Picture this: Weird MC’s ‘Ijoya’ is playing, your friends are all around you, some just gisting (Zarah always did love a good story), and others are dancing (Leave it to Fisayo to almost break the tiles with his legwork). Then, you’re suddenly grateful that you read that (this) Ahmad’s Journal article about planning a house party that wouldn’t leave you in poverty.

Welcome, gentle readers, to the first step of the best budget house party you will ever throw.

Throwing a house party is one of the easiest ways to have fun with your friends for primarily one reason – the only real requirement is space.

You’re almost guaranteed a fun time as long as you have a place (your apartment, your parent’s house, your friend’s place… ) and plan it well.

We don’t know about you, but we’re here for a fun time.

If you are too, then you’re in the right place.

Unemployment numbers, this sufferhead heatwave, and a general lack of electricity – Band A we greet you – are enough to make you want to go and meet your baba in the village for him to look into your matter and see who is really doing you.

So, let’s help you loosen up. All work and no play yen yen yen.

This guide will walk you through planning your bash (the most important bit), decoration, cleaning, games, food and drink… the whole thing.

When have we ever not got you?

(Rhetorical)

Put on your party hats and let’s get groovin’.

Planning your bash

What kind of space do you have?

Where do you want to host? In your apartment complex? (noise restrictions? Limited guests?) In your parent’s house? (neighbours? Big compound?). Considering the type of space you have and the advantages or limitations that it presents can help you plan better.

Let’s say your folks travel, and you have the house to yourself, if they have a big compound or backyard, that’s more space for you to plan games or add outside seating for guests.

If you are doing it in a multi-tenanted block with stricter policies, you have to consider other people and your tenant agreement.

If they evict you and you call us, it will enter voicemail o.

We all know the saying “Use what you have to get to where you want”, and it applies here.

How can you use your space to the fullest?

Coming up with a guest list

It sounds fancy (which it is) but it is also essential for planning. Knowing who and how many people will be there gives you a great idea of what to buy, how much space you need, and even what kind of music to play.

If you want to make it a thing, hop on Canva and whip up a quick party invitation card that you’d send out virtually to your friends.

Does it get cuter than that?

Having a guest list is also important so you don’t mistakenly invite two people/groups who have beef with each other.

Let it not turn from party to fight. So, get out your notepad and start writing.

Look at you, so exclusive.

Setting a budget

In our Millenial Money article, Morenike spoke about budgeting – yes, it applies to parties and enjoyment too.

How much are you willing to spend on this house party? And be honest about your capacity too. The point of a house party is to have a good time with friends.

Having a good time should not throw your bank account into jeopardy.

Nigeria is already doing that for you, please.

After finalising your guest list, it’s much easier to estimate what you’ll need to buy (always account for extra!) or arrange for the festivities.

If you’re planning ahead – which we recommend – you can use the Moneystart Budget planner to know exactly what your money will look like before and after your party.

Budget, budget, budget.

Decide on a theme – if you want one

Themes are a fun and easy way to add some razzle dazzle to your house party.

Stuff like “African parents chic”, “Y2k club scene”, or even movies and shows are great sources for themes to elevate a party. Plus, it gives people a chance to dress up, and when they dress up, they usually want to post on social media and boom: Everyone on the internet thinks you throw the coolest parties ever!

And you didn’t even have to spend any money on publicity.

Wisdom.

They might take light (Band A Bandits, feel free to skip this one)

So sorry to remind you but yes, you might be eating up the dancefloor when darkness descends on you and yours, so you must be prepared.

Get yourself a portable Bluetooth speaker (maybe one from Canoon Store) so the music never stops, and if you’re willing to splurge, a rechargeable standing fan or two (definitely not a requirement, but it’s one of those things you can’t regret buying, really).

Also, make sure drinks are cold enough before the party starts because there’s nothing worse than warm vodka and hot coke.

Yes, Nigeria is hard, but please.

Curating a bumping playlist

You’re not a DJ. (Unless you are o, then we greet you).

Let’s accept that.

But, you probably can make a banging playlist. Choose popular songs – obviously – make sure your streaming service has good sound quality and mix genres.

