The Birthday Party of the Century on a Budget

It isn't the first time, nor will it be the last time you find yourself planning the birthday party of the century. Whether it's a kids birthday, a milestone birthday, baby's 1st birthday or a surprise birthday party, you will want it to be the best from the invitations to the party favors. But how can you ensure this without overspending?

If you're having the birthday party in the backyard, pick a cool theme and make your own decorations. Take a little time to organize a scavenger hunt or make a pinata filled with dollar store toys and bulk candy.

Bake your own cake and order a sheet pizza served with koolaid. For celebration favors, you can have the kids make caramel apples or peruse the Oriental Trading Post site for many great ideas! Add to your theme with friends who know a few magic tricks or would be willing to dress in costume.

McDonald's throw great kids parties. The package includes hosting for ten kids, complete with cake, sundaes, decorations, goodie bags and a gift for your child -- all for $70. At Chuck E. Cheese, you can host ten kids for $110 and they'll receive: two slices of pizza, unlimited pop, birthday cake, a performance and 20 game tokens.

Your child will even receive a visit from Chuck E. Cheese, a balloon, a collector's cup, a crown and cotton candy, while the establishment takes care of cleaning and planning. Eden Park Roller Rink in Pennsylvania offers invitations, admission, skate rental, pizza and pop for $6/kid.

If you want to go with a bowling alley, be aware that it could cost $100-$200. However, some smaller places like Fort Leavenworth Bowling Center will give you an hour of bowling, pizza or a hotdog, chips, a drink and an hour in the celebration room for $7 or less per child.

For adults, family-style restaurants or Chinese buffets are a sensible option. If you'd like to be a little more creative, an intimate wine tasting party with 8 to 10 guests can be a nice treat. For $20 you can get a wine celebration kit with name badges, pens, wine comment cards, decorations, a celebration guide and wine bags.

Each bottle of wine will cover ten samples and purchasing wine through a winery can get you each bottle for $8-10 each. You should purchase at least two reds, two whites and a blush. You can serve cheese, crackers, grapes and bread dip.

You should be able to do this event for $100 or so. Movie nights or game nights can be a lot of fun too. Another way to stick to a budget while planning the birthday party for someone you love, is to limit the guests to 7 or have someone else help split the cost.

The birthday party you've thrown for a loved one can be a very meaningful experience for everyone, but it doesn't have to bankrupt you.

With some careful planning, you can save pennies behind the scenes while your guests remark, "You've really outdone yourself this time!"