The 4th of July is the perfect time to enjoy sunshine, fireworks, and good company. From backyard BBQs to watching grand firework displays light up the night sky, the excitement of the holiday often comes with a price tag. Whether you're hosting a small family gathering or a larger neighborhood celebration, careful budgeting and planning are key to ensuring you have fun without the financial stress.
Since the 4th falls on Friday this year, let's start planning on Friday, June 21st, and give you time to gather everything you need over the next two weeks. Here’s your action plan for prepping, shopping, and budgeting for a 4th of July celebration, including a clear breakdown of how much to spend and where. Plus, we'll show you how a personal installment loan from Sunset Finance can help cover those last-minute costs or any unexpected expenses.
Timeline and Budget Breakdown (2 Weeks Leading Up to the 4th)
Friday, June 21st - 2 Weeks Before: Set Your Total Budget and Start Planning
Set Your Budget
Before you start shopping, it's crucial to know how much you’re willing to spend. This will help you stay on track while getting everything you need. Here’s a budget range based on the size of your gathering:
- Small gathering (6-10 people): $250-$400
- Medium gathering (10-20 people): $400-$600
- Large gathering (20+ people): $600-$1,000+
Create Your Shopping List
Start by listing the main things you need: food, drinks, decorations, fireworks, and entertainment. Be sure to factor in both your big-ticket items (like fireworks and BBQ tools) and smaller items (like drinks and condiments).
Saturday, June 22nd - 13 Days Before: Finalize Guest List and Menu
Confirm Your Guest List
By now, you should know how many people will be attending. This will determine how much food and drink you’ll need. If you’re expecting a large crowd, plan for extra seating and make sure your backyard can accommodate everyone.
Finalize Your Menu
Think about what you’ll serve. A good mix includes:
- Main dishes: Burgers, hot dogs, veggie options
- Sides: Potato salad, coleslaw, grilled veggies, chips, and salsa
- Desserts: Watermelon, cookies, or patriotic-themed desserts
Shopping List:
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, mayo): $10-$15
- Chips & Snacks: $15-$25
- Soda, Water & Beer (buy in bulk): $20-$35
Estimated Total for Week 1 Shopping: $50-$75
Monday, June 24th - 12 Days Before: Order Fireworks and Purchase Grilling Supplies
Order Fireworks
Time to order your fireworks! Whether you plan a small backyard show or go all out with a big display, here are some firework options based on your budget:
- Small gathering: Sparklers, fountains, and small cakes (Total: $50-$75)
- Medium gathering: Bigger fountains, roman candles, and small aerial shells (Total: $100-$150)
- Large gathering: Large aerial shells, multi-shot cakes, and mortars (Total: $200-$400)
BBQ Supplies
If you need any new BBQ tools or a grill upgrade, now’s the time to purchase those.
- Grill: A good-quality gas or charcoal grill can range from $100-$300.
- Grilling accessories: Tongs, brushes, and grill mats ($15-$40).
Tuesday, June 25th - 11 Days Before: Buy Non-Perishables (Condiments, Drinks, and Decor)
Buy Non-Perishables
At this point, start picking up non-perishable items like condiments, snacks, drinks, and decorations. This way, when you’re closer to the 4th, you’ll only need to grab fresh items.
Shopping List for Non-Perishables:
- Condiments: BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayo ($10-$15)
- Chips & Snacks: Chips, pretzels, or popcorn ($15-$25)
- Drinks: Soda, lemonade, beer, sparkling water ($25-$40)
- Decorations: Flags, tablecloths, bunting, sparklers ($15-$30)
Estimated Total for Non-Perishables: $65-$110
Wednesday, June 26th - 10 Days Before: Purchase Entertainment & Outdoor Games
Entertainment
Pick up any outdoor games you’ll need to keep guests entertained. Lawn games like cornhole are a 4th of July classic, but they can be a bit pricier than other games.
Shopping List for Entertainment:
- Cornhole set (Wooden set): $80-$100
- Water balloons, squirt guns, or slip-and-slide: $10-$50
- Outdoor speaker for music: $25-$100
Estimated Total for Entertainment: $115-$250
Monday, July 1st - 3 Days Before: Final Grocery Run for Perishables
Fresh Ingredients
Now that the bulk of your shopping is done, it’s time to get the perishable items like fresh fruits, veggies, and meats. Don’t leave this until the last minute, as stores can get crowded, and you want to get the freshest options.
Shopping List for Perishables:
- Meats: 3 packs of 8 burgers ($15-$25), 2 packs of hot dogs ($8-$12)
- Fresh Veggies: Corn on the cob, peppers, onions ($15-$20)
- Fresh Fruit: Watermelon, strawberries ($10-$15)
- Ice: $5-$10
Estimated Total for Perishables: $55-$75
Thursday, July 4th - The Big Day: Set Up, Grill, and Celebrate!
Set up early so you can enjoy the day without feeling rushed. Arrange seating, set up the BBQ, and lay out your decorations.
Enjoy grilling, playing games, watching fireworks, and making memories with your family and friends.
When the Budget Needs a Little Boost: How a Personal Installment Loan Can Help
Even with the best planning, unexpected costs can arise. Maybe the grill breaks down, you decide to go all out with fireworks, or you realize you need a little extra for drinks or last-minute supplies. That’s where a personal installment loan from Sunset Finance can help.
How a Personal Loan Can Help Cover 4th of July Costs:
- Cover Unexpected Costs: Whether it’s a last-minute BBQ supply run or an emergency home repair before the celebration, a personal loan can help.
- Spread Out Payments: Instead of paying everything upfront, a personal installment loan lets you spread the payments over several months with fixed monthly payments, so you can stay within your budget.
- Avoid Credit Card Debt: Instead of using credit cards, which can carry unpredictable, high monthly payments, a personal loan allows you to manage your 4th of July expenses affordably.
Ready to Celebrate the 4th of July Without the Stress?
With this detailed 2-week plan, your 4th of July celebration will be fun, festive, and budget-friendly! Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying fireworks, planning ahead is the key to staying on track. And if you need a little extra help covering the costs, a personal installment loan from Sunset Finance can give you the flexibility you need.
Get started with a personal loan today, and get ready to enjoy a 4th of July filled with fun, family, fireworks, and fantastic memories!