promocodes.com, which has a large selection of coupon codes, discounts, and promo codes to make party planning much easier.
Planning a last-minute birthday party doesn't have to be stressful! With these tips and tricks, you can plan a party to remember in no time and without breaking the bank, so you can ensure you'll also have a chance to enjoy the party!