The Ultimate Party Planning Guide and Checklist
Your event is just around the corner, and you want this one to be super special. Maybe you’re hitting a milestone, such as your 40th or 50th birthday, or maybe you just feel like celebrating! Either way, there are many party planning tips and tricks that can help you organize a party to remember.
This is a comprehensive party planning guide/checklist for adults looking to have some fun with friends and family and celebrate life to the fullest. Let’s take a look at everything you need to do to throw the most amazing party.
1. Cover the basics: date, time, and location
- First things first: when’s your party? You want to aim for weekends so there’s a bigger chance your invitees can attend. Also, watch out for national holidays and other special dates, as many people may have other plans for such occasions.
- You’ll also need to think of the time for your party. Take into account that throwing a party on a Friday afternoon, for instance, may not be the best idea, as many of your guests may be tired from their workweek. Pick a time that is convenient for most and is in line with your vision for the party.
- Once you’ve set a date and a time, you need to decide the location. Will you be renting a venue? Will you throw it at your house? Or maybe your backyard? These are very important questions because they relate to other things that contribute to the success of a party, such as decorations, the theme, and even the guest list. You shouldn’t make that decision lightly.
2. Spice it up: Picking a theme
- A themed party is always a great idea! It can help transform your party into a memorable and exciting experience both for you and your guests.
- There’s really no right answer when it comes to picking a theme, so don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. You can go for a spa party, a retro party, or the good old costume party. You can also take some inspiration from your favorite movie or series and plan your party around it. Get creative!
3. Who's who: Creating a guest list
- Before sending out your invitations, make sure you have the perfect guest list. To do so, you need to play the numbers game first. How many people fit comfortably in your venue? That’s the magic number right there.
- Once you know that, you can start by writing down everyone you could possibly invite. Then, take that list and start narrowing it down. Is your family coming? Do you invite those guys from work? Have you included your “life-of-the-party” friend in the list? Do these people like each other? Didn’t these two use to date?
- Once that’s done, it’s time to send your invitations out. Try to do it sometime in advance so everyone on your list can save the date.
- Aim to get your invitations our between 3-6 weeks before your event date.
4. Dinner's Served: Coming up with your menu
Coming up with the perfect menu for your party will depend on many things.
- First, what’s the theme of the party? Are you going for something cheeky and fun? Or maybe classy and sophisticated? Well, either way, your food and beverage options should reflect that and be perfectly aligned to the look and feel of the party.
- You’ll also want to think about the setting. Will guests be seated around a table, on your couch, or standing?
- Finally, ask your guests in advance if any of them has any dietary restrictions to prepare some options to accommodate them.
5. Make it fun: planning activites for the party
- Who doesn’t love party games? They make the event memorable and fun and can light up any tough crow.
- Once again, the activities and games you choose for your party will largely depend on the theme. Is it a dinner party with close friends? Then try with good old charades. Are you having a costume party? Make up a costume contest with funny award categories to entertain your guests!
- As long as everyone is comfortable and having a good time, there are no right or wrong answers here.
6. Set the mood: Decorations
- Decorations can add a nice extra to your party. The right decor will make it more enjoyable and memorable and will set the perfect ambiance for photos and posts.
- Your party decor needs to be in line with your theme, so as to create a perfect flow, but you can never go wrong with colorful or patterned balloons, flower arrangements and signs. You can also serve drinks in glasses with fun phrases and use themed plates.
And that’s it. That’s how you plan the perfect party.
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