You’ve decided to throw a party, but not sure how to make it a success. All you need for a fabulous party is a strategic plan of attack. My eight step party guide is the foundation for a can’t miss strategic party plan. Below you will find a quick check list with hints that will help you in quest for the perfect party.
______1. Decide what type or style of party you’re going to have. Are you going to have an elaborate or simple party, adult or kids party, birthday party, anniversary party or a just for fun party. Although all party types follow the same party planning principles, some parties will require a little more involved planning. Depending on how elaborate or special your party is going to be you may need to hire people or arrange for special services as well as rent space or equipment. When deciding the type of party keep in mind how much you want to spend. The more elaborate or larger the guest list is the more your party will cost. The answer to these questions will help you to determine your budget in the next step.
______2. Decide on a Budget. Budget is the key to all parties. You do not want buyers regret the night of the party. Fun should be the only thing on your mind, not what you spent on the party. Set a realistic budget and add about 20% more. Inevitably, you will decided something is must have. Make a list of all the things you will need for the party and assign a budget amount to each one. Be sure to include these items in your budget: party facility, food, drinks (caterers, bar staff), entertainment, rentals (chairs, tables, linens), invitations, decorations, party favors, flowers, photographer and any other items you may have to buy or make for your party.
______3. Set a date and pick a place. When considering a date keep in mind any other events that might coincide with your date. Remember nothing is worse than planning a party and setting a date, only to later find out it is the same date as some other important function. Choose a location that is easy for guests to find or provide a map. If guests can find the party it can’t be a success.
_____4. Food- Drink-Rentals-Entertainment. Decided how much time you want to invest in food, drink, and entertainment. You don’t want to spend all of your party time preparing the food and serving it to your guests. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to mingle. This means you may need to hire a caterer to prepare the food and you serve it. However, you might want to hire a caterer and their bar & wait staff so you don’t have to do anything but mingle. If your going to hire a cater and bar service, you will need advanced planning to interview the caterer and discuss the food and drinks you’ll want. It is crucial that you make sure to allow enough time for you to get all this done well before the party date. You will also want to book entertainment and arrange for all your rental needs.
_____5. Send out invitations. You can phone friends or email invites for informal parties and get-togethers that will be held within a two weeks or less. For more formal or in the case of children’s parties it is recommend to send printed invitations. Allow plenty of time between mailing the invitation and the date of the party.
_____6. Gather your party supplies. Go shopping for you decorations and party favors, as well as any other items that you may have missed several days before the party. Depending on your party date and the type of food and drinks you will serve, you may want shop for these items as well.
_____7. Check your list. It is easy to forget an item. Do you have food, drinks, tableware, music, or other entertainment, party favors, ect.? Make follow up calls to those you’ve hired, check on rentals, and follow up on the location make sure everything is set.
_____8. Party Day. Put up your decorations and set up table and chairs. Pick up last minute items that you may need. Prepare or pick up the food, cake, and beverages. pick and secure any items that need to be fresh and are ready prepared on the day your party (flowers). Make sure any one you’ve hired is aware of where they are to set up and how you want things done.
_____9. Enjoy your party! Mingle, laugh and have a good time. Your strategic plan has taken care of everything.
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