There’s nothing quite like firing up the grill, gathering your family and friends, and enjoying a laid-back backyard BBQ. But if you’re not careful, a simple get-together can turn into an expensive event that leaves your budget smoldering like a charred burger. Here’s the good news—you don’t have to shell out a fortune to host a great BBQ.
With a little planning and a few smart decisions, you can throw an unforgettable party without blowing your budget. It all comes down to being intentional. After all, like I always say, “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” So, let’s dive into how you can grill, chill, and still keep your finances intact!
Set a Budget and Stick to It
First things first: if you want to save money, you’ve got to start with a plan. You wouldn’t drive across the country without a map, so don’t go into your BBQ without a budget. Set a clear spending limit before you even think about buying supplies. This is where you tell your money what to do—remember, every dollar has a job!
Break down your budget into categories: food, drinks, décor, and anything else you might need. Write it down. Even if you're only planning to spend $100, dividing it into smaller chunks helps you see exactly where your money is going. For example, set $50 for food, $20 for drinks, and the rest for extras like ice or paper goods.
And here’s the kicker—use cash or debit, not credit. When you use a credit card, it’s way too easy to overspend. You’ll be tempted to throw that extra pack of burgers or fancy appetizer into your cart without thinking twice. But when you’re paying with real cash or a debit card, you stay accountable to your budget. No debt, no regrets.
Stick to your plan, and you’ll throw a great BBQ without watching your budget go up in smoke!
DIY Decorations and Setup
You don’t need to rent expensive tables or hire a decorator to make your backyard BBQ look great. In fact, the best way to save money here is to keep things simple and use what you already have. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish by repurposing items you already own.
Start with the basics. Got an old table? Use that for food and drinks. Don’t have enough chairs? Ask your guests to bring their own. People don’t mind bringing a folding chair to help out—and it saves you from renting extra seating. The key here is to avoid the temptation to “go all out” on fancy outdoor furniture or special BBQ setups that cost a small fortune.
When it comes to décor, think DIY. Grab some mason jars from your kitchen for candles or string some lights around your yard for ambiance. If you have kids, get them involved by making a simple homemade banner from construction paper. You can even use flowers or leaves from your yard to decorate the tables—no need for store-bought centerpieces when nature offers them for free.
Remember, no one’s going to judge you based on how Pinterest-perfect your BBQ looks. They’re coming for the food and fun. So skip the unnecessary frills and focus on making memories—not draining your wallet.
Menu Planning on a Budget
The biggest expense of any backyard BBQ is usually the food, but you don’t need to serve filet mignon to impress your guests. When it comes to feeding a crowd, it’s all about keeping things simple and affordable. You can still offer a delicious spread without breaking the bank.
Start by planning a frugal menu. Stick to affordable options like burgers, hot dogs, or chicken. These are BBQ classics that everyone loves, and they won’t leave your wallet empty. You don’t need fancy cuts of meat or gourmet sides to have a great time. If you’re really watching your budget, consider skipping meat altogether and grilling up some veggie burgers or kebabs. They’re tasty and way cheaper than most meats!
Another money-saving tip? Make your BBQ a potluck! Ask your guests to bring a side dish, dessert, or drinks. People love contributing, and it takes a huge load off both your budget and your workload. Plus, you get to enjoy a variety of homemade dishes without footing the bill for everything. Win-win!
And when you’re shopping, stick to sales and buy in bulk. Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club are your best friends here. Stock up on hamburger patties, buns, and chips at bulk prices to keep costs down. You can even save by making some sides at home—potato salad, pasta salad, or coleslaw are easy to whip up for much less than buying them pre-made.
By being intentional about what you serve and how you shop, you’ll be able to put out a great spread without feeling like you overcooked your budget.
Drinks on a Dime
Let’s be honest—drinks can sneakily eat up a huge chunk of your BBQ budget if you’re not careful. But there’s no need to serve expensive cocktails or stock a full bar to keep everyone happy. Just like with the food, you can keep it simple and still have a great time.
Stick to the basics: water, iced tea, lemonade, and soda. These options are budget-friendly, and they’re perfect for a hot day. You can even make it fun by serving flavored water with lemon, lime, or cucumber slices—it looks fancy, but it costs next to nothing. You don’t have to feel the pressure to serve alcohol if it doesn’t fit into your budget. Trust me, no one’s going to complain.
But if you do want to offer adult beverages, consider a BYOB (bring your own beverage) option. There’s no shame in letting your guests know that if they’d like to drink something specific, they’re welcome to bring it. Most people are more than happy to pitch in, and it takes the financial burden off of you. If you’d rather provide a few options yourself, stick to affordable choices like a bulk pack of beer or a box of wine. No one will mind, and it keeps your costs low.
Buying drinks in bulk is another way to save. Check out warehouse stores or look for sales at your local grocery store. If you stock up on soda, water, or even beer ahead of time, you’ll spend a lot less than if you wait until the last minute.
The goal here is to make sure everyone’s refreshed and having fun without letting the drinks drown your budget. Keep it simple, keep it affordable, and you’ll be just fine!
Entertainment Without Spending Big
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to spend a bunch of money to keep your guests entertained at a backyard BBQ. In fact, most of the best entertainment is free or already sitting in your garage. You don’t need to rent bouncy houses or hire a live band to make your event memorable—just focus on simple, fun activities that everyone can enjoy.
Start by using what you already have. Got a frisbee or a soccer ball? Set up a quick game for the kids (or the adults) to burn off some energy. Lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, or even a good old-fashioned game of tag can provide hours of entertainment at zero cost. If you’ve got a deck of cards or a board game, set up a quiet area for those who’d rather hang out and relax.
