Party Planning 101
So the time has come for you to think about the next party you want to plan, but you don’t exactly know where to start, huh? Don’t worry, I got you.
Party planning can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not the planning type, and even at times for the avid party planner. Having a plan, or an organized list of what to do can be your biggest help along the way and take so much of the “overwhelming” out of the picture.
Planning your next party doesn’t have to be stressful, it’s meant to be fun and let your creativity flow!
No matter the party, big or small, these steps can be pretty universal and serve for just about any of them. Obviously, you’ll want to tailor specific things to your party depending on what it is, but this will give you the basics on where to start.
Start by adding games, activities, and things of that nature to help keep your guests entertained throughout the event. Baby showers and kids’ birthday parties are usually the ones with these types of activities and help keep the party flowing without much downtime for people to get bored or want to leave quickly after arriving. We’ve all been to a few of those, am I right?
Basic steps for planning (just about) any kind of party:
- Choose a theme for your party (this will help narrow down your decor purchase list and give you a vision of what your party will look like)
- Determine a budget (this will give you a better idea of how big/small your party will be and how many guests you can invite)
- Choose a date (this will help you determine if the event will take place indoors or outside and what kind of venue you will need)
- Create a guest list (this goes along with your venue choice as well and will be adjusted depending on your budget)
- Determine location (if you are renting a venue, check well enough in advance for available date)
- Choose a time for the party (this will help determine how much food is needed at event and if you should plan to feed your guests a meal or just snacks)
- Decide what you will DIY and what you will purchase (this can go for most things, from food to decor and a lot in between)
- Decide what party favor you will give your guests. (Yes, I plan to have a party favor at every birthday party, baby shower, or any event with gifts brought. It’s a small gesture that says ‘thanks’ to your guests and usually means a lot)
Pro Tip: If you are throwing a baby shower or kids birthday party, make sure to include games or activities for guests to enjoy. This will help keep your party fun and exciting, instead of making guests feel like they have to rush out of there.
Once you have these things completed, it’s time for the fun part of party planning!
The Fun Part!
- Create/Order your invitations with your theme (Make sure to include date, time, location and rsvp by date with your phone number)
- Send invites out at least 2 weeks before event
- Plan your DIY decor, start planning as early as possible to save time and stress closer to the event
- Purchase food items that are non perishable at least a week in advance
- Purchase plates, napkins, utensils at least a week in advance
- Order cake/cookies/cupcakes at least a week in advance (some companies are booked up and require more notice so check with vendor ahead of time)
- Depending on venue, start decorating a few days before party if possible. (If you are renting a venue, some will let you come the day before to decorate so check with owner ahead of time)
- A day before the party, prepare the food ahead of time, pick up cake/cookies/cupcakes, and finalize any decorating if possible.
- Day of party touch up any decorations that may need it, finish any last minute food preparations, and make sure your venue is clean and ready for guests.
- Don’t forget to set time aside to get yourself ready. I have forgotten to do this so many times and am left scrambling as guests are starting to arrive and never look the way I planned.
- Take pictures before guests start to arrive. (You’ll thank me later. I have thrown so many parties that I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off and never took any photos and regret it now. You’ll want them for later and be so happy to look back at what you created!)
Pro Tip: Recruit at least one person you trust to help you day of the party. Delegate what you would like them to do and allow them to help. Most people love to help and even I struggle with asking at times, but trust me on this one, you will be so happy you did!
Last but certainly not least, ENJOY YOUR PARTY! This can be so hard to do, especially for those who want to constantly make sure it’s all running smoothly and perfectly. Yes, you can still check on things from time to time and refill things that need or make sure guests are happy, but don’t forget to take time to just breathe and enjoy the time with friends and family. Look around, admire what you created, and have fun! Happy party planning!