How to Party Plan (aka KISS, keep it simple stupid LOL)

Step 1    Think of what you are trying to accomplish, birthday celebration, graduation, sweet 16.  Think of the person and what their interests are.  i.e.  sports, ballet, graduation, age, time of date

Step 2    Put the personality of the guest of honor into the theme of the party.  Personal interest is a great way for guest to have conversation starters. This can be done by pictures, past awards, their favorite treats.

Step 3   After considering the above two steps start to think of the details, such as will you be hiring a party planner, a caterer, music-DJ or live band, what type of table service will you be using.  Will this party be formal or informal?

Step 4   Plan a budget.  If you did the above steps then you should have come a crossed the cost of items.  Plan an ideal budget. (If I could have everything, this budget would be this $____)  Secondly, plan a realistic budget.  (I can only afford $____)  Once both budgets are completed; add both numbers together divide it by two and now you have a realistic budget for the party.  The truth is you can plan a party at any budget.  Therefore somewhere in the middle between all I can afford and ideal is the reality of what the party will cost.  Emotional buying during an excitable celebration is normal. Therefore knowing that you will most likely spend more than you, can afford makes the average more realistic for the average consumer.  This also helps control emotional or spontaneous buying.

Step 5   Hire the personal, purchase the food, send out the invitations.  If affordable, send out save the date cards….it’s done.  Party is planned in 5 easy steps.  What I recommend to my clients if the party is not formal is to send an e-save the date card and a paper or formal invitaion.  If it is very causual you can do them both over the internet.  Just know that the paperless generation still does not apply to all.  Some people still prefer a written invitation.

Step 6  Remember to have a good time.  Try to keep the attention on the person you are celebrating, not the person who planned it.