Host a Baby Shower for Under $50

Planning an event can quickly spiral out of control and several hundred dollars later all your left with are dirty dishes and decorations that cost you a fortune and will likely never be used again.  I decided I wanted to put my budget friendly party planning skills to the test to prove that you can plan an amazing party for a reasonable amount.   

The goal: to plan a safari baby shower for 20 people for under $50.

Freebies: the dishes and serving pieces that I already own and use regularly and ingredients that most people have on hand at all times that are used for day to day cooking such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and oil.  

Menu (includes ingredient list and cost): 
Parmesan & Thyme Crackers 
    - Parmesan $2.29, thyme $1.99, flour, butter, salt, pepper
Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese frosting 
    - cream cheese frosting $.99, cake mix $1.25, eggs, oil, water
Crudites with Ranch Dip 
    - carrots $.69, celery $.69, ranch dressing $1.99
Safari Punch 
    - 2 liter lemon lime soda $1.09, blue punch $2.25, white cranberry juice $2.88
Elephant Sugar Cookies 
    - cookie frosting $1.39, blue food coloring $1.55, flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla
Watermelon $1.88
Taffy $.98

Decorations, cupcake stands and extras (includes taxes):
Cupcake liners  ($1.62)
Veggie shot glasses ($1.08 for 25 glasses) 
Napkins ($1.08)
Cups ($2.16)
Saucers (1.08)
Card stock ($2.10)
Material used for tablecloth (1 yard for $3.78)
Cupcake stands: spray paint $5.21, stove top covers (2 for $1) $2.16, candlesticks $6.48, plastic bowls (4 for $1) $1.08

The grand total: $49.91

Budget saving tips:
1) Avoid scheduling your event at meal times when your guests will be expecting a full meal. Instead plan to serve light appetizers in the late morning or afternoon.
2) Send invitations via email. 
3) Plan games that don't require additional props.  Print game cards from your computer for guests to unscramble baby related words or have them fill in the blanks to your favorite nursery rhymes.     

Get the Look:
Tablecloth - gray and white chevron material 
Backdrop - safari animals traced and cut of baby blue card stock
Baby blue cupcake stands (find the tutorial here) - made from stove top covers, candlesticks, bowls, and baby blue spray paint. 
Saucers, napkins, & veggie cups (Dollar Tree)
Cups (Dollar Tree) - decorated with safari animal silhouettes that were printed on white paper and attached with glue to each cup.  
Food tents - made using printed food labels and attached to polka dot and baby blue card stock. 
Punch bowl - I used a trifle bowl to hold the punch instead of a traditional punch bowl. 

Looking for more baby shower ideas? Check out this adorable children's book baby shower.