I have this joy. It is parties. I love going to one, throwing one, and being at one. I love the whole process from planning, to the clean up. I like to keep things on a budget and go all out on expenses for the moments that need to be celebrated. We all have our choices! I have my vice-it is entertaining. I love being with my friends! I like making my kids smile. My motto? Spend Less to Party More!

Here are 5 tips for saving on planning your next party!

1. Did you know red is the most used color when decorating. It is true. Search eBay! Think Christmas, Valentines Day, Pirate themed Birthday parties and even a princess party can incorporate red. (Belle’s rose is red). When considering decorations don’t purchase ones that are a one time use. Purchase good quality that can handle storage and being used over and over again.

2. Have your cake and eat it too! I believe that a cake is a bank breaker. If you want to make your own cake opt for cupcakes. Using a utensil like an ice cream scoop for equal measurements to get the most out of your batter. If you are not a culinary genius consider buying your cake from a grocery store and changing the decorations to make it look more professional or homemade! (shhhh I won’t tell)

3. The older a child the more expensive a child’s celebrations get. More friends equal more guest which equals more food. We all know how much teenagers can eat! At the age of 14 and up I always advise parents to offer the teen a lump sum of money to either go to the mall with, buy a bigger gift, or throw their own party. This will teach them how to budget their own money and how much parties really cost. The real day of the birthday just enjoy a special dinner with the child’s favorite meal prepared.

4. Time of party is key to a budget. Consider a brunch or a breakfast party. I recently went to a brunch wedding. It was beautiful and easy on the bill. Kids are a big fan of pancakes, waffles and French toast , I have seen a morning birthday party work for the kiddos.

5. Consider memberships to PBA halls or Elk Lodges. Consider using a church if you are an often entertainer. Definitely consider parks or backyards for a place to party. Also consider switching houses for birthday parties with another mom friend. It is easier to plan a party, bake a cake, and be in charge of games if you have someone else helping with cleaning the house or hosting the party at their house and switch when they are throwing a party. Consider parties that are mobile that really don’t need a home and eating can be done in a small pizza shop and eating a cake at an ice cream parlor with a trip to a park or water park in-between.

When it comes to parties, enjoy moments with each other and overall consider creating memories not perfect decorations or centerpiece. In the end, It is the memories made that will be remembered. Get creative.

Elizabeth Norton lives in Southern New Jersey with 2 boys, 2 fish, 2 dogs and 1 fabulous husband. She loves to write and shares her life and blogging tips on her personal blog. You can find Elizabeth on twitter @Elizabeth_N!

Thanks Elizabeth, today you can find me at Looking Good (for a Mom!). I did a post over there on coupons & healthy eating.