SAVE CASH WITH THESE 15+ HENS PARTY HACKS!

When planning a hens party, one of THE most difficult tasks is keeping in budget. And this makes things hard - especially when your bestie is AMAZING and absolutely deserves a celebration to remember!

Because finding this balance between an unforgettable party and an affordable one is quite difficult, we've put together a list of tried and tested party hacks that will help bring your costs down. This will hopefully result in extra cash to splash on the more important things (or, more $$$ staying in everyone's pocket).
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But please note - not every single hack must be used. In fact, knowing where to save money and where to spend it is the key to creating an amazing event.

So set a budget, stick to it, and only cut costs in areas that suit your particular celebration!
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Handy Hint:
From dinner parties to birthday parties, these wonderful cost saving tips work for a range of special occasions.

Related: How to Personalise your Next Party

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​Stay in Budget with These Awesome Party Hacks

ELECTRONIC INVITES
Physical invitations can be GORGEOUS! However, they can also be expensive. Save cash by creating a secret Facebook event instead. Not only is this a great (free) way to get RSVPs, but it also provides an area (out of the guest of honours sight!) where all attendees can suggest ideas, offer help, ask questions, and so on.
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Don't have a Facebook account? I was once invited to a hens party via email - in much the same way, we were able to speak with the host(s) via this platform without the bride finding out.

Related: What Details to Include on Invitations

​HOST YOUR EVENT AT HOME
Rather than hiring a venue or hitting the clubs (where drinks are at bar prices), host the event at home.

There are so many mobile entertainment options these days that you won't be missing out on any fun. You also won't need to organise transport to/from party venues, and you can serve your own party food and alcohol (saving even more money).

​Related: Hosting a Hens at Home

​YOU DON'T NEED TOO MANY DECORATIONS
Unless your theme requires a lot of detail, don't worry about too many decorations.

For example, you can add instant atmosphere to your venue with tea lights or strategically hung fabric bunting, festoon lights and twinkle lights. For a pop of colour and warmth, pot plants placed in empty corners, and vases overflowing with beautiful blooms/leaves will do the trick (raid your garden or that of a friends for any flowers in season!). And finally, any food/drink setups can also be part of the 'décor'. Food stations and large grazing tables are a wonderful way to make a statement.

Handy Tip:
Think about the 'colour palette' and overall 'look' you're after, then tailor your decorations to that. It really doesn't take much to transform a space! It's also a great idea to borrow items (such as festoon lights) from friends of family - an inexpensive way to add some 'wow' factor to your celebration.

Related: Decorating with Flowers
Related: Eco Décor Ideas

USE A MUSIC APP
Create a killer playlist on apps such as Spotify. With a large variety of music, free plans and the ability to play it via a number of devices (phone, computer, etc.), you can't go wrong! 

​GET CRAFTY
If you have a creative side, this one is for you. DIYing items for your event is a fabulous way to cut costs. It's also really meaningful (the fact that you've put in so much effort will not go unnoticed by the guest of the honour).

SOME OF THE WAYS YOUR HOBBY CAN HELP WITH THE PARTY:

• Gift Bags: Make a personalised gift bag for each guest. This can be done by purchasing plain bags and decorating them according to your theme. One idea could be writing each party guests name on their particular bag in calligraphy. 
• Bunting: Create your own bunting from card, fabric, or even pom poms!
• Guest Book: Put together a beautiful photo album featuring pictures of the bride-to-be with each guest. On the day of the party, ask everyone to write a note next to their particular photo. This will transform the album into a beautiful guest book keepsake!
• Photo Booth: ​Come up with your own photo props. Dress ups are great for this, and they're usually quite cheap to source. Either check your own cupboard, ask each guest to bring one fancy dress item for the occasion, or hit up your local dollar store/op shop (where you're sure to find some hilarious treasures!). A backdrop for your 'booth' can be anything from a large blackboard or a plain wall to a beautiful garden.
• ​Ice Cubes: Make some show-stopping ice cubes by adding edible flowers to the water before freezing (a great addition to any picnic or outdoor party).

As you can see, it's worth keeping an eye out for things you can DIY whilst in the planning phase.

Handy Tip:​
Unless you enjoy being creative (or have a friend who loves getting crafty who is keen to help out); it's probably best to put the money towards a professional or skipping such tasks altogether. Otherwise, you'll just be adding extra stresses to your plate (and nobody's got time for that!).

GAMES DON'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BUDGET
Rather than spending up big on games (which can get quite expensive), stick to those that can be played with little to no props. For a HUGE list of cheap game ideas, click here.

BORROW RATHER THAN BUY
After tables? Chairs? Place settings? Costumes? A piping bag or chip bowl? Before you consider buying or hiring such items, ask around! You'll be amazed what people have that's perfect (or can be altered slightly - e.g. table cloth over table) for your event. Just make sure you look after the item/s and clean them before they're returned.

​HIRE (OR BUY 2ND HAND)
If you've asked around for items and friends/family don't have what you need, consider hitting up ops shops or hiring from a local business.

Full of beautiful, charming and unique treasures, op shops and antique stores in your area are sure to have something perfect for your event (think anything from large mirrors and unique vases to hilarious photo props!).

​Alternatively, there are so many beautiful products that can be hired. Tables and chairs, plates and cutlery, lolly bar accessories, stunning food carts and more can often be found with a quick internet search.

SPLIT COSTS
Each and every guest attending the hens party is there for a good reason; and that is because your bride-to-be considers them a close friend (or even family). And because of this relationship, guests are often happy to chip in to ensure their beautiful friend has the time of her life (especially if the asking amount is reasonable). 

