10 Must-See Ways to Save Money on Easter Brunch or Dinner

Sharing a meal around the table is one of my favorite parts of holiday gatherings. But hosting Easter brunch or dinner doesn’t have to break the bank.

With thoughtful planning and a bit of creativity, you can make a memorable Easter brunch or dinner on a budget. One that leaves everyone full of renewed spirit!

planning Your Affordable Easter Meal

1. Set A Spending Limit

While we all dream of a picture-perfect holiday, setting clear spending limits for each part of the celebration is key to avoiding overspending.

1. Review last year’s expenses to get an idea of what’s reasonable.
2. Then, decide on a total budget. Factor in food, drinks, decorations, and dinnerware. If you plan on doing an egg hunt while your guests are there, be sure to include those costs in too.
3. Make a detailed grocery list before shopping (that you can stick to).

2. Keep The Menu Simple

Keep your menu focused on a few key items to reduce costs and waste. Instead of offering a huge variety, pick a couple of crowd-pleasers and focus on quality.

3. Choose Affordable Foods

Your guests don’t need exotic fish or 5 star restaurant desserts to be happy.

For brunch, dishes like frittatas, pancakes, or breakfast casseroles are filling and budget-friendly.

For lunch or dinner, serve spiral ham and make cost-effective (but filling!) side dishes like potatoes, roasted carrots, and green beans.

Use seasonal produce in your meal (like asparagus and lettuce) and shop early to take advantage of cheaper prices too!

4. Make It A Potluck

For our big family Easter meal, everyone contributes. The family member hosting provides the main dish while everyone else brings a side dish, appetizer, or dessert.

Pro Tip: Communicate what you will bring ahead of time to ensure you have everything covered.

Related: April Savings Challenge Printable

5. Take Inventory Of What You Have

Before shopping, thoroughly examine your pantry, fridge, and freezer to see what you already have. This ensures you’re not buying anything you don’t need to!

Try a pantry challenge while you are doing inventory to clear out space and save extra money.

6. Save On Beverages

Skip expensive bottled juices and sodas. Instead, serve homemade lemonade or infused water. Try one of these:

1. Add lemon, cucumber, and mint together for a refreshing drink.
2. Combine strawberry, lime, and basil for a sweet and citrusy mix.
3. Make your own signature water! Put your favorite fruits together and see what you think.

7. Use Real Dishes & Silverware

Avoid disposable plates and cups to save money (and the environment!).

Related: Best Things to Buy at Costco & Best Things to Buy at Sam’s Club

8. DIY Decorations and Settings

Before stepping into your favorite home goods store, take inventory of the decor you already own. Chances are, you have accumulated enough to make a simple, but beautiful table.

Add to your existing decor with these ideas:

• Create a centerpiece with fresh flowers from a garden.
• Bundle your silverware in napkins tied with colorful ribbon.
• Let your kids help by making small crafts and decorating butcher paper to make a festive table runner.

9. Bake Your Own Desserts

Holiday desserts can be pricey. But making them from scratch is far more affordable. Simple treats like cookies, pies, or cakes can be baked with ingredients you likely already have at home.

10. Repurpose Leftovers

Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Plan to repurpose them into new meals for the days following Easter.

A leftover ham or turkey can become soup, sandwiches, a pot pie, or casseroles. Extra vegetables can be transformed into a frittata or stir-fry.

If there are too many leftovers, freeze anything you won’t eat right away.

After the Celebration

After the food is devoured and the dishes are done, take a moment to evaluate your spending.

• What dishes and drinks were a hit?
• What items were left uneaten or unused?

Spot opportunities to cut costs next year and jot them down to reference when planning next Easter.

Pro Tip: I like to store these notes directly in the container with my table decor, so I’m sure to see them next year.

You don’t need a big budget to create a memorable Easter brunch or dinner. It’s the thought and care you put into the meal, not the money spent, that makes it truly special.

More Ways To Save This Easter

• 15 Affordable Easter Basket Ideas for Kids
• 30 Awesome (But Cheap) Easter Activities For Families

What’s Next?

Next, learn more! Become a part of the Wealthy Woman community, receive my best tips for wealth-building, and have instant access to the free resource library. Start now!