By Shirley Lau

Did your bestie just get engaged? Is your sister’s due date only a month away? Regardless of the reason, throwing a little soiree with your family and friends can sometimes turn a happy moment into an uh-oh-how-am-I-going-to-pay-for-it situation.

Just as money can’t buy happiness, you don’t need much dough to celebrate life’s greatest moments. From cutting costs on cocktails to finding unique ways to decorate, here are five ways to make a party on a budget. (And your guests won’t even notice!)

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