It's easy to assume that the quality of your event must rise or fall based on your budget. But at Apartment Life, we've become experts at hosting events that have a high-end feel regardless of the community or budget. And the great news is, you don't have to spend a fortune to give your community an upscale experience. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can make any event feel like a premium experience without the hefty price tag. Here are a few of our favorite events taken straight from the playbook of our very own coordinators:
Happy hour is always a crowd-pleaser, but alcohol is a big-ticket item that can easily eat up an entire budget. Our pro-tip: purchase a few different types of wine that fit your budget (two-buck Chuck, anyone?) and then pre-pour glasses along with thoughtfully presented snacks. Fruit, nuts, cheese, and chocolate can all be purchased from your local grocery store to keep costs down. Crates, containers, and cake stands can be re-purposed to create an eye-catching display. Your lovely spread will draw all the attention, as opposed to the label on your wine bottle.
You don't have to cater from a trendy bakery to give residents a cafe experience in the comfort of your club room. One of our favorite hacks is to opt for pastries from Costco or your local grocery store and then invest your energy into the aesthetic of the table. We're big fans of pegboard donut displays and repurposed paper towel holders to stack your sweet treats. Choose a small table and then strategically overcrowd your platters and plates to give an impression of endless options. With a few additional thoughtful details (a tablecloth, some fresh greenery or florals, fresh fruit on the side), residents will never know that you didn't spend a fortune to give them a swanky Saturday morning brunch.
What are your event tips and hacks for hosting upscale events on a budget? We want to hear from you. Drop us a comment below and make sure to share your best event photos with us!