Princess parties, which make for adorable pictures and precious memories, don't have to be expensive. Try some of these low-cost ideas to keep your party bill at $100 or less.
First, some starter tips to keep costs down:- Invite 8 kids or less
- Have the party at your home
- Make your own food and snacks
- Ask guests to wear fancy party dresses or "princess attire"
Invitations
Savings Tip: Make a hand-delivered invite with a special touch
Kick off the royal theme with hand-delivered invitations. Get out some colored paper and use your computer to type the party info in a fancy calligraphy font. Then burn the edges and roll it into a "scroll." Tie with ribbon, and you're done! Assuming you have the paper and a roll of ribbon, it should cost only about $6-$7 for a special artsy touch, like a princess or crown rubber stamp.
Decorations
Savings Tip: Tulle and balloons do wonders
Spend $25-$30 for a helium tank and solid pink and white balloons. Then use them everywhere!
For example, you could make a balloon archway for the guests to walk though as they arrive in their princess dresses. Simply tie helium-filled balloons to a piece of string; anchor one end with a stick in the ground. Let them float up in an arc, and then anchor the other end.
Or, with streamers attached, let a bunch float and cover the ceiling for a dreamy effect indoors.
Finally, tulle, usually at less than $1 per yard, and can be used for princess-like swags and bows.
The Table
Savings Tip: Use free printables and an easy craft as place-settings
Set out princess coloring pages and crayons for each child (try this free printable Fairy Tale Coloring Page, or choose from these assorted Disney princess coloring pages).
Also, posterboard and plastic jewels from a craft store are all you need to make each little guest her own Terrific Tiara. Add each guest's name with glitter paint, and use them as placeholders.
Activities
Savings Tip: Put Dad to work
Got a wagon? Decorate it and then offer the guests "princess carriage rides" by having kids take turns riding around with Dad pulling. It's simple fun for little ones and doesn't take too much prep.
Food
Savings Tip: Bake your own themed cake
Of course, no princess party is complete without a great cake. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Party Favors
Savings Tip: Consider "make and take" favors
A fun, make-your-own favor can be a great take-home gift and memento of the party. These Beads of Paradise bracelets made out of LifeSavers candy would look great with any princess dress -- before they're eaten, that is!
