Party budget guide for 50 guests

A simple party budget for 50 guests splits your total into categories by percentage: food first, then drinks, the place, and the extras, with a cushion for surprises. Start with the total you're comfortable spending, then use the framework below to divide it.

Party budget framework

These percentages are a starting point for a party of 50, not a rule. Move money between categories to match what matters most to you.

If you host at home, the place and rentals line shrinks, and you can move that money to food or drinks. If you rent a pavilion or event room, it grows.

Track it as you go

Write down every purchase in one place. Our party budget planner does the math for you and shows how each category compares to your plan.

How to split costs with co-hosts

Co-hosting spreads the cost and the work. The key is agreeing before anyone spends.

1. Agree on the total. Set the budget together first, so no one gets surprised later.
2. Share one quote. Build your drink plan in Price my party, then share the quote link with your co-hosts so everyone sees the same estimate.
3. Pick a split method: - Even split: divide the total by the number of hosts. - By category: one host covers food, another covers drinks, another covers decorations. - By headcount: each host pays a share based on how many guests they invite.
4. Let one person book. One host books and pays online, and the others pay them back.
5. Keep receipts. Snap a photo of each receipt and settle up after the party.

Gift card tip: our gift cards never expire and can be transferred, and only one applies per order. If co-hosts want to chip in ahead of time, pool the money into a single gift card for the host who books.

Where to save

Drinks

• Rent the right number of machines. One machine serves up to 100 guests, so 50 guests need only one.
• Order the right number of mixes. One mix serves about 20 guests, so 50 guests need about 3. Unopened mixes are refunded at pickup, so a spare costs you nothing if you don't open it.
• Start with the Party Package. It bundles one machine, one mix, and 50 cups and straws.
• Lean on margaritas for big crowds. A margarita mix makes about 75 drinks (8 oz each), while daiquiri, piña colada, and most fruit slushie mixes make about 50.
• Put a slushie in one bowl. Every mix is alcohol-free until you add alcohol, so a kids slushie bowl needs no liquor at all.
• Skip the ice for the machine. It freezes the drinks itself. Buy ice only for an ice chest of other drinks.

Food

• Go buffet style. A taco bar or BBQ spread costs less per guest than plated food. See our party food menus for amounts.
• Make one big dish, buy the rest. Cook the main and pick up sides and dessert.

Everything else

• Host at home if you have the space and an outlet on its own circuit.
• Let the drinks decorate. Two bright flavors in the bowls make an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Borrow before you buy. Tables, chairs, coolers, and speakers often live in a friend's garage.

See your drink costs

Check our prices for current rates, then build your plan to get an exact estimate you can share.

Ready to plan? Check dates and book online in minutes, or get a quick estimate first.