Grab your party hats, stuff some goody bags, and hit the dance floor! Knowing how to organize a party the smart way can help you save money while having a ball.
The average event-goer spends $81 on a night out, sometimes even twice a week. Why blow money on a typical night out when you can plan a real party instead?
If you’re planning a party, there are a few essentials you can’t neglect.
Don’t worry: we have you covered. Here are your eight simple steps to planning a party worth remembering. Just have those noise-makers at the ready!
1. Pinpoint the Location
Before you can draft a guest list and send out invitations, you need to know where you’re hosting the party, first.
To start planning a party, find a hot-spot location where everyone can meet up and dance the night away!
The location for your party can completely change the mood. In fact, the location can help you determine a theme, too. For example, if you decide to have a party on a friend’s boat, maybe a tropical theme is the way to go!
Different locations might also require certain permissions or licenses. If you’re having a party on the beach, you might need to contact the city before building a fire for smores.
Your location can also determine:
- How many people you can invite
- The activities to plan
- How long the party will last
The season, such as a sweltering summer or chilly winter, might send your party inside. If you’re renting a banquet hall, the contract and scheduling might limit you to a certain time frame.
Once you determine the location, planning a party down to the details becomes a little easier.
2. Build Out Your Budget
While you’re searching for locations, you’ll also want to consider your budget. Remember, a venue is only one expense. You’ll also want to consider:
- Invitations
- Food
- Party rentals
- Entertainment
- A DJ
So how much are you willing to spend on this shindig? Building out your budget early on in the process can help you avoid overspending.
If you’re planning along with someone else, it’s important to determine your budget as soon as possible.
That way, you don’t risk miscommunicating.
3. Choose a Theme
When planning a party, consider selecting a theme. There are plenty to choose from, such as:
- Costume parties
- Dinner parties
- Murder mysteries
- Dance parties
- Slumber parties
Determine your theme before sending out invitations. That way, you can create wow-worthy, standout invitations that reflect the theme. Choosing your theme can also help your guests determine what to wear. A superhero theme, for instance, won’t be that difficult to organize. Just get some ideas from Pinterest and you can be all set. If you’re planning to host a Renaissance or royalty theme, make sure to get some impressive medieval clothing. This and other accessories will definitely make a great statement. Your guests will absolutely enjoy dressing up as knights and ladies in waiting.
Plus, it makes it easier for you to plan fun, themed activities!
4. Set a Schedule
Now we’re getting down to the finer details! When planning a party, determining the right day and time is critical.
Try to choose a day when the majority of your guest list can attend.
Scheduling can get tricky if there’s a holiday or local event coming up.
To get a good idea of ideal days and times, ask your closest friends when they’re available. You’ll also want the timing to work out with venues and caterers, too.
Try to plan a party early on, instead of at the last minute. That way, you won’t have to scramble to schedule everything based on open availability. Instead, you can plan the party based on your schedule.
5. Send Out Invites
Now that you know where the party is taking place, the theme, and when it’s all happening, it’s time to prepare your invitations!
First, form a list of the people you’d like to attend. Then, determine how you’re sending out invitations. For example, you might elect to go old-school with printed invites.
You can either purchase already made invitations and fill them out by hand or order customized ones online.
If you want to go green, create a digital invitation instead. You can use email, a Facebook event, or just post it on your Instagram!
Make sure to include all the essential information (day, time, address) on the invitations. You should also let people know whether or not they can bring a guest, and if there’s a guest code.
Try to give your guests between two weeks to two months to RSVP. An accurate headcount can help you make sure you have enough food and space for everyone attending.
6. Make a Menu
What are you serving at your party? In some cases, you might want to look back at your theme.
Try to balance a meal with smaller snacks, such as fruit salad or cheese and crackers. If guests get peckish before and after the meal, they’ll have something to chew on.
Don’t forget utensils as well and trash bags as well. If you’re having a fancy dinner party, you might need to rent glassware and china. They’ll pick up the dirty dinnerware afterward, so you don’t have to worry about washing up.
Keep everyone hydrated with coffee, sodas, and liquor.
Now you’re ready for the fun stuff!
7. Plan for Fun
Trying to get everyone on their feet and moving to the beat? Consider hiring a professional DJ. Make sure your space has enough room for everyone to bust out their moves, though!
Depending on the party theme, you might also consider a bounce house or old board games.
Determine what your guests like and plan for fun!
If you need a little help, consider hiring a party planner. Their industry produces $5 billion a year planning the best parties possible.
8. Decorate the Display
Once the big day arrives, start decorating. Whether you have the party at home or at a venue, decorating can really set the mood. Arrive two hours ahead of time to make sure everything is set up the way you like it. Select the best banquet tablecloths for your party venue.
Looks good?
Now you’re ready to have a ball!
Party Hardy: 8 Tips for Planning a Party Worth Remembering
It’s time to party hard! With these eight tips for planning a party, you can make it an event worth remembering. Don’t forget to have fun and take plenty of pictures to commemorate the moment.
Looking for more ways to have fun? Check out the Lifestyle section for my latest guides!