Dirty Thirty: 5 tips to keep it simple and not break the bank

30 sprung up on me fairly quick! I never imagined where I would be in life at 30 or what I would even be doing to celebrate. Prior to my birthday I celebrated holidays, birthdays and weddings of close friends, and transitioned to a new job after 8 months of maternity leave. All of this happened from November to December of 2019 and my birthday was at the beginning of January. SO, the last thing I thought about was what I wanted to do for my own 30th. Heck, I honestly could not surpass the thought of just being at home and cuddling with my boys. Just chillin’! Doing us! Sure enough that did not happen.

I had many ideas from a quick getaway with my husband to a themed party. All of it was just a force and the allotted time I had to plan anything that extravagant would have cost me sleep. Ever since my first pregnancy and having my first baby, sleep has a more intimate meaning to me. You get the point? All that being said, I brought my 30th in with family and friends and for me, it was just what I would plan to do all over again.

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I planned a brunch at Sixty Vines in Rice Village. Originally I planned to cover a mimosa bar, appetizers and a DJ. Minimal decorations, including a dessert table, even became a thought. But I thought to myself why spend unnecessary money? Is it my birthday or my guests’? Will it matter? What else could I do with that money instead? Maybe treat myself, invest, or just leave it be. I don’t know about you but as 30 approached frugality became more habitual for me. So I kept it simple.

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I chose a smaller room which was cheaper and had character that was more appealing to me. I covered appetizers and provided dessert from my favorite cupcake spot. My sister surprised me with the perfect homemade birthday cake. I created a playlist on my phone and used the supplied adapter and speakers which were fitting for the room and the amount of guests. My makeup artist was fully booked so I did my own makeup. Now as simple as this may sound I had personalized menus included with my booking. I felt the menus were a sweet additive that I appreciated and least expected. Nonetheless, I came out winning from all ends! So here are 5 tips that helped me make my decisions:

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Tip #1: Set a budget. Whatever that means to you, stick with it. This can even be applied to celebrating in grand style with a themed party or a trip out of the country. I am not knocking these options at ALL! A birthday milestone can be celebrated all year long so lets not blow moneybags all in one day. Just because you have it doesn’t mean spend it.

Tip #2: Make sure you are the reason. Choose something that will embody you. For instance, my people know I love brunch, mimosas, natural lighting, airy spaces, and R&B music. Thats what I wanted and thats what I got. None of it was to please or keep up with anyone else. This is your day, you can be selfish for once.

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Tip #3: Utilize your resources. Birthday celebrations can become costly, obviously. A lot of expenses can be avoided or even fractioned by asking for help with DIY projects, borrowing party decoration, free online invitations, etc,. If you are booking a venue or any vendors make sure you know what all you comes with your bookings and purchases. Better yet, negotiate. The worse that can be said is “no”!

Tip #4: Choose wisely. A DJ was not a must but at first seemed so ideal. I was turning 30 and I wanted to dance and feel the music in my soul. Now, my playlist and the setup I had compared to no DJ but it sufficed. Plus, I kept a few hundred dollars in my pocket and still ended my day dancing the night away!

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Tip #5: Plan ahead of time. I think this one goes without being said. The more you procrastinate the more you will end up spending. Prioritize tasks and knock them out in a timely manner. The last thing you want to do is be late to your own event ( I was by 5 mins . . . smh ). I made the mistake of going to the nail salon the morning before my brunch and lets just say these pictures almost did not make it because the color was so not what i thought it would be. I was that girl that nearly squealed when seeing her nails in daylight but . . . TIME!