If you will be working on an event with a $0 budget you will have to fundraise for your event and receive sponsorship. But typically for most events there is a specific dollar amount you are allocated to spend.
To easily keep track of your spending and to always know where you stand with your money I recommend you use some sort of spreadsheet tool. I recommend using excel or google sheets. Below lists an example of how I would set up a budget. On the top row of the document I always have columns labeled: item, estimated cost, actual cost, details and total money spent.
First I list all of the items I foresee myself buying for the event. Then I begin to price compare the item by looking it up online so I can find the best deal. Once I do buy the product I type in the actual cost of the item and include where I bought it from. I also keep all of my receipts for all items purchased just in case I need to go back and verify a purchase.
When working through an event your budget should be used as a tool to monitor costs, understand what you are able to afford and to stay under your target price. There are many purchases that go into planning an event and there is always something that is forgotten or something that comes up at the end that you need to purchase. You want to estimate under budget to ensure if that does happen you can purchase what you need.
Your budget is your best friend when planning an event and remember always look to steal the best deal!
Happy Planning,
Kelli
