Plan Big, Spend Small: How to Throw an Epic Family Event Without Overspending

Jun 7
3 min read

People cheerfully clinking glasses at an outdoor meal, surrounded by greenery. Plates of pasta and bowls of grapes on a table with candles.

Who says you need a massive budget to throw an unforgettable and epic family event? The truth is, a great event isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about how well you plan.

With the right strategy, you can create an epic gathering that feels extravagant without breaking the bank.

Here’s how to plan big and spend small while still delivering an amazing experience for your family.

1. Set a Realistic Budget (and Stick to It!)

Before anything else, decide how much you can comfortably spend. Break it down into categories, venue, food, activities, and decorations, so you know where to save and where to splurge. Need fashionable outfits or gifts for the event the Together Hub Store has what you need that will fit in the budget. Check out the store here.

Calculator, pen, and paperclips on white desk with a paper and small potted plant. Simple and neat office setup.

2. Pick the Right Venue (for Free or Cheap!)

Forget expensive halls. Think creatively!

● Local parks often have pavilions you can rent for little to nothing.

● Someone’s backyard or home can make the event feel more intimate and personal.

● Community centers and churches sometimes offer discounted rental rates for gatherings.

Elegant table set outdoors with orange glasses, floral centerpieces, and candles. Brown chairs encircle the wooden table under a bright sky.

3. Go Potluck Style for Food For Your Epic Family Event

Feeding a crowd is one of the biggest expenses, but potluck-style meals make it easy (and fun). Assign dishes so you don’t end up with 10 trays of rice and no protein. If you prefer to cook, focus on cost-effective crowd-pleasers like pasta dishes, BBQ, or taco bars.

Hands serve pasta, salad with corn, and greens from colorful bowls on a white table. Purple onion rings and seeds are visible. Bright and vibrant.

4. DIY the Decor (and Keep It Simple)

Pinterest-worthy decorations don’t have to cost a fortune. Dollar stores and thrift shops have plenty of party supplies, and a little creativity goes a long way:

● String lights or candles for an elegant touch

● Mason jars and fresh flowers for simple centerpieces

● Personalized signs and banners made from craft paper

Outdoor reception with white tables and chairs, floral centerpiece, under hanging flowers and lights. Ocean and trees in the background.

5. Entertainment? Think Free & Fun!

You don’t need a DJ or a bounce castle to keep the fun going. Try these budget-friendly activities:

● DIY games like relay races, scavenger hunts, or trivia

● A family talent show (hilarious and free!)

● Photo booth with props: set up a corner with a fun backdrop and let people snap away

A group of people laughing in a colorful, neon-lit amusement park with bumper cars in the background, showing excitement and joy.

6. Go Digital for Invitations

Why spend money on printed invites when free digital options like Canva to create and the Together Hub App to send out to your group will work just as well? Send invites early and follow up with reminders to avoid last-minute dropouts.

Man in a white shirt smiling at his phone on a city street. Blurred background with buildings and red traffic lights. Daytime.

7. Borrow, Don’t Buy

Need extra tables, chairs, or coolers? Reach out to family members on the Together Hub app before renting or buying. Someone might have exactly what you need sitting in their garage.

8. Shop Smart for Supplies

Instead of buying everything in one place, compare prices online and at discount stores. Bulk-buy essentials like cups, plates, and napkins at warehouse stores or dollar stores to cut costs and create a list or poll in your Together Hub group to find out who's bringing what.

9. Capture the Memories for Free

Skip the professional photographer, designate a family member with a good camera to take photos. Or set up a shared album where everyone can upload their best shots. Also, by subscribing to Together Hub’s Family Group Plan, you will have access to upload your files, photos, documents and videos without stress.