How to have a champagne party on a beer budget

Champagne party on a beer budget is a term you would have heard if you have spent any sort of time with me. I like fancy things, but I don’t like spending fancy money…It is what it is

I turned 36 recently and I wanted to do something cute but my wallet was like, “shame, such high hopes ne”. But I’m nothing if not resourceful so here is how I pulled off a a champagne party on a beer budget.

Tips to having a champagne party on a beer budget

1. Find the right venue

I used “The Backyard” in Uitenhage. It is a private outdoor venue in Uitenhage/Kariega which offers an ideal intimate party atmosphere. It helps the budget by allowing you to bring in your own decor and food and by charging you per hour, so you can work out how many hours you would need. The Backyard also operates as a guest house so you can rent the venue for the weekend giving you plenty of time to set up and then recoup. #goals. There are tons of selfie-approved photo spots (which is how you make your party champagne vibes anyway) and it also comes with an outdoor bar area and a jacuzzi. The massive farmhouse kitchen is the ideal place for a hangover breakfast – just saying

2. Trade in some gifts

This might sound weird but after a certain age, people don’t know what to get you as a gift. So tell them, and incorporate it into your party. I told one friend to not get me a gift and instead get me a cake and another I suggested getting me bubbly instead of a gift. This way it’s something you know you will use – this works best with a really close friend or family member (you know who you can tell what to bring).

3. DIY Decor

Some lights and bunting can take any party space from drab to fab. Also look around your house, you’d be suprised at how many party ready items you already own

4. Share food costs

So for my party I made a few plant based platters (secretly introducing my friends to the plant based eating life). I then asked each guest to bring a plate of their favorite snacks. Since we were only 12 people coming , some just stopped at the local shop, but we got to sample each others faves, learn about new snacks and it kept the cost low

5. DIY your hair and make-up

I did a Yara Shahidi-inspired style by creating an extra-long ponytail from a pack of hair fiber used for box braids and more gel than I care to remember. My make-up was done by a friend/party guest and my dress was a loaner. A friend had the dress made for her 30th and has not since had any reason to look like a life-sized disco ball – while I clearly did.

6. Tell everyone to dress up and take pics

The key to a champagne style party, is to look insta-ready. Due to Covid, we are all looking for excuses to dress up , why not give your friends that opportunity…

7. Wine spritzers make amazing cocktails

If I ever have to make a delicious , inexpensive alcoholic beverage that goes a long way this is my go to. You could even call it a fruit free sangria. All I do is add a yummy white wine to a big bottle of flavored tonic water. The kind you would add to your gin. Clark and Sons have 1litre bottles, so you can add some Pink Tonic or even Basil and Mint like I did

8. Treat your guests

This type of party means guests are “helping you out” so do not forget to thank them. An adult party pack, a party favor or a game where everyone can win a prize is the perfect way to do that. This does not have to be expensive either. Just keep an eye on the sale tables at shops during the year, it really pays off.

9. Adjust your expectations

We are in the middle of a pandemic, some people are okay with little parties, others are not. Don’t catch feelings when your loved one’s make decisions related to their own health. Who must be there will be there.

10. HAVE FUN!

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