Party Budget
It's possible to throw a party without having a massive budget, and it's also possible to spend a great deal of money on one party. Before you begin planning, it's best to consider the total amount of money you're willing to spend. That will influence some of your choices as you consider the following aspects of your party budget:
- How many guests to invite
- The beverages and food you provide
- Which type of invitations to send
- How you will decorate
- Whether you give out party favors or gift bags
- Games, activities and entertainment like live music
Party Games
There's a good chance that there will be people at your party who don't know each other. By providing games and other activities, you can give your guests easier ways to entertain themselves and break the ice as they make new friends. Depending on the expected weather and how much space you have available, you can use ideas like the following:
Outdoor
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Indoor
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Party Checklist
A well-planned party will be more fun for your guests, and proper preparation will actually help you relax and enjoy yourself, too. When everything is set up in advance, you'll be able to spend more time interacting with your guests. Follow this comprehensive party checklist to help make sure you don't forget anything.
THREE OR FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY
- Establish your party budget
- Create a guest list
- Pick a date, time and location for your party - depending on location, you may need reservations even further in advance
- Select a theme for your party
- Send part invitations online or by mail (including directions about how to RSVP)
- Decide on your drinks and food menu
- Pick activities and games for your party
TWO OR THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY
- Take inventory of your kitchen items, tableware and party supplies
- Make a list of what you don't already have and make sure you know where to buy those items
- Ask people to help you with the party, if necessary
- Keep track of your guest list based on the RSVPs you receive
- Purchase games, items for activities, decorations to match your theme and other party supplies
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE PARTY
- If you're hosting the party at home or another location you control, do the heavy cleaning
- Purchase non-perishable food and drinks including freezable foods
- Reach out to guests who haven't RSVPed yet
TWO DAYS BEFORE THE PARTY
- Make space in the refrigerator
- Purchase perishable food items except for fresh meat and seafood
- Purchase extra garbage bags, foil and plastic wrap while you're getting groceries
- Prepare a way for guest to recycle glass, aluminum and plastic bottles
- Select music for your party and make sure you have a way to play it
ONE DAY BEFORE THE PARTY
- Put up decorations
- Package party favors, if applicable, and set them aside
- Gather and assemble games and other activities
- Prepare food that can be refrigerated overnight
- Purchase fresh meat and seafood
DAY OF THE PARTY
- Set out serving materials
- Set up your food table and bar
- Prepare the rest of your food
- Chill Drinks
- Pick up extra ice
- Relax, smile and prepare to have fun