And if you want to go the extra mile, DIY some entertainment. Create a simple playlist of music using free apps like Spotify or YouTube. Or, set up a projector and throw an outdoor movie night. You don’t need to buy or rent one—ask around to see if any of your friends have a projector you can borrow. People love watching a good movie under the stars, and it’s an easy way to wind down the evening without spending a dime.
If you’re hosting a family-friendly BBQ, consider organizing simple backyard games like sack races or a water balloon toss. These are cheap, fun, and get everyone involved. Plus, the memories you make with these types of games will last way longer than anything you could rent.
At the end of the day, it’s the people that make the party, not how much you spend on entertainment. So, skip the fancy extras and focus on the good old-fashioned fun that doesn’t cost a thing. Your budget (and your guests) will thank you.
Avoid Waste and Save Leftovers
One of the easiest ways to save money on your BBQ is to avoid waste. It’s all too common to overestimate how much food you need and end up throwing out perfectly good leftovers. That’s like tossing your hard-earned money right into the trash can! But with a little planning, you can avoid waste and make sure every dollar you spend stretches further.
Start by calculating how much food you actually need. Don’t just guess—there are plenty of online tools that can help you figure out portion sizes based on the number of guests you’re expecting. For example, plan on one burger or hot dog per person, plus a little extra for those with bigger appetites. It’s better to run out of food than to overbuy and watch half of it go to waste.
Speaking of leftovers, make sure to save anything that doesn’t get eaten. Get some inexpensive plastic containers or ask your guests to bring their own, and send them home with a little takeout. That way, the food doesn’t go to waste, and your guests get to enjoy a second helping of the BBQ goodness later on. Plus, you won’t have to store a mountain of leftovers yourself.
Another great tip? Freeze anything that’s still fresh. Whether it’s extra burger patties, buns, or even side dishes like potato salad, pop them in the freezer and save them for a quick meal later on. Not only does this prevent waste, but it saves you time and money down the road.
Lastly, skip the pricey disposable plates, cups, and utensils. Sure, they’re convenient, but they’re also expensive and wasteful. Instead, use reusable plates and silverware. It might take a little extra effort to clean up, but in the long run, it saves you from buying disposable items over and over again.
By being intentional about portions and making use of leftovers, you’ll not only cut down on waste but also get more bang for your buck. And that’s what smart budgeting is all about—making the most of every dollar, even when you’re grilling up a good time!
Conclusion
Hosting a backyard BBQ doesn’t have to send your budget up in flames. With a little planning and some smart money-saving strategies, you can create an amazing experience for your friends and family without overspending. It all comes down to being intentional with every part of the event—whether it’s setting a budget, choosing affordable menu options, or finding entertainment that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Remember, the goal isn’t to impress your guests with how much you spent but to create memories that will last far longer than any expensive detail.
As Dave Ramsey always says, “Act your wage.” You don’t need to stretch your budget or go into debt to throw a great party. By sticking to a plan, getting creative with DIY options, and avoiding waste, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy your BBQ without worrying about how much it’s costing you. After all, financial peace doesn’t mean giving up fun—it just means having fun without the stress of overspending.
So the next time you fire up the grill, keep these tips in mind and watch how much easier—and cheaper—hosting can be. You’ll have a great time, your guests will love it, and your bank account will stay happy. Now that’s a win-win!
And don’t forget—every dollar you save at this BBQ can be put toward your other financial goals. Whether it’s paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or saving for a vacation, those savings add up. So, grill smart, save smart, and keep working toward financial freedom!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I figure out how much food to buy for my BBQ?
Start by estimating one serving per person. For burgers, one patty per guest, plus a few extras for big appetites. Same goes for hot dogs. For sides, plan about a half-cup to one cup per guest. If you’re unsure, use online portion calculators to help you get a better idea based on your guest count. It’s always better to buy a little less than to waste money on too much food.
2. What’s the most budget-friendly meat to serve at a BBQ?
Burgers, hot dogs, and chicken are your best budget-friendly options. If you want to keep things really affordable, go for bulk packs of ground beef or chicken thighs. Avoid expensive cuts like steak or ribs unless you find a great deal on them.
3. Is it rude to ask guests to bring something to the BBQ?
Not at all! Most people actually enjoy contributing to a potluck-style event. You can ask guests to bring a side dish, dessert, or drinks. It’s a great way to lighten your financial load while also making your BBQ feel more like a shared community event.
4. How do I save on drinks without seeming cheap?
Keep it simple—water, iced tea, lemonade, and soda are all affordable options. If you want to offer alcohol, you can either go the BYOB route or stick to budget-friendly choices like bulk beer or boxed wine. No one’s going to care that you didn’t serve fancy cocktails—they’re there to have fun!
5. What’s the best way to handle leftovers?
First, make sure you plan portions carefully so you don’t end up with too much food. If you do have leftovers, send your guests home with some in takeout containers or freeze the extras for later. That way, nothing goes to waste, and you save money by not having to buy lunch or dinner the next day!
6. How do I entertain guests without spending money?
Use what you already have! Lawn games like frisbee, cornhole, or soccer are great, free options. You can also DIY some entertainment, like setting up a playlist or organizing simple games like sack races or tug-of-war. If you want to go all out, borrow a projector and show a movie under the stars—just be sure to ask around before you consider renting anything.
7. Is it worth buying reusable plates and utensils for a BBQ?
Absolutely! While it may seem easier to go with disposable items, those costs add up fast. Investing in reusable plates, cups, and utensils might mean a little more cleanup, but it will save you money in the long run—and it’s better for the environment too!