Do you like planning a birthday party? If so you’re probably having to adjust during Covid-19. Having a small gathering isn’t a bad idea. You can surely have a fun party under $100. Now let me tell you what I did.
My husband was turning 40 earlier this year. I went back and forth in my mind on whether to have a full blown birthday party. I searched venues and played around with dates. Then I factored in the deposit money needed for securing venue. Plus certain venues didn’t allow outside food to be brought in. Oh and it was going to be a surprise. Can you see the stress level rising?
These are questions that I asked myself: Should I hire a DJ? Do I feel like decorating a huge space? Should I pay someone to decorate? What will the menu be? Who’s going to cook? What date should I chose, Saturday or Sunday? What’s the overall budget? Most importantly, what do I want to achieve?
After deciding to have a party, it took about a month to decide on a venue. My search included hotel conference rooms, community centers, fellowship halls, club houses, and a masonic lodge. I’m a visual person. Although I completed a thorough search of these places online, in person I was not pleased with the availability, cost, and the aesthetics associated with the venue options.
Overall my goal was not to be stressed out. I needed the convenient, less stressful option which led me to just having the party in a restaurant’s banquet room. It was the best decision. Keep reading to find out why.
Restaurant Advantages
- Less stress
- Save money (venue, venue deposit, decorations, food)
- No volunteers needed to clean up or breakdown tables
- No volunteers needed to serve food
- Linens, plates, & utensils provided
- Everyone can choose their own food selections
- No contracts
- Private room
Birthday Party Decorations
I didn’t spend much money on decor because I had stuff leftover from other events like my wedding and my sister’s baby shower. Items I had included: clear 7 inch round vases, chalkboard easel, chalkboard pen, index cards, scotch tape, and favor boxes.
Slideshow
Since 40 is a milestone I gathered pictures to make a slideshow. I had pictures of him as a kid, college graduation, family gatherings, special times with friends, trips, and our wedding. The only problem I ran into was connecting the slideshow from my iphone to the tv at the restaurant. All I needed was an Apple AV adapter. I was glad I could count on my brother-in- law and my friend’s fiancé to get everything up and running.
Music
Music was provided courtesy of my sister with her Apple Music account. We shared it via a small Bluetooth speaker that I already had. She was able to make a playlist of some of my husband’s favorite songs. As we entered the room I had my sister play “Classic Man”, by Jidenna.
Birthday Party Games
I love to play games. Plus that’s a great way to learn. I used a poster board and index cards to come up with a game “Who Knows The Birthday Guy”? It was fun. The categories were This or That, Life Events, and Favorite Things. His brother played, and a first cousin from maternal and paternal side. Everyone was betting on my brother-in- law, but sadly he lost by a landslide. LOL. His paternal first cousin won. I’ll give him credit. Reshad doesn’t hang out or chat via phone with my husband very much, but he knows him pretty well.
Overall we had a great time. Hubby was completely surprised. This was a birthday party he won’t ever forget. I’m just gonna say it, his best birthday ever! (I know he’ll get a kick out of this when he reads it).
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 50 people may not be a realistic number anymore. I know that some restaurants are allowing a small group of people like 8-10 to have meals together. Just check your local spots to be sure if you can have a birthday party. If all else fails, you can do what I did at home definitely under $100. You should be able to view a slide show on a smart tv, laptop, or tablet if you’re at home. A smaller cake will cut down costs also. The cost of my husband’s party was approximately $165 including taxes. Overall I saved hundreds of dollars and you can too!
Money Spent
- Candy costs- $20 Walmart
- Party props – $12.99 Amazon
- Apple AV adapter- $54.99 (last minute item) Best Buy
- Cake- $60 (was too big for 50 people) Publix
- Chalkboard pen- $2 Walmart
- Poster board $1 Dollar Tree
- Happy Birthday sign $3 Hobby Lobby
- Candles $2 Party City
- Balloons $2 Dollar Tree
If you like the t-shirt hubby is wearing, my friend at Creative Designs by Angela made it. She can design shirts for you for any occasion. Check out my other post 30 Birthday Freebies about some free stuff you can get for your birthday.