Planning a party can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. Watching a party run successfully after you have worked on it from the beginning can be a very satisfying experience. Efficient planning of a party will result in your guests not even noticing all the work that went into making the party successful. Party planning starts well before the event begins, and the planning doesn't stop until the party begins.
Invitations
Create your invitation list well in advance of your party. After you have a list of everyone you would like to invite to your party, consider your size limitations and make your cuts from the list based on the size and your preference of whom to invite for this party. Send your invitations at least two weeks before your party, or ideally a month before. Include directions to your party location in the invitation.
Secure the facility for Your Party
If you are having your party at home, this step is easily accomplished. If you are using a public or private meeting hall, lodge, or catering facility, make sure you are guaranteed the date and time you would like to use the location. Find out at this time any restrictions on food, entertainment or number of guests at the facility to aid you in your party planning.
Plan Your Menu
If you are planning to serve food at the party, make sure you have everything you need to prepare the food. To be safe, plan on making enough food for 10 percent more guests than you are inviting in case unexpected guests arrive or some eat more than you expect. If you are using an outside caterer, find out when he or she needs a final number of guests.
Secure Your Entertainment
Decide how you will entertain your guests at your party. If there is going to be entertainment, it should be booked before you send your invitations. This way you can guarantee the entertainment is available. Entertainment can be anything from videos to show at your party, to an entertainer such as a disc jockey, band or magician.
Prepare Your Location
On the day of your party, arrive a couple of hours early to make sure everything is set up as you need it. You can also designate someone else involved in the party set-up to do this for you. By checking ahead of time, any last-minute adjustments can be made before it is too late.
