You don’t need years of event planning experience to throw a successful party. Not when we have plenty of free resources online. In this review, we will share a checklist that will ensure every detail is covered when preparing for the big day.
1. Create a Budget
Parties are fun and all but are they really worth it if you’ll be left behind with a stressful debt? To avoid overspending and debts, develop a comprehensive budget. Look at your accounts and ask yourself how much you are willing to spend on the event.
The best way to create a party budget is by figuring out the total amount of money you are willing to spend. Once you have this figure, sit down and start assigning a budget for each function. It’s also good to have a list of everything the party entails. From food and drinks to entertainment and any hiring equipment you’ll need.
Here is a free hack for you; look at your list and categorize the items in terms of priority, i.e., the things that matter the most to you. Assign the priority items more funds. For example, if you care more about entertainment and drinks, you can cut back the food budget and redirect some of that money here.
2. Choose a Date and Time
Sometimes choosing the date is as straightforward as knowing your birthday. In other cases, things get a little complicated because you need to account for other factors. For instance, if you have a specific venue you’d love to host your get-together event, you’ll need to check if the site is available before settling on any particular date.
That said, you should try and get the date and time sorted as early as possible. This makes it easier for your guests to confirm and prepare for your event.
3. Create Your Guest List
Who do you want to attend your event? How many people can you host?
Create your guest list bearing in mind that it affects your budget and everything else. Once your list is ready, make the invitation letters and start sending them out. You can also get creative here with unique and themed invitation letters if you have the budget for it.
Some of the details that must be included in the letter are the date, time, and location. Double-check your template before mass-producing letters that are missing key information.
You should also tell the invitees the maximum number of guests they can bring. This is very important to ensure the size of the party sticks within your budget. Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, you may also want to add a dress code on the cards.
4. Find a Venue
Will you host the party in your house or at a hired venue? Each option has its pros and cons.
Hosting a party in your home will definitely save you some cash. However, things might get really messy. Also, it’s possible that your guest list is too long to accommodate them in your backyard.
Meanwhile, a hired venue will certainly cost some money, but it gives you more space. Most venues can also offer additional services making the party look and feel more organized. Make sure to choose the venue wisely, though.
5. Determine a Theme
Parties are more fun when there is a specific theme going on. Therefore, do your research and come up with an interesting theme for your event. This shouldn’t be a problem since there are many party themes online. Go on Pinterest, and you will find hundreds of ideas to choose from and be sure to include the details of the theme on the invitation cards. Remember, once you’ve selected a theme, you need to ensure your decorations are in line with it. For example, if your party is sun themed, you’d use orange smoke bombs to enhance the theme and help you get some epic photos. Think outside the box in terms of theme and decoration and you’ll end up with some an epic party.
6. Find a Catering Solution
It’s advisable to hire catering services if you are hosting a massive party. This significantly reduces stress levels. It also allows you to enjoy every moment of the event without worrying whether the margaritas have run out or not. For a small house party, a self-service bar and table should do the trick.
7. Consider Hiring a Professional Entertainer
Is it really a party if there are no entertainers? Outsourcing entertainment services will benefit your party in various ways. The party gurus who work with Star Party Hire report that hired entertainment accessories like sound systems and lights will deliver the quality you need for your party. These systems are almost always of greater quality than anything most households have.
Therefore, if you are big on entertainment then you ought to invest in good equipment. Speaking of which, you can also hire live Rock and Pop bands, DJs,
comedians, etc. It’s really up to you and your budget.
8. Do You Need a Kids’ Table?
Account for children if you are hosting a family party. The last thing you want is to have a group of bored kids in your event. They’ll start doing just about anything and this can get chaotic.
Planning a party is, without a doubt, stressful. But, the one thing we can all agree on is that the reward of a successful event is always worth the effort. Hopefully, you’ve learned everything you needed to know to host one of your best parties yet. Good Luck!
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