Plan a Party  - don't break the bank!

End-of-year functions always come with set budgets – and sticking to them requires fancy footwork to dodge the pitfalls. For example, there’s a common misperception that the more you spend, the better the experience will be. But if that was true, those stiff ballroom functions in the 90s, with the boring speeches and endless seven-course meals, would’ve been a hoot; and your kid’s fifth birthday party in your backyard a royal letdown!

It’s not how much you spend that counts – it’s the thrill of your theme, the amount of fun everyone’s having and how memorable the experience is. To make sure that every Rand you spend contributes to a jolly good time, it’s helpful to keep a party budget’s key elements in mind though. From venue hire to catering, and entertainment and/or activities – there’s a lot to consider.

Themed Year End Function - A Night at the Oscars

Budget-Friendly Year End Function Tips

Having spearheaded over 800 events in and around Cape Town, we have come to know a thing or two about managing a year end function - not to mention sticking to the allocated budget!  Here are some key elements and tricks we use to pull of the best possible event within budget.

1. Venue selection

The venue is arguably the most important cog in the wheel, as it sets the scene for your theme. It needs to comfortably accommodate your guest total, as well as all the activities and mingling that’s being planned.

2. Reduce decor costs

Save money by choosing a venue that compliments your theme and includes on-site catering, staff, audio-visual equipment, and special lighting. Venues featuring key elements like these bring costs down considerably, as you can save on outsourcing and hiring everything from crockery to microphones.

3. Getting there 

Consider transport and the location of your venue carefully. There’s no point in securing the perfect spot – complete with all the décor elements for your Mysterious Masked Ball in the Winelands if you have to cough up a pretty penny to get everyone there and back.

3. Drinks allocation

Year end functions are known to be festive, and drinks quickly rack up the total at any party, so it’s best to err on the side of caution in your budget. Depending on the type of event, plan for R150 - 250 per person for beverages. Be sure to pre select your wine to narrow down the choices and the costs!

4. Bigger is better

Get more bang for your buck by reducing the cost per person. The size of the group has an impact on the price tag – the bigger the group, the lower the price per person.

5. Creating the vibe

Make sure the theme is supported with a line-up of entertainment that keeps guests captivated. A party planner with the best ‘little black book’ in town can save you hours of searching, and money too. Whether it’s a roaming act for a cocktail event or a dazzling stage performance at a swanky Great Gatsby themed party, secure top-notch entertainment – it’s the life of the party.  Should your budget not allow for it, go for a DJ who will set the tone with themed music.

Themed Year End Function - The Great Gatsby

Year End Function Price Ranges

When it comes to how much bang you can get for your buck, there’s a world of Year End Function options in Cape Town to suit just about every budget.

Lower Range

In the range of R595 - R795 per person, guests can embark on a shipwreck murder mystery, filled with delicious deceit and some marvelous mischief; or take their South African braai skills to pro level in a seriously fun cook-off contest; or they may even head off to the Winelands for a fun mobile treasure hunt ending with fabulous food under the shade of ancient oak trees.

Middle Range

For R795 - R995 per person, the Wild Wild West awaits, with everything from bucking bulls to line dancing and saloon shooting; while an oceanic extravaganza Under the Sea will enthrall every guest. If lavish elegance is called for, a classy Casino Grand experience will hit all the right notes.

Themed Year End Function - Wild Wild West

Higher Range

With a budget stretching to R995 - R1,295 per person, you can set sail for the ultimate Cape Town Summer Yacht Party; opt for a high-octane Bank Heist whodunnit-mystery; splash out for a Masked Ball; or get your glam on at a Great Gatsby-themed treat.

Overnight year end getaway options in the R1,595 - R2,195 per person ballpark include a thrilling dash up and down the Cape’s magnificent coastline – Amazing Race - style.

Ultra-affordable fun choices also abound and the variety of interactive activities range from live escape challenges, adrenaline-fuelled sports days, mind-boggling CSI challenges and adventurous mobile treasure hunts.

Outdoor Year End Function - Beach, Braai & Sunny Sky

Perfectly Packaged and Priced

All these Cape Town year end packages – conceptualised and presented by Team Orange – include venue, menu, activity and/or entertainment, as well as the seamless planning and execution of events. Accommodating various group sizes and cost structures, we have a wide network of venues – of which many boast tailor-made décor elements (so you don’t have to blow your budget).

Our extensive experience has provided us with the ability to truly understand our clients needs, expectations and constraints. Added to that, we really do love a great party – particularly a dress-up! So our combination of out-of-the-box thinking, creative design and flawless execution is just the ticket for magical events of all shapes and sizes – no matter what the budget.