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As early-retired people, we have been budget conscious before we started swinging 4 years ago. We found early on that regularly meeting couples for dinner (usually per their suggestion) was not only an expensive proposition, but did not increase the probability of a match. Additionally, we figured out that most swing clubs were way overpriced with annual memberships often over $50 with a Saturday night couples' fee of $100 plus. There are couples who have shelled out the fees and insist on meeting at a club. (We pass.)

We do not attend most American swing clubs because we can spend that money much more wisely at the more personal meet and at a clean motel. When we were in Amsterdam, for example, many couple's clubs are free to enter for couples and drinks are reasonable and the action is unbelievable. There is never a reason to spend more than $100 and bring my own bottle for just a thought that someone might like us. That's just plain silly.

When we decide to meet with couples, we discuss drinks, brunch, dessert, meeting for a motorcycle ride or even catching up at a a local park for a walk. We budget very well and have no problems with our entertainment budget but knew that some of our dates are over-extended or have childcare expenses.

We also throw our own hotel parties with the cost being negligible rather than trying to pull some money-making scam on good people. When couples' put in their money and bring their bottle, they know that they are going to have some great fun and not have to worry about how they are going to pay for the sitter.

We also try to meet people while we are traveling because we either have our hotel room (comped in many cases from years of building relationships), motor home, or an apartment where we can play comfortably. Most of the people we meet are relieved that some of the cost of play has been reduced substantially. We recently spent 38 days split between a 21 day Transatlantic Cruise to Rome and a self-planned and booked 2 weeks in Europe even with the exchange rate. It just takes research and knowing what a great deal is and being willing to bite the bullet. We also met some wonderful older travelers on the cruise who provided so much good travel info that I began to carry a pad to the buffet for notes and swingers in Europe who provided real life pointers on great places to go without breaking the bank.

If anyone wants to save money in swing or while traveling, we'd be happy to help. Just drop us a line and ask away.

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Posted by: cexxxy1s | Jun 21, 2009 8:54:14 AM REPORT ABUSE

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As a group/club swinging promoter, we have also been working to keep prices down. We have held many FREE PARTIES, that are held in a public bar. This keeps cost down as you can control your spending by drinking cheaper drinks or water, and deciding to get a room at the host hotel or not. We always get a bulk discount from hotels for those who can stay and party all night,

And we have cut back also on decorations and food to try to keep cost more inline at all our events. Maybe more crackers, than cheese or more veggies than meat. And we are even sharing decorations with other clubs, to keep from having to buy more.

But even in these tough times, people still want to get out of the house and let their hair down a bit. House parties can be nice, but often make you feel you are expected to connect and there is also a safety issue of having folks you don't know well at your home.

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Posted by: JP_JustParties | Mar 4, 2009 2:47:59 PM REPORT ABUSE

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We've done a lot of at-home dinners lately, and you know what, they're more fun. Most of them don't end in play, but not for lack of connection. More because we are more apt to drink a couple of bottles of wine when they're $15 instead of $75 each, and because there are no distractions, the conversations are awesome.

People always ask if they can bring something, and lately I've been open to having them bring dessert, or the salad, or whatever. They usually show up with wine as well. It's fun!

I think we'll see a lot more house parties in the next year or so as the economy gets back on its feet.

For us, the babysitter issue is a huge one, which is the reason why we're confining our dates and events to the evenings when our kids are with their other parents. A sitter for us costs $60 to $100 (no longer chump change). We're "lucky" in that we only have our kids half-time. For those who are full-time parents, I don't know how they do it.

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Posted by: redgems | Jan 23, 2009 7:46:45 PM REPORT ABUSE

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Just like the prices of big screen tvs are going down, the clubs should start lowering the door price too. We have done alot more bar meet and greets and house parties due to the tight budget.

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Posted by: mgthunderhouse | Jan 17, 2009 9:59:05 AM REPORT ABUSE

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