Summer's here, and you know what that means – it's BBQ season! But let's be real, backyard parties are expensive. Even if you aren’t footing the entire bill, you’ve got to plan for enough food and drinks for everyone to enjoy!
Thankfully, throwing a great backyard party doesn't have to drain your wallet. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can host an absolutely epic BBQ for under $100 that'll have your friends talking about it all summer long.
And here’s some even better news. We’ve got a brand new contest lined up for you that’ll help you throw that epic party!
Win a President’s Choice Gift Card!
Our Backyard Bash Bonanza is here from August 6th to the 13th, and we're giving away $300 in President's Choice gift cards to help you create the ultimate outdoor celebration!
Here's what's up for grabs:
🥇 $150 President's Choice Gift Card for first place
🥈 $100 President's Choice Gift Card for second place
🥉 $50 President's Choice Gift Card for third place
How to Enter:
Head to our social media and tell us your #1 tip for hosting an epic backyard bash in the comments
Tag 2 friends you'd invite to your bash bonanza
Fill out the form on our giveaway landing page with your name and email
Share the giveaway on your socials for extra chances to win!
Food That’s Delicious (and Won’t Break the Bank!)
When it comes to the most important part of the BBQ (the food), here’s the key: keep it simple and focus on crowd-pleasers. Let’s take a look at some options that are sure to be favourites among your guests.
The Main Event ($30-40): Sure, everyone loves steaks, but they’re expensive and aren’t necessary for a backyard barbecue. Go for budget-friendly options that still taste amazing.
Hot dogs and hamburgers are classics for a reason. Chicken drumsticks or thighs are just as good, too. Don’t forget to grab a few veggie burgers for your plant-based friends.
Also, if you can, buy meat in bulk from warehouse stores like Costco, or watch for sales at your local grocery store. You can definitely save some cash if you time your shopping right.
Sides That Everyone Will Love ($25-30): Here's where you can get creative without spending a fortune. Pasta salad is cheap and filling, plus you can use whatever veggies you have lying around.
Baked beans from a can become amazing when you hit them up with BBQ sauce and bacon bits. If corn on the cob is in season, it's super affordable and always a hit. Watermelon slices are refreshing and budget-friendly in summer, and obviously, you can never go wrong with chips and dips.
Optional: Make it BYOB: If you’re footing the bill for most of the backyard party, there’s nothing wrong with asking your guests to bring a few drinks. It also ensures that people bring exactly what they want to drink, whether it’s soda, alcohol, etc.
Other Things Worth Considering
Check Your Own Pantry First: Before hitting the store, check what you already have. Those condiments, spices, and random cans in your cupboard can totally save the day. Plus, there’s nothing worse than buying something you THINK you need, only to later discover you already had some. Don’t make that mistake.
Hit Multiple Stores: It sounds like extra work, but hear me out. Get your meat from Costco, vegetables from the farmer's market, and decorations (if you’re planning on having any) from the dollar store. You'll save way more than the gas money you spend.
Decorations on a Dime ($10-15): This is totally optional, but if you want to create a vibe with some decorations, you can absolutely do that without overspending. String lights from the dollar store will instantly boost the ambience factor. Mason jars work perfectly as drinking glasses and look trendy too. Simple touches like that make a huge difference.
Music That Moves ($0) Create the perfect playlist on Spotify or Apple Music. Think upbeat summer songs that everyone knows. Nothing kills the vibe like awkward silence.
Games and Entertainment ($5-10): This one really depends on the type of party you’re planning on having. But you can always keep everyone entertained with simple games like cornhole, frisbee, football, or card games for when the sun goes down. If kids are coming, water balloons are always fun and super cheap.
Day-of Barbecue Tips
The night before, marinate your meat, chop your veggies, and set up whatever you can. Future you will be so grateful when you're not stressed and running around on the day of your barbecue.
Also, grab some paper plates and plastic cups. Nobody expects fine dining at a backyard BBQ, and cleanup will be way faster and easier.
Also, have a plan B. Even if the weather forecast tells you it’ll be sunny, you never really know how quickly that may change. Consider having things ready to move under a covered porch or having some indoor games ready, just in case.
At the end of the day, people don't necessarily remember exactly what they ate or how much you spent. They remember how they felt. A successful BBQ is about good friends, good laughs, and good times.
When Your Budget Needs a Little Help
Sometimes, even the best planning can't account for unexpected expenses. Maybe your grill decides to break down the day before your party, or you realize you need way more food than you thought. That's where a short-term loan can help keep your plans on track.
The key is being smart about it, only borrow what you really need and make sure you can pay it back on time. iCash makes it easy with fast approval and a simple online process, so you can focus on what really matters: having an awesome time with your friends. Sign up with iCash today to get started!
