Take the Stress Out of Party Planning
We all love to celebrate an occasion or milestone of our lives, but planning a party can be a minefield. There is always a lot to consider when planning the perfect event, but the key is to be organised and give yourself plenty of time. If you are short on time when planning your event, a short-term push of hard work and focus will be required, as well as a determined attitude.
Some key elements can take the stress out of party planning, so get your notepad ready.
Speak to the necessary people
As an example, if you're throwing a birthday party for a friend, you will be able to get an idea of what they want by asking a handful of direct questions such as:
- Is there anyone you want to avoid inviting?
- What colour schemes do you love?
- How big of an event do you want this to be?
- What would be your dream food choices?
While time, budget, and available options may not always make everything achievable, the answers to these questions will help you understand what your friend would love. It may be the case that your friend wants a small intimate affair with a focus on the food rather than a late-night dance party. While you may have your preference for the party style, you may have to forego some ideas for another celebration instead.
Use online tools
The world of party planning is a vast industry, with wedding parties alone employing hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. Due to this, there are lots of online tools that you have available to you. From templates for checklists to party invitation layouts, there are even apps that allow you to store RSVPs as well as get input from other people on their contributions to the planning process.
Even if you don't use specific planning party online tools, a general checklist app and your phone's calendar features will be necessary to keep you organised.
Make sure the small details are covered
The small details make an overall experience when throwing a memorable party. Make sure you think about these finer details that add a special touch to any party. Whether you need to buy some small gift bags that can be filled with goodies and cake for guests to take home, or you personalise elements of the decor, the possibilities are endless. Once you start to get more minor details organised, you will begin to see how the party is coming together, so they can be small jobs to buy or prepare that can help make you feel more confident about how the planning is going. A significant element to include is photographs of the person/people you are celebrating. Ask friends and family to share their favourite photos and use one of the many online services to print the pictures and use them as part of the decor (frames on tables, even incorporated into a balloon arch)
Make lists
Some people make lists for every element of their life, whereas others go with the flow and have more of a mental checklist. However you approach your general day-to-day life, when it comes to planning a party, you will need to make lists. Lists not only help to organise your thoughts and know what you need to do, but they may also highlight anything you have not yet thought about. You can put timeframes next to list items and also create an itinerary of the day of the party for anyone involved. Doing this will give you a sense of control and allow extra time for any last-minute changes or emergencies.
Allow people to help you
Teams achieve great things, and tackling something entirely alone will only lead to exhaustion. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice. You will get an extra pair of hands and likely strengthen your relationship with others when asking for help. Most people would love to be part of creating a memorable party for a friend or family member and will be happy that you trust them enough to ask. The more help you get, the more likely you are to be able to enjoy the celebration too.