“I am what I am. That’s a great thing to be. If I say to myself, “Happy Birthday to me!” it means a great deal to me!— Dr. Seuss

Birthday Budget Rules to Follow

Keep it simple.
Keep it fun!
Start a birthday tradition.
Use themes.
Capture the moments!
Keep it minimal.
Reuse Decor.
Play favourite games from previous years to fit the theme.
It all about Perspectives.

Low budget birthday parties call for DIY projects. Free should be your favourite F word after Food. Don’t you think?

Venue
I usually do my birthday parties at home, and this cuts down a lot of the cost from my budget. If you love nature, try parties outdoors like a picnic and enjoy natures beauties. If you are considering booking a venue, try incorporating space size and guest list.

Guest list
The number of guests you invite is equivalent to many things to purchase. Which means higher spending. I usually have just a calm and enjoyable dinner and competitive family games night. A family only guest list has worked amazingly in the past three years and budget friendly.

Food
Invite those close to you, close friends and families can save for plenty of food. Try cooking rather than ordering food if you can. Of course, think about the allergies of your guests. My mom’s birthday gift to me which saves me from ordering food is preparing two of my favourite West African dishes (Cassava Leaves and Palm oil fry or jollof rice with chicken), and that was my dinner plan for my special day.

Themes
For years I have always created a theme from outfit to decorations. It better to pick a theme that requires less investment in decorations and costumes preparation. My colour scheme/theme was different earthy shades of Green and mustard yellow and a bit of gold.

DIY
Money can be saved if you “DO IT YOURSELF” such as deserts, decorations, invitations. I didn’t need an invitation for my family, all I needed was a quick text message of the dates and what colour they should wear for my birthday. Asking your guests to BYOB (bring your own booze) as a gift and sharing it is a genius idea. It limits you from getting stuck into buying all the beverages. With that said it is always nice to have one item that you can splurge on. For example two years ago I ordered my dress and spent money on helium balloons. I was still under budget because my dress was on sale and bought dollar tree balloons. This year because of my busy life, I procrastinated a bit, and I pretty much wore anything that I found that went with my theme. My dinner paper plates were on sale on Amazon
Games
 Games played were (“Minute to Win It” games) I reused because they were very popular and few games I created over the years with my family).

Have your camera/ phone ready and capture the moments.
Remember to have a great birthday is simply about the people, quality time and the memories you make, not so much about the money.

LIVE! LAUGH! ENJOY!

I remind myself every year on this born day how blessed I am to have been given another year to experience the beauty surrounding me. God is good, and nothing is possible without him by my side! My birthday is a day I cherish and love. I adore my family and friends who make each day of my life a blessing.