How To Be Social Without Going Broke : Spring / Summer Edition

one dress & four events

Kicking off GaveThat's series on how to survive the social season of weddings, garden parties, BBQ's without going broke or worse, becoming a hermit, we have searched high and low for ways to stretch your budget. Yes, we cringe at the word budget too but friendship and maintaining a network of meaningful relationships is not something that can be neglected for too long nor should it be completely left to chance. Making an allowance for what you can attend is just as important as that Dish on Demand.

One major way for us women to free up a large chunk of cash is to move away from the thinking that each event requires it's own dress. Even when utilizing sample sales and other outlets the bill can run up to such a point that there isn't anything left to enjoy the dress in. Instead choose a flattering, simple frock and re-purpose it accordingly. Here, a brand new site was used to test each look above, Looklet. Thanks to a special invitation from Carolina Engman months ago to the prototype site I have been remixing various looks and now you can too. It can be very eye opening to see how limited a dress can end up being thanks to too much fluff and this site makes quick yet fun work of it.

For the gents, you're slightly off the hook... wearing the same suits and sportswear you already wear at work will probably pass but you too can up the class by keeping a keen eye on accessories via sample sales online (think unique cuff links and an of the minute tie) and also consider getting your suits tailored, as seen in this Forbes piece Bespoke Suits for Less.

Next up, how to survive wedding season without going broke... from gifts to getting there.

Gave That's Top TIPS:
- Grow Your Next Hostess Gift, Aloe, Aloe
- How To Score A Luxury Gift At A Rock Bottom Price
- Go DIY On Your Next Gift
- Combine Charitable Donations with Gift Shopping by Giving Twice
- Be The Bartender For That Bash
- The Best Secret Sample Sale Sites for Men

Also Read:
- Tips On Tossing Your Own Charity Dinner at Home
- How To Survive Wedding Season