Where to start?
Planning a great summer party takes time, strategy, creativity and imagination! You want your party fun, light and upbeat. So, first things first!
1.) Plan your Budget: The first step to planning a great party is to plan your budget. Set aside the maximum amount you want to spend and don't go over!
2.) Guest List: When creating your guest list, you have to decide how elaborate or simple your party will be. Is this an event for close friends and family only? Or one that will include extended friends and family?
- Break your list into three groups : Those who should be invited, those who you would like to invite and those who might be invited.
3.) What's the Theme?: Summer parties call for the outdoors! Do you want a casual or formal event – upscale atmosphere? Chose a party theme that your guest will enjoy; a beach party, a Hawaiian tiki party, a pool party, block party or a back yard BBQ.
4.) Location: Party Location is key! It has to work well with your theme, and it plays a direct role in the size and budget of the party. Choose a place that suits you and your vision. A great park, beach, pool or your own back yard!
5.) Adequate Seating: You want your guests moving, mixing and having fun throughout the party, so make sure you have plenty of seating available.
- Arranging chairs in small groups all around the party area will help to keep people mingling and socializing with each other.
6.) Menu: For fun in the sun, bring out your grill! BBQ is the traditional summer cuisine. However, you don't have to do the typical BBQ, you can have your party catered with Hawaiian themed foods, surf and turf or a great buffet of fresh finger foods.
- Keep plenty of refreshments on hand, the warm weather always calls for a cold lemonade, iced tea or spritzer.
- Desserts can be fresh carved fruit, light cupcakes or a sweet summer themed cake.
- Remember to plan for success, too much food is better than not enough!
7.) Decorations: Depending on your theme, you will want to keep things bright and colorful. Citrus colors are always a hit for an outside party, with yellows, oranges and pinks. You don't want your table's visual appeal to fade once the food is gone – you need to have stunning summer centerpieces on your tables.
- Flower arrangements with fresh fruits included will wow your guests!
- Twinkle lights in the trees, paper lanterns and tea light candles placed strategically through out your party space will bring a warm ambiance to the atmosphere.
- Umbrellas or canopies will help shade your guests from the sun.
- Sturdy serving ware is important as well. As most guests will be walking or standing while they eat, you will need to offer a sturdy plate, cup and utensils.
8.) Entertainment/Activities: Keeping your party interesting can seem like a difficult task, but you need to make sure that you supply plenty of opportunity for your guests to mix, mingle and laugh.
- Every party needs to have at least one event to bring people together, whether it be a game, contest, a toast or dancing.
- Consider hiring a DJ to set the pace with fun summer music or a photographer to capture candid moments of your guests.
9.) Play Hostess: Keep the excitement up; linger through your party making sure that everyone is mingling and not being left out. Make sure all of your guests get a bite to eat as well.
10.) Enjoy your party! Being flexible is key; you can't make everyone happy, so do your best at enjoying yourself, it's contagious!
This post is brought to you by Miami Party Planners.
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