Where to Start When Planning For a Party

You plan to host a very important party, perhaps a wedding anni versary, graduation party, retirement party, or a large family reunion. There will be many guests and you need to pull it all together. Where do you start when planning for a party that is this special and important?

 

My first suggestion is to start early and don't procrastinate. It's better to have everything ready ahead of time then to be scurrying around at the last minute with too many unfinished details.

If it isn't a surprise party, talk to the guest(s) of honor? What would they like? A big party or something smaller and more intimate? Where would they prefer it be held? Who do they want to invite? Do they have menu preferences? Do they desire a dinner party, a buffet, a barbecue? Would they like a themed party? Are there any activities, music or dancing they would include?
 

Next, sit down with a notepad and jot down everything you think you will need. This list should include things like contracting a banquet hall, buying supplies, preparing a budget, selecting a theme, decorations, rental items, menu planning, invitations, arranging music and other activities. The list should be flexible so you can add to it as you think of more things. Also, jot down a scheduled time to complete each task; then, check it off when done.

Before making definite decisions consult with other loved ones and ask for their help. Can they help with the food, decorating, cleaning, sending invitations, etc.? Also, can any help with expenses? See if you can arrange for co-hosts to work with you and also share the cost. Recruit others to work as helpers. The more help you get, the lighter your load will be. Your goal should be to serve as a party manager and delegate as much of the work as you can to others.

Before moving ahead it will be necessary to agree on a budget. This will help determine the venue, menu, decorations, whether to cater, hire a band or DJ, etc. Once the budget is decided be determined to stick to it to keep everyone happy. I might add that with proper planning you can have a great party, even if your budget is limited.

 

If you desire a themed party, choose your theme first. You should tie your invitations, decorations and menu into the theme, so determine this first, since many other things depend upon it. For suggestions why not google the words "party themes" and you will get some good ideas.

Of course you'll want to finalize your exact party date and secure your banquet hall as soon as possible (if the party will not be at home). The availability of the venue will effect the date, so don't procrastinate as so much else depends upon it. Just make sure that the accommodations are adequate for the number of guests invited.

 

Can you get your co-hosts to agree on the menu? Do they prefer to have the party catered? If you will provide the food, then make a list of all the various food and drink items you will need to purchase and prepare. Then make the arrangements for doing so, again delegating as much as possible. If you decide to have the event catered, contact several caterers so you'll know various options and pricing.

Send your invitations early so potential guests will be able pencil it in before something else fills their schedule. If guests will be coming from distant places, give them more notice so they can make travel plans or arrange vacation time. Even if your guests live nearby, get your invitations out at least 4 weeks ahead. Include an RSVP date 2 to 3 weeks out, so you'll have time to adjust for unexpected changes in the guest list.

 

You'll also need to decide what activities to include. Likely you'll want music, but also will there be dancing, games, special tributes or speeches or other activities? If so, you'll need to make the necessary arrangements.

 

These are just a few things you'll need to do to get started, thus just a beginning to your party planning. For more complete information see the author's information that follows hereafter.

Shannon Summers is a party planning enthusiast who delights in teaching others how to create magical parties. For additional party planning information or to sign up for a free mini-course on party planning go to Shannon's website at http://www.partyplanningmagic.com. Also, click the following for more specific planning for a party information.