How to Throw a Budget Friendly Epic Backyard BBQ

Throw a budget-friendly epic backyard BBQ that everyone will enjoy!

Summers are meant to be enjoyed outdoors, and having barbecues is part of it. The best parties are the ones that you don’t have to spend a ton of money on. You can throw an epic backyard BBQ without breaking the bank by optimizing your resources and being creative with your food, drinks, and décor. Here’s how:

NEXT READ: Activities to Keep Kids Outdoors and Away from TV

 

How to throw a budget-friendly epic backyard BBQ

The chance to get together with family and friends while spending time outside enjoying the beautiful weather is my favorite thing about backyard BBQs. But if you’re on a budget, you may think that will keep you from throwing that epic party. I can tell you right now that a budget will not mean the death of your party! You need to be mindful of your spending and follow some simple tips, but you will have a blast – including the cook, and no one will even notice that your party was “budget-friendly.”

Here are some tips for you to follow to make sure you don’t break the bank but still have a great time:

NEXT READ: Budgeting For A Dream Vacation

 

Plan The Menu

The first thing to do when planning a backyard BBQ is to make a list of all the food and drinks you want to serve. This is where your budget will come into play, so think about what would be most cost-effective for the number of guests you have coming over.

You should also think about how much each item costs per person so that there’s no waste if someone doesn’t want seconds (or thirds). If it’s something like macaroni salad or potato salad–which are both easy enough for anyone who wants it, then make sure there’s enough for everyone before serving out any portion sizes!

If you’re going to throw a party, it’s best to start planning as soon as possible. That way, you can save money by buying things in bulk and looking for deals on decorations and food.

Invite Your Friends, Family & Neighbors

Once you’ve picked a date, it’s time to start making your guest list. Who do you want there? Your friends and family members are probably at the top of your list. Still, don’t forget about their significant others, kids, pets–and anyone else who might enjoy the party!

You’ll also need to make sure that there’s enough space for everyone who will attend. If it’s an outdoor party and there isn’t enough room on your lawn or decking area for all of them at once, consider checking a few off the list.

You may want to invite your neighbors to join in the fun. Ask them to bring some music, lawn chairs, and maybe even a lawn game or two for everyone to play together!

Get Creative With Décor

Use what you have on hand, and don’t be afraid to try something new. When I was little, my mom always made her birthday invitations for us kids. You could do something similar for your backyard BBQ by making signs and posters out of newspaper or cardboard pieces. You could also decorate with colorful balloons and let the kids take one home.

Skip The Spendy Meat

You don’t need to have top-dollar steak for your BBQ. Light up the fire pit and make some burgers and hot dogs. These are easier to eat while standing around chatting anyway.

Say Yes To Offers To Bring Sides

When invited to a BBQ, most people will ask what they can bring or contribute. Instead of saying no, feel free to say yes to those offers. Let your guests bring some soda or chips or whatever they want. That is a relatively low-cost item for them to purchase, but it saves you a little bit, and every little bit counts.

Choose Inexpensive Sides

Instead of focusing on making one elaborate salad, why not buy a pre-made salad mix and throw in some tomatoes? Why not make a super budget-friendly macaroni salad instead of deli made one that you have to buy by the pound? Are beans on your menu? Buy a bag of dried beans and make them for a whopping $2 or less. See how changing up your side dishes can save you big money?

A big fat watermelon goes a long way. A large bag of chips does too.

Use What You Have First

Make sure that you check out your fridge, freezer, and pantry to see what food you have in there before planning your menu. There is no need to go out and buy everything if you already have some of it in your kitchen. I don’t know about you, but I always have dried and canned beans and extra condiments in my pantry; I would much rather use those than repurchase something similar.

Skip The High Dollar Drinks

If you are serving alcohol, serve beer and cheaper wine. It’s doubtful that your guests are expecting top-shelf liquor at a backyard BBQ. If you are serving soda, buy some plastic cups and 2 liters of soda. Individual cans or bottles get pretty pricey.

Following these tips, you can throw an epic backyard BBQ that won’t break the bank. Remember, it’s not about how much money you spend or how fancy everything looks–it’s about having fun with your friends and family. And isn’t that what matters?