Latest Party Tips Articles http://www.westcoastpartyplanners.com/ Articles at West Coast Party Planners en-us Party Planning Checklist http://www.westcoastpartyplanners.com/party-tips/party-planning-checklist.html http://www.westcoastpartyplanners.com/party-tips/party-planning-checklist.html Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:44:14 -0600 Planning a party can be a difficult task but with a good guideline you won’t skip a step! This comprehensive list will keep you organized and more importantly, will make your party a memorable one!

THE FIRST FEW STEPS

 

Determine the type of party (formal, special occasion, holiday, etc.)
Decide if you want drinks, finger foods, buffet, full meal, or other
Pick your party theme
Decide amount of guests you would like to invite
Set a date, time, and place for your party
Determine a RSVP date
Search, investigate and book your location also pay any deposit
Make a shopping list -- including small items like napkins and candles etc
Make lists of tasks that can be done in advance and those for party day

NEXT THINK BUDGET!

Decorations, including flowers, plants, or props
Food and beverages
Other services (caterer, parking attendant, wait staff, etc.)
Invitations and postage
Rental space
Entertainment (music, DJ, etc.)
Tables, chairs, and other equipment rentals
Other miscellaneous expenses

FOUR TO SIX WEEKS PRIOR

Put together your guest list and gather addresses and phone numbers
Order invitations
Purchase decorations, paper goods, and other supplies
Contract for any services (caterer, entertainment, etc.)
Plan your menu and purchase non-perishable foods and drinks
Contact any friends or family you want to help with the party
Address and mail your invitations
Pick out the music
Contract for any equipment rental (chairs, tables, etc.)
 

 

ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE

Confirm any friends, family, and hired service people working the party

Pick out your party outfit and have it cleaned
Finalize the space layout and decorations
Shop for bulk of perishable food

TWO TO THREE DAYS BEFORE

Clean your house if party is at home
Begin decorating
Gather your supplies and equipment together
Shop for any last-minute food or supplies

Touch base with contracted services
Assign specific tasks to your volunteer assistants
Make preparations for cleaning up, returning equipment, etc.
THE AWAITED DAY
Finalize the decorations and place settings
Instruct any hired and volunteer helpers
Relax and enjoy yourself
AFTER THE PARTY ENDS
Thank you cards
Collect photos and save in photo album for good memories
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