How to Plan Party Food on a Budget
Planning food for a party doesn't have to break the bank. With smart choices and our budget calculator, you can feed a crowd without overspending. Here's how to get the most value from your food budget.
The Cost-Per-Person Rule
A good rule of thumb is to budget $5-10 per person for casual party food. This covers a main dish and 1-2 sides. For more elaborate menus with appetizers and dessert, plan for $12-18 per person.
Best Value Foods
Some foods stretch your dollar further than others:
- Hot dogs: One of the cheapest proteins at about $1-2 per person
- Pasta salad: Inexpensive to make and feeds a crowd
- Chips and dips: Low cost per serving, great for snacking
- Pizza: Affordable when bought in bulk, universally popular
- Tacos: Meat stretches far when combined with rice and beans
Budget-Stretching Tips
- Make it a potluck and ask guests to bring sides
- Buy store brands instead of name brands
- Look for sales and use coupons
- Choose filling sides like bread, rice, and chips
- Prepare foods yourself instead of ordering catered
- Buy in bulk at warehouse stores for large parties