How To Host An A-List Party Without a Blockbuster Budget

Hosting a party with the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood A-list style event  is possible with a little creativity and resourcefulness.  Try these tips to achieve star-studded ambiance without the blockbuster budget.

1. Set the Stage

A red carpet entrance sets the tone for any A-list event. Whatever your theme, give your guests a taste of what’s in store the minute they pull up.  We recently hosted an Alice In Wonderland-themed birthday soiree. We placed tiny tea cups on an absurdly small table with a bottle of our signature blue cocktail – and added a mocktail version too – so guests could take a quick sip upon arrival to get the party started….  

Be sure to have a photographer stationed at the entrance to grab photos of each guest standing against an IG worthy backdrop as they arrive.

Pro Tip: Create a party specific hashtag to share on the invite and at your entrance  so guests can post too.

2. Hollywood-Chic Vibes

For Decor, visit your favorite social media and website sites for inspiration to build your theme, then blend it throughout – from your invite, to table tops to entertainment.  For our Alice In Wonderland party we had a magician dressed like the infamous white rabbit interact with guests to set a playful mood! 

The ultimate A-list tip: choose just 2 decor colors – usually neutrals –  then add a pop of color or a metallic to create a chic feel. This will not only give your event a more lux, cohesive look, it will help manage costs. 

3. Engage the senses

Keep your guests ready to party by engaging all their senses!   Three top low cost tips for every great event: bring the lighting down and turn the sound up!   Dim the lights where you can, and add beautiful candles and string lights to create sparkle. If you don’t have a DJ, find a great playlist from a friend or favorite streaming service to keep your guests dancing.   

Lastly, keep everyone feeling cool too, literally.  Turn on AC on or open the windows during set up on the day of the event to cool down the space. Yes, even in the winter!  A temp of 68 degrees or lower is ideal for an event no matter the size.  Trust us – once things get rocking, temps will even out to keep the party going well into the night.  

4. Don’t forget the After Party 

A great After Party can often be a favorite part of the night! 

 This is an opportunity to feed everyone again and to get extra comfy… Consider foods that are a playful nod to your home town…Our guests love In-n-Out Burger  or San Francisco favorite:  Golden Boy Pizza  And place a big basket of slippers or flip flops by the dance floor so everyone can kick off their shoes and keep moving.

And for after, the After Party, remember: Don’t Waste Good Taste …be sure to gather up all that fabulous event décor for resale on After My Event for the next host to enjoy!    You can create a great A-list party and help the planet!