How to have a Halloween party on a budget

‘However, it is almost guaranteed that rooting through drawers will reveal many Halloween delights from parties past, such as leftover bunting, plates, napkins, lights, and much more. 

‘By utilising decorations that you already have around the house, you will be able to spend more time and money on things that cannot be reused, such as supplying food and Halloween-themed drinks.’

And if you really don’t have any old decorations lying around, then get your arts and crafts out and make your own. Not only will you save a tonne of money, but it’s also a fun activity that will get you in the mood for the festivities.

Make your own potion

‘Nothing says ‘Halloween’ quite like a spooky potions class, so make your own,’ suggest Brean. 

‘If you have any old perfume bottles lying around, fill them with water and food colouring to create the ultimate creepy aesthetic.’

You can use any bottle or jar for this and can make your own labels which can be attached using sellotape.

Zombify some dolls

Dolls can be found in most shops but are especially prevalent in a multitude of budget and bargain shops,’ says Brean. 

‘Costing only a couple of pounds, these dolls can be taken home and given the ultimate Bride of Chucky makeover. 

‘Using paint, pens or even old make-up, you can give your dolls a terrifying transformation in no time. There are lots of Youtube tutorials available for inspiration, but you could also simply go for a classic dark eye, red lip and plenty of fake blood.’

When you’re done, simply place these around your house, ready for the party.

These dolls will make for some pretty haunted and creepy decorations that are guaranteed to spook your guests.

Avoid the pumpkin patch

While it makes a cute and aesthetically-pleasing Instagram post, it’s probably not worth it.

‘Pumpkin patches can have a disastrous impact on your bank account,’ adds Brean.

‘Attending one of these venues, as autumnal as they may be, usually requires you to purchase a ticket – which is an added cost on top of buying the pumpkins you will end up choosing.

‘As well as this, driving to a pumpkin patch could seem fairly pointless if you are not planning on taking several home with you, which is why it is always far cheaper to head to a local supermarket [to buy a pumpkin] instead.’

Have a look through your wardrobe

If you have any old clothes you no longer wear, why not try repurposing them into a great new Halloween costume?

Getting creative and using clothes and items you have at home can help you save money this Halloween,’ says Brean. 

‘Depending on what you are planning to dress up as, it could be easier than you think to build an outfit out of the clothes you wear every day.

‘For example, if you are going as a witch or a spooky cat, wearing a simple black dress with tights and black shoes would suffice – leaving you with only cat ears or a pointed hat to buy.’

If you are unsure where to start, have a look online for tutorials and tips which can help teach you the skills needed to sew and stitch up your new costume.

Brean adds: ‘A quick Google search will highlight how simple it is to dress up as a multitude of different spooky characters – if you feel like attending a party dressed as a possessed, murderous doll, then a pair of dungarees and a striped T-shirt will do the trick. Don’t be afraid to get creative.’

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