If you’re hosting a Halloween party you may be worried about finding creative decorations and preparing the right food but the cost probably has you scared. With Halloween spending expected to hit almost $7 billion this year, Americans are doing some serious shopping. But you don’t have to break the bank when getting ready for All Hallow’s Eve.

Save your hard-earned cash with these four budget-friendly Halloween tips:

1. Crafty? Make your costume. Can’t sew? Shop at a thrift store.

If you enjoy DIY projects, then making an awesome Halloween costume can help you save money and stand out from the other cookie-cutter costumes you’ll see. If you like doing things on your own but can’t sew for the life of you, then visit a thrift store. You can find some great Halloween inspiration in a Salvation Army or Goodwill store, at a greatly reduced  price too!

2. Buy candy in bulk (but don’t buy too much).

Did you know that Americans are supposed to spend $2 billion on Halloween  candy this year? That’s a lot of candy. Purchasing trick-or-treat goodies in bulk can help cut down on costs. Also, try not to overestimate the amount of treats you’ll be giving away. While running out of candy can be disappointing for children, it sure beats having to eat all the leftovers yourself.

3. Ask party attendees to bring spare decorations.

Hosting a Halloween party can be stressful, so why not make your job easier (and not to mention save money) by crowdsourcing the decorations? Ask party-goers for spare decorations beforehand and watch your home transform into that perfect spooky graveyard or haunted mansion.

4. Wait until the last minute.

A lot of stores have last minute Halloween sales to help get rid of their inventory. And with the government shutdown throwing consumer confidence through the ringer, it seems like there’s going to be a lot of extra inventory this year. While the ideal time to shop the sales would be right after the holiday, chances are you’ll still be able to find some good deals at the last minute.

So whether you’re having everyone over for an epic Halloween party or just enjoying the night with your family, there are plenty of ways to have fun without blowing your budget.

What other ways do you save money for Halloween? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.