Mardi Gras festivities are no longer exclusive to New Orleans. You can spot vibrant beads, trinkets and sumptuous Cajun cuisine in metropolitan city squares and quaint rural backyards. Mix up some Second Line jazz, simple party accessories, homemade Hurricanes, and a crawfish feast, and you have your own unique celebration.
Organizing an unforgettable Mardi Gras event doesn’t necessarily mean emptying your bank account. Here are seven strategies to cut corners without compromising on the fun of Fat Tuesday.
1. Homemade Cuisine
Catering could indeed offer authentic Cajun flavors but at a steep cost. Set a new trend by trying homecooked meals that are not only budget-friendly but also an exciting way to explore this distinct culture. Browse through Real Cajun Recipes for cost-effective, easy meal ideas. You can even delegate the cooking of different dishes amongst your guests to distribute both effort and expense.
2. Borrow or Lease
Save yourself from purchasing one-time-use items like Hurricane glasses and Mardi Gras ornaments. You can always borrow or rent them instead. If you and your friends are habitual Fat Tuesday celebrators, everyone could chip in by investing in the necessary party regalia and loan them to each year’s host. For larger parties, consider renting essentials like dishes and glasses to avoid unnecessary purchases.
3. Economical Decorations
During tough economic times, dollar stores have become indispensable for holiday accessories, supplying even for unique festivals like Mardi Gras. If you have children, engage their youthful artistic abilities to design masks and other celebration favors.
4. Savvy Couponing
You can leverage coupons for significant savings on everything, from food to costumes. For digital enthusiasts, the Coupon Sherpa app lets you access coupons on-the-go when you’re shopping.
5. Paper-Free Invitations
With the advent of technology, paper invites have become outdated, particularly since instantaneous and free envites make responding convenient. Facebook also provides a quick, simple method to invite your friends.
6. Restrict the Guest Count
It’s natural to lead the guest list astray when everyone seems eager for a party. To maintain a compact crowd, refrain from general invites and stick to personal phone calls or emails instead.
7. Wholesale Shopping
If you find the guest list ever-growing and require additional supplies, consider retail giants like Costco or Sam’s Club for bulk purchases. If you don’t hold a membership, you could always turn to a friend to borrow their card.
