Hi everyone! My name is Syazmin, and I’m a second year studying Economics at Loughborough University. As an international student from Malaysia, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing and organising various celebrations, each filled with unique traditions and memorable moments. However, being a student means sticking to a budget (easier said than done when you want to throw a great event). Over time, I’ve learned that hosting a celebration doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are some personal tips and lessons from my experiences that might help you plan a meaningful and budget-friendly gathering. 

What Worked and What Didn’t 

One of my favourite celebrations was a potluck dinner we threw for a friend’s birthday. It was a simple idea: everyone brought a dish, and we decorated the space together. It was amazing to see how much variety we ended up with! There was something for everyone, from homemade lasagna to desserts like brownies and fruit tarts. It felt like a feast, and the collaborative effort made it all the more special.

However, not everything went smoothly. We overestimated how much food we’d need, ending up with leftovers for days! While it was funny at first, it also meant some people spent more than they had to. That experience taught me the importance of careful planning, knowing how much is “just enough” and communicating clearly about who’s bringing what.   

Finding Bargains Without Breaking the Bank 

When it comes to celebrating on a budget, finding affordable supplies is half the battle. Here are a few strategies I swear by:   

1. Supermarket Savvy: Timing is everything. Many supermarkets mark down fresh produce, baked goods, and even snacks towards the end of the day. Clearance sections can also be a treasure trove for party essentials.   

2. Discount Stores: Shops like Poundland, TKMaxx, or Wilko are my go-to for decorations and party supplies. You’d be surprised at the quirky and fun items you can find for just a couple of pounds!   

3. DIY Decorations: For a movie night-themed celebration, my friends and I made paper flowers and borrowed fairy lights to create a cosy vibe. The result was not only budget-friendly but also incredibly pretty.   

Feeding a Crowd Without Spending a Fortune 

Food is usually the biggest expense, but it doesn’t have to be. These ideas have been a hit at my events:   

1. Pasta Night: You can never go wrong with pasta. Cook up a couple of simple sauces (like tomato-based and creamy alfredo), and let guests customise their plates with affordable toppings like cheese, olives, or herbs.   

2. DIY Sushi: This one was a game-changer! We set up a sushi bar with rice, seaweed, and budget-friendly fillings like crabsticks, eggs, and cucumbers. It was interactive, fun, and surprisingly inexpensive.    

3. Themed Potluck: Ask guests to bring dishes inspired by a particular theme or their culture. It keeps things exciting, and everyone gets to share a piece of their story.  

Sharing the Costs: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 

One of the best ways to keep costs low is to get everyone involved. Here’s how you can do it:   

1. Potluck Style: As I mentioned earlier, potlucks are a lifesaver. They not only ease the financial burden but also bring variety to the table.   

2. BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage): Drinks can quickly inflate your budget, so I always encourage guests to bring their favourite drinks. That way, everyone has something they enjoy, and you don’t end up overspending.   

3. Shared Costs for Expensive Items: For things like renting a venue or speakers, splitting the cost among attendees makes it much more manageable.   

Trying New Traditions 

Hosting and attending celebrations from different cultures has been one of the highlights of my time in the UK. One of my first experiences with British traditions was during a Christmas dinner with friends. It was my first time pulling Christmas crackers and eating mince pies. Both felt so festive and unique compared to what I was used to back home.   

On the flip side, introducing my friends to Malaysian traditions during Eid Aidilfitri was just as special. We kept it simple with homemade chicken satay and added green and gold themed decorations to symbolise the festive season. Sharing the stories and meanings behind these traditions made the event feel so much more personal and connected.   

Conclusion  

At the heart of any celebration is the joy of bringing people together, never about how much you spend. Whether it’s crafting decorations, sharing traditional dishes, or simply splitting costs, creativity and collaboration go a long way in making an event memorable.   

The most important thing I’ve learned is that budget-friendly celebrations aren’t just possible, they’re some of the most meaningful. So, next time you plan a party, try these tips and embrace the spirit of teamwork and resourcefulness!