No matter how busy we get, most of us still enjoy taking the time to create a special event to entertain family and friends or to attend a party. When we think about it, some of our happiest memories are centered around special events such as birthday parties, holidays or family times.

Whether you are planning a birthday party for a 4-year old, or a second wedding for someone past 40, here are some tips for a successful special event.

• As a rule, stand-up cocktail parties are less expensive and easier to control than sit-down dinners, but both can be accomplished inexpensively.
  
• Select a date at least 3 months in advance and prepare your guest list. The more planning time you have, the more money you can save.
• Guests are part of the atmosphere. Let people know what to wear. Most parties today are casual, so people need to be reminded if you are planning a more formal affair. If you plan to have a party elsewhere than your house, remember that places that offer alcohol beverages require younger folks to present ID before that will be given vinyl wristbands, or other type of event wristbands.
• Shop for party goods on sale. After holidays, you can pick up solid-colored paper products for 50% off. For example, use black Halloween napkins for New Year ’s Eve or stock up on red Christmas items for Valentine’s day.
• Choose a theme. A creative theme can make a party really special without spending a dime. It can be as obvious as a holiday or as simple as a color. Then plan everything around it. Colorful napkins, decorative items, funny custom event wristbands easily add up to the atmosphere.
• Don’t get too complicated. No last minute food preparation should take more than 15-20 minutes. For creative décor, use confetti sprinkled on the table to add a little sparkle. Children’s toys like dolls, or tiny furniture, can become a display depending on your party theme. Remember, inexpensive balloons and streamers are still mainstays at even the glitziest events.