If you are like me and host the family for the Fourth of July Celebration, it’s easy to spend a lot on just one party. Here are some tips for hosting a great gathering without overspending.
The 4th of July is a great time to get friends and family together. Before or after your party celebration, visit one of the many FREE fireworks displays in and around Wichita. Click HERE for the complete list of events, fireworks, parades, and more for Independence Day.
Some of you may already know this, but before my days of “Wichita on the Cheap Lady,” I spent nine incredible years as the Director of Special Events at Botanica, the Wichita Gardens. During that time, I planned everything from elegant galas to overseeing Illuminations and all the family-friendly events in between.
That role taught me a lot, not just about hosting grand events, but about creating memorable experiences on any budget. Whether you’re organizing a garden fundraiser for hundreds or a casual backyard cookout for your closest friends, the same principles apply: plan smart, stay creative, and always find ways to make people feel welcome.
So now, when I host parties at home (especially for holidays like the 4th of July), I tap into that event’s background but with a “Wichita on the Cheap” twist. These are some of my favorite tips and tricks that I still use to save money, cut down on stress, and throw a fun, festive party that people will remember… without blowing your budget or losing your mind.
How to Save Money on your 4th of July Party
Food and Beverage
Make it a potluck! Hosting doesn’t mean you’re responsible for the entire bill. Prepare the main dish (like burgers or hot dogs) and ask guests to bring sides, drinks, or desserts.
Pass on the sodas. Brew iced tea or make a pitcher of lemonade; it’s a cheaper and more refreshing option!
Skip the bottled water. A pitcher of ice water with cucumber, lemon, or mint feels fancy and costs nearly nothing.
Budget booze tip: Create one fun summer cocktail (think: sangria, margaritas, spiked lemonade) and ask guests to BYOB for everything else.
My not-so-secret cocktail tip: Use up the random leftover bottles in your liquor cabinet. Mix with frozen lemonade, OJ, fruit from your fridge, and a splash of Fresca — it makes everything sparkle.
Shop sales early. Watch your local grocery ads leading up to the 4th and stock up when buns, chips, and grill meat go on sale. Wichita stores like Dillons, Aldi, and Ollies usually have pre-holiday markdowns.
Buy in bulk. If you’re expecting a crowd, it’s often cheaper to get large quantities at Sam’s Club or Costco (especially for meat, buns, chips, and condiments).
Serving Tips
- Use smaller plates. Guests take less food, which helps your budget stretch.
- Caterer pro tip: Place the least expensive foods (like salad or chips) at the beginning of the buffet. Put your meat at the very end — people fill up their plates as they go!
- Name those cups. Provide a Sharpie so guests can write their names on their plastic cups; it cuts down on waste and costs.
- Ditch the disposables. Use your real plates, cups, and silverware. It means more dishes, but way less waste and expense.
- Skip plastic tablecloths. Use an old sheet, a patriotic towel, or even bandanas layered across the table. Instant Americana vibe!
Decor for the 4th
- Shop your house. Look for anything red, white, or blue — dishware, vases, baskets, scarves, or pillows.
- Backyard centerpiece hack: Kansas “weeds” (hello, milkweed and wild sunflowers!) look beautiful in a mason jar. Bonus if you wrap it in twine or ribbon.
- Light it up: Use string lights or candles you already have for ambiance after dark. Even Christmas lights work!
- Free printables. Sites like Pinterest and Canva have free patriotic signs and table labels to download and print.
- Kids craft decor: Let kids make paper stars, flags, or a banner to hang. It’s cute, festive, and free.
4th of July Entertainment
- Play outdoor games like cornhole, horseshoes, frisbee, water balloons no need to buy anything new.
- Download free apps. Heads Up is a guaranteed laugh. Charades and Trivia Crack are also great.
- Music is key. Create a free playlist on Spotify or Pandora. Use a Bluetooth speaker to set the vibe.
- DIY photo booth. Hang a flag or festive sheet, throw in some silly props (hats, glasses, signs), and you’ve got a perfect selfie station!
Other Party Tips
- Set expectations. Let guests know what you’re providing and what they should bring to avoid awkward surprises.
- Avoid overbuying. Remember: most people don’t eat three full servings of everything. Plan modest portions.
- Make a budget and stick to it. Decide what matters most (food? drinks? games?) and scale the rest.
- Visit the Dollar Tree or Five Below. Great for affordable party goods, glow sticks, sparklers, and tableware.
- Check your stash first. You might already have leftover napkins, decorations, or utensils from past parties.
Final Tip: Keep it Simple!
You don’t need a picture-perfect setup for everyone to have fun. Focus on good food, fun people, and a laid-back atmosphere. That’s what makes a party memorable — not how much you spent.
Let me know if you’d like this turned into a downloadable checklist or printable party planner in the comments!
Looking for things to do in Wichita over the 4th of July? We’ve got the Ultimate List of Fireworks Shows & Parades in Wichita & the surrounding areas, plus Money-Saving Tips for Hosting your celebration. Make sure to also look over a quick recap of Kansas Firework Laws, important safety reminders, and our Summer Checklist of Things to Do This Summer in Wichita. Whether you’re heading out to watch a big show or planning something fun at home, these guides have everything you need for a festive and budget-friendly Fourth of July!
Summer Deals & Things to Do
Free & Cool Parks in & around Wichita
Kids Eat Free or Cheap in Wichita
A Kid’s Guide to Summer in Wichita
