Celebrating major milestones, like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or personal achievements, creates memories that last a lifetime. Unfortunately, massive celebrations can drain your wallet. The good news is that meaningful festivities don’t have to cost a lot at all. With thoughtful planning and creativity, you can commemorate these special moments without overspending. Here are 10 tips for celebrating milestones while on a budget.

1. Set a realistic budget and stick to it

Before planning any celebration, determine what you can afford and commit to staying within that limit. A clear budget helps prioritize expenses and encourages creative solutions to achieve a memorable event without financial strain.

2. Host intimate gatherings at home

You don’t need an expensive venue to celebrate special moments. With some inexpensive decor and your favorite homemade foods, you can transform your living space into a festive place for an intimate celebration. By hosting at home, you’ll save on rental costs and leave more room in your budget for personalized decor and menu options.

3. Go potluck

Make your prep easy and your menu fun and varied by hosting a potluck celebration. Assign a part of the meal to each guest so there’s no overlap. It’s also a good idea to ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions you should know about and share these with your other guests.

4. Leverage public spaces

If you’d prefer not to host and you’d rather not spend a lot of money on renting a venue, consider using a public space for your celebration. Parks, beaches and community centers often offer free or low-cost venues for gatherings. Celebrating in a natural setting provides a beautiful backdrop without the expense of a rented venue while a creative indoor location can add interest and character to your celebration. Be sure to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits in advance.

5. Make it personal

Level up your celebration by making it personal. For example, if you’re planning a birthday celebration for a friend, you can create a short video of your favorite moments together. You can even use photos as part of the decor by creating placemats out of photos or monogramming napkins. Personalizing your party inherently makes it unique.

6. Plan group activities

Instead of focusing solely on the celebration, plan group activities that everyone can enjoy. Hiking, picnics, movie-binging and game nights are all cost-effective ways to commemorate milestones while creating lasting memories with loved ones.

7. Choose off-peak dates

Another fabulous way to celebrate milestones without breaking the budget is to choose dates, days of the week and times of day that aren’t so popular. Vendors will have more availability and may be willing to compromise on their prices when there’s lower demand.

8. Use digital invitations

Snail mail is so last millennium. Save on stationery and postage by sending digital invitations instead. Numerous online platforms offer free or inexpensive customizable e-invites that can set the tone for your event.

9. Prioritize meaningful gestures

Sometimes, the most memorable moments are celebrated in heartfelt gestures and not with loud, extravagant parties. Writing a heartfelt letter, cooking up a loved one’s favorite meal or compiling a video montage can be more impactful than expensive gifts or events.

10. Seek out community events

Align your celebration with local festivals or community events to save big. This will allow you to take advantage of existing entertainment and activities without additional costs. For example, attending a free concert or fireworks display can add a festive flair to your milestone without impacting your budget. Special milestones deserve special celebrations, but they don’t need to break the bank. Use these tips to celebrate milestones of any kind while on a budget.