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.)
      DON'T pick a DJ that is just going to stand there like a statue.
      The DJ will make or break the party.
□  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.
□  Order favors.
□  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.
□  Call anybody who did not respond to the invitations.  You don't want to make
       enemies or start a family feud, because the Post Office didn't deliver the invitation.
□  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
□  Make sure you have plenty of ice, especially if its an outside party.
□  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.