​Budget Food Hacks

​USE YOUR OWN CUPS, PLATES & CUTLERY
Why purchase when it's ALL in your kitchen at home?! Unless you're worried about breakage or don't have enough to cater for all of your guests', grabbing the champagne glasses, cups, plates and cutlery from your cupboards is one of the easiest ways to save money. 

Handy Tip:
If you'd rather not use items from your own cupboards, keep an eye out at op shops. You can easily put together a stash of cups, plates, cutlery, etc. that can be set aside just for events .This way if something does happen to break it's not as big of an issue AND you're reducing/reusing! Purchasing an additional dinner set is another option (ready to be used again and again... and again at all kinds of celebrations).

​CATER THE EVENT YOURSELF
If a fancy feast isn't what you're after, then catering the event yourself is a great cost cutting measure. Think easy finger foods such as tea sandwiches, mini quiches, mini sausage rolls, fresh fruit platters, bruschetta, pizza, fruit skewers, mini muffins, cupcakes and chocolates. If you don't want to be constantly walking around with a serving platter, a grazing table is a fantastic way to display what's on offer.

Which leads us to another 'self -serve' option - the 'food bar'. If going down this path, your best bet is to choose a meal that is filling and looks great but doesn't cost a fortune (such as baked potato or taco bars). Set up a table featuring the main ingredient (i.e. tacos or potatoes), and then an assortment of foods that can be used as toppings.
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And finally, a trend around our area at the moment involves asking guests to bring a plate of food each. These are then placed over a few tables where everyone can help themselves during the party. 

Related: DIY Grazing Tables
​Related: Appetizer Ideas

SERVE ONLY WHAT YOU NEED TO
Offering a variety of food at your event is a great way to ensure that everyone's taste buds are satisfied and stomachs are full. However, it's important not to go overboard as serving too many different types of foods will become quite expensive.

To avoid spending up big, we suggest making a list of options you know guests will enjoy. If you have party-goers with special dietary requirements, ensure your list covers choices for them as well.

Now that you know what you need, it's time to shop.

The beauty of having a set ingredient list/menu is the savings. For example, in the lead up to your event, keep an eye on sales as you may be able to grab items at a cheaper price (this works especially well for anything that can be stored in the cupboard). You may also be able to purchase particular foods in bulk.

GO FOR COST-EFFECTIVE FOOD ITEMS
What food will give you the most bang for your buck?

Fried rice, pizza, pasta and noodles are great for feeding larger groups when you're on a budget. Likewise, food bars centred around a fairly cheap main ingredient are another cost-effective way to feed the hoards.

For a more relaxed celebration, BBQs provide variety whilst being reasonably cheap to run. And for those after a fancier soiree, mix up your basic spread by adding a few gourmet options.

MAKE EVERYDAY FOODS LOOK FANCY
Think about your display. After all, a little creativity goes a long way!

For example, rather than a few cheese and crackers thrown on a plate, create a jarcuterie (in other words, individual charcuterie jars - click here for instructions). These not only make for wonderful appetizers, but also look amazing. And if you source your mason jars from family, friends and op shops, it won't cost a bucket either.

Fruit kebobs with chocolate dipping sauce, perfectly styled bruschetta, wraps sliced into delicious looking rounds and gorgeous grazing platters are other wonderful ways to bring some excitement to your food table (without spending a fortune).

Image & Recipe: Mommy Snippets

​Budget Drink Hacks

​MAKE IT B.Y.O.
For those of you who would like to offer a wide variety of alcoholic beverages (or even cocktails), this could be the way to go! Ask each guest to bring along one bottle of spirits (working together to make sure you don't all bring the same thing). On the big day, set up a bar area where guests' can place their bottles and, throughout the party, grab a drink!
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Provide mixers (such as cola, lemonade or orange juice) so that guests can whip up cocktails when they feel inspired to do so. It's also important to provide non-alcoholic drinks for those driving, pregnant, or who simply don't want to drink.

​Handy Tip:
We don't recommend asking guests' to bring a bottle of spirits as well as a plate of food (as mentioned above). Select one or the other (or neither!) depending on the style of party you are throwing. As noted at the start of this post, knowing where to spend and where to save is important.​

PICK A DRINK & STICK TO IT
Select one or two of your bride-to-be's favourite alcoholic drinks and serve only those. For example, select one brand of champagne and one brand of wine; then buy those particular bottles in bulk. Alternatively, purchase ingredients that will allow you to make the bride's signature cocktail in bulk.

Articles Related to These Party Hacks

HOW TO HOST AN ECO PARTY:

How do you host an event without costing the earth? This 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' article gives you EVERYTHING you need to know to pull off an awesome (eco) event that everyone will love!

READ NOW

​PERSONALISE YOUR PARTY:

From accessories to drinks, this article outlines the many ways you can add an unexpected yet much appreciated touch to your best friend's day - making her feel special and loved whilst simultaneously guaranteeing that it's an event she will never forget!

READ NOW

Tell Us Your Favourite Party Hack!

From dinner party hacks to party favors, it's possible to cut costs in so many different areas of an event.

But...

As noted at the beginning of this post, remember not to overdo it! Rather, pick one, two or a few cost cutting measures that will tie in nicely with your party; making it a more affordable affair (not a cheap one!). The money you save can then be put towards other aspects of the celebration (such as entertainment), buying your hen a beautiful gift/keepsake, or as a means of cutting overall costs for guests (i.e. instead of charging $120 per head you can drop the cost to $100).

Every little bit of cash saved counts!

If you have any of your own life hacks that are perfect for parties, I'd love to hear them in the comments section below or via our socials.

Cheers to a party that is SO much fun WITHOUT breaking the bank!

Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
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