Four Steps to Create Last-Minute Halloween Costumes on a Budget
Did you know that Americans spend billions of dollars on Halloween each year? Between costumes, decorations, and candy, that’s money that could have been spent elsewhere. By spending more wisely, this cost could be decreased. This year, we are sharing some quick tips on creating a Halloween costume without breaking the bank!
The first thing to do is determine the look you’re going for. Do you want a scary, funny or cute costume? Next, determine if you want to have a single, couple, or group costume. There are great ideas for families and best friends too! Finding an idea can be the toughest part, so there’s no shame in searching Pinterest for inspiration (we did). Looking through your closet can be helpful to know what you already have on-hand, such as scarves, hats, pants, shoes, accessories, and colors you normally wear. Knowing what you have upfront can steer you in the right direction if you have most of the items for the costume already, and it saves money!
Once you’ve locked down a costume idea and raided through your closet, you’re ready to set a budget! At this point, you’ll know what parts of your costume you have and which items you still need. Creating a cheap costume on a budget is possible, and doing the hard work up front can regulate your spending. Check your local thrift shops and look for sales. Pro tip: Amazon has a selection of Halloween costumes for less than a dollar (not including shipping). Check them out here! A few other places to find discounted Halloween items are below:
3. Prepare for the weather
The Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable. Prepare for the cold (maybe even a few snowflakes). Usually in October, the temperature is a little chilly. Determining your location is key to staying comfortable. Are you going to a party, trick-or-treating, participating in a costume contest, or handing out candy? Your setting could determine how comfortable you’ll be in your attire for the night. If it works with your costume, consider sleeves, leggings, and layers that you can wear while outdoors.
4. Put it together and have FUN
The best part is when you get to put your great (and affordable) costume together! This is where all that planning pays off, and you can display your creativity and frugalness. Let us know if these tips were helpful, and show us a picture of your thrifty costume!