The scenarios included:
- Going out with cocktails with the girls.
- Double date night with your best friend and his / her significant other.
- Formal dinner party with the boss and his wife.
- Planning a bridal shower for your sister.
- Going to a ballgame with the guys.
So - how'd you do? Did you think of any options to keep these events a minimal cost?
Here are our thoughts:
Going out for cocktails / going to a game
This can get pricey with cocktails averaging $7+ a drink plus tip. Before going out - consider these money saving (and safety-conscious) ideas:
- Designate a driver so that cab money isn't necessary. It's cheaper to pool together for a tank of gas than to pay a driver to drive everyone home.
- Limit yourself to one or two drinks and then switch to water or soda.
- Eat before you go out...this will save money on appetizers and junk food.
Double Date Night
Consider low-price alternatives to the traditional double date of dinner and a movie. How about the following:
- Research local events. Is there a cool art exhibition that everyone would enjoy? Or perhaps movie night in the park?
- Potluck! One couple provides salad and dessert, the other the main course.
- Start a couples book club. Meet up at a local bookstore for coffee and discussion.
Formal Dinner Party
Who wants to spend a bunch of money on a fancy-schmancy event with people you work with! Consider these ideas:
- Borrow or rent formal wear instead of buying. How often are you going to wear a $300 cocktail dress??
- Mom says you never go to a party empty-handed. But, don't feel like you have to break the bank on an expensive bottle of wine. Ask the store clerk for a nice bottle within your budget.
- Minimize the drinking so you can drive yourself home and not incur cab fares.
Bridal Shower
- Go potluck. Ask guests to bring a dish to help with the food.
- Go minimal on the decorations. No one is going to remember them.
- Make the cake yourself.
What other ideas do you have?
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