Halloween parties are a lot of fun, but they can also be extremely expensive. The more people you invite, the more food you have to provide, and decorations, entertainment, and costumes are also a party of the party atmosphere. Don't worry-you can have a great party even on a tight budget. Here are six steps to saving money when you planning a Halloween party.

1. Have a potluck meal. Instead of planning several snacks yourself, ask everyone to bring something. Make sure to be very specific as to what not to bring. For example, maybe you'll make the main dish yourself or the desserts yourself. You don't have to have a meal. You can also ask everyone to simply bring finger foods if your party will be later in the evening. If you are choosing to have a meal, plan something relatively easy and inexpensive to make, like Bar-B-Q sandwiches or cold cuts.

2. Go cheap with the costume. You'll already have lots of other expenses; so instead of buying a high-priced costume, make your own inexpensive version. A pair of your or your spouse's overalls and a flannel shirt can be a great start to a farmer's costume or a bed sheet can easily become a toga, for example. Look around your house to get the creative juices flowing.

3. Plan ahead...way ahead. If you host a Halloween party every year, purchase party supplies in November when they go on sale. Of course, you'll have to purchase candy and other food items fresh, but decorations and costumers can be found 70% off of more starting on November 1st. Check out party supply stores, but don't forget to look for deals at department and discount stores as well.

4. Get double the use for your money. Look for items that can be used more than once in different ways. For example, pumpkins can serve as great decorations, kids can decorate them with paint during the party as a fun activity, and then you can use the insides to make delicious pies or other baked goods the next day. If nothing else, save your decorations from year to year. Garland, fake spider webs, and lights can be used again and again.

5. Keep the party small. I know it's tempting to invite the whole neighborhood, but you probably don't have the space or the money to do that! Make your list and then cut back. A good way to do this is to keep it adults-only, or you can just invite your closest friends. Don't feel bad about keeping people off of the list. Everyone understands that planning a party is hard and if it's too large it will be too expensive.

6. Buy in bulk. When you can, buy items in bulk-especially candy. You can find great deals if you buy larger sized bags, and whatever candy you don't use you can stick in the freezer to use throughout the year.

Remember, your party should be fun, not stressful. If money stresses you out, consider scaling back on your party or enjoy the holiday by going out to others' parties. At the very least, use the tips above to save money on your party.