This time of year there are so many baby and bridal showers, graduation parties and more! If you’re hosting a big event, here are some steps that you can take to ensure the event’s success…and your peace of mind!
1 Month Before the Big Event
Determine your budget. First decide if you are going to have a simple celebration or bring out all the stops! This will help you to have clarity in every part of the planning process.
Decide on a guest list and send out invitations. Once you’ve figured out who’s coming to your big event, you can invite them by text, email, or with a physical invitation.
Brainstorm party ideas. Make a Pinterest board or jot down notes of your ideas in your phone or in a notebook as they come to you. That way when it’s time to plan, you won’t have to start from scratch!
Decide on a theme and colors for your party. What do you want your guests to feel when they come in your front door? Depending on if you’re having a luau-themed graduation party or a sweet baby girl shower, your decorations will put out either a high-energy or calming vibe.
Plan games or activities to play. Do you want to have hilarious activities for guests to bond with the guest of honor? Is a scavenger hunt in order? Or will your party guests just chat among themselves during the party?
Choose a menu for the special day. For any big event, decide ahead of time what you will provide for drinks, appetizers, a main course and dessert. A brunch bridal shower menu could include mimosas, fruit salad skewers, breakfast casserole and cupcakes. A Father’s Day cookout could include soda, a veggie tray, hamburgers and milkshakes. Have fun choosing a menu that the guest of honor will love!
1 Week Before the Big Event
Buy decorations and paper products.
Buy or order food that you will need for the party.
Check in with anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d to you and confirm your guest list.
1 Day Before the Big Event
Clean your house (or call Carpe Diem!). Decorate your house and move furniture as needed. Set up games and any party favors for the big event!
Pick up last minute food and decorations, especially flowers and balloons.
Finish putting food together, making sure that anything that needs to be defrosted is out of the freezer. Write notes to family members who need a reminder to not to eat the party food. ;-)
The Day of the Big Event
Set out food away from high traffic areas in your kitchen. Make sure that all paper products are in place.
Clear out any last-minute clutter and finish decorating. Put balloons or other decorations up on your mail box. Then double check to make sure that your bathrooms are fully stocked and in order.
Play your party music, light any candles, and get excited for your guests to arrive!