These are the basics, but if you want to take things a step further, throw in some old jams for nostalgia, ask people for their requests during the party, and play music that fits the theme – if you decide on one.

Or, you could just find a readymade playlist for parties on whatever streaming service you use, like the ones on Boomplay.

Let it never be said that your party was like garnished Indomie with no seasoning – pretty, but dead.

Decoration and cleaning

Decorations

Now, decorations are definitely optional, but if you want to go a step past a party and make it an experience, then maybe you should consider some.

Let’s get you started with some ideas…

Nollywood Posters: These are great if your theme is intended to evoke nostalgia or a vintage vibe. Say you asked people to dress up as characters from the Nollywood film “Glamour Girls” (the one with Zack Orji and Eucharia Anunobi), printing out and hanging the iconic movie posters or scenes from the movie would be a great touch. (Yungnollywood on Instagram have some fabulous posters and hilarious memes you can use, wink wink.)

LED strip lights: If you’re Gen Z, you’re probably aware of how these lights can transform a room from plain to disco with the flip of a switch. Hang them all around or even wrap them around furniture to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary (Check out Light Trybe or Jumia – you’re welcome).

Balloon Bonanza: Balloons are a classic for a reason. They are the affordable decoration option. Use them in various colours and sizes to create balloon arches, or even fill them with confetti or treats – you can make a game out of it! – for a fun surprise. It’s giving Primary 3 class party vibes but with alcohol.

Cleaning

We know it’s a chore, but please, don’t embarrass your mother by allowing guests into a dirty home.

Sweep, mop, clean surfaces and make sure you wash that bathroom. A clean house is welcoming to guests, which we’re sure is what you want…

Right?

Also, make sure you stock up on cleaning supplies for after the party.

If you need some help, you can ask one or two of your close friends who will be at the party to come over beforehand and help you clean.

If you manage to press their mumu buttons well or your baba is very good at juju, you can also get them to help with after-party clean up.

You really can’t come and kill yourself, dear.

Food and Drinks

Potluck Power: Food, alongside music, is one of the lifelines of a party. Unfortunately, catering or cooking can get pretty pricey, which is what we’re trying to avoid here. So, we suggest a potluck where each guest brings a dish to share. It does not have to be anything fancy: tell guests to come with a container each of easy-to-get/make dishes like jollof rice, suya, puff puff, fried plantains, samosas, etc, and watch your guests feed themselves with nary a kobo leaving your pocket.

DIY Mocktails/Cocktails: You can ask people to bring their booze, but if you can afford it, something you can do to take things up a notch is provide supplies and recipes for drinks that guests can make themselves.

A DIY bar, now, wouldn’t that be fun? Print out the drink recipes and paste them on a wall wherever your makeshift bar is, and let guests whip up whatever they like – as long as you’ve got the recipes and ingredients. Or, you can order drinks from Drinks.ng and have them delivered to your place.

Either way, a win-win.

Have fun, but remember to never drink and drive. Use Rida, Indrive or appoint a designated driver among your friends to get you home safely.

Let your mother’s enemies not rejoice.

Games

Who doesn’t love a good party game?

Games are an easy way to get everyone’s attention at a party and a fun way to bond with others. Traditional party games like Charades or Pictionary will always be bangers, let’s be honest.

Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle, and the popular flip-the-bottle trend are also classics for a reason – they’re easy, require no equipment or pieces, and can be played by any number of people.

Games like “Concentration Concentration” and “No Gree!” by KC at NIBCARD Games are also fun to get everyone bubbling.

Just remember, it’s all good fun, please don’t break a bottle on anyone’s head.

Wrapping things up…

So you see, a bumping house party doesn’t need to be expensive, it just has to be planned well.

This is why we’ve come up with The Budget Houseparty Index. To help you with that.

(Clap for us, please)

Bookmark this and return when you’re planning your next bash.

The Budget Houseparty Index

Now that you’re a house party savant, are you ready to blow everyone’s socks off with your upcoming event? What was your favourite tip from the article? Do you have any advice for other house party planners?

We’re listening, so tell us in the comments below!