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Party Planning Checklist

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Party Planning Checklist - Make Party Planning Easy

Planning a party, especially a "one in a lifetime" party or a large party can be overwhelming. We all know someone who plans great parties and makes it look easy and effortless! If you ask them, I'm sure you'd find out they use some kind of party planning checklist. Good idea you say, but no idea what should be on your list? Here's a few items you t should be consider for your checklist.

First on Your Party Planning Checklist - The Budget

First thing at the top of your checklist should be to establish a budget for your party. By making a budget first you can figure out how many people you can invite which leads to the next section of your checklist. The next set of things on your checklist will be in reference to the guests.

Check on Your List - Guests

Some things on your checklist should include making a list of people to invite, buying invitations, writing out invitations and mailing invitations. Make sure you create a deadline for when you need to have the invitations in the mail. Give your guest two weeks to RSVP to let you know if they will or will not be attending the party. Create a new list of all the people you invited. Make a note when you receive their RSVP if they are attending or not.

Party Location & Food

The next set of items on the party planning checklist will be about the actual location of the party. If you are undecided about where the party will be and your budget allows you to have the party outside of your home, it's time to do some research. Add a note to your party planning checklist to telephone local venues to get pricing information.

If you are thinking of having the party at a reception hall or similar rented venue, find out if they supply the food or if they require the food to be purchase from one of their preferred suppliers. Ask about the cost and menu options. Once you know the cost, you can determine if you'd rather have the party at home and hire a catering company to prepare the food. You will need to add to your checklist to get quotes from caterers.

Another option, especially if you enjoy cooking, is to prepare the food yourself. If you are thinking about this, add to your checklist to research recipes, supplies and food cost. Once this is decided, you will need to add a place on the checklist to secure the vendor or caterer and reminder to confirm with them closer to the party date.

Theme Party Decorations

Other things on your checklist may include purchasing theme party decorations like plates, napkins, utensils, cups, drinks and food. If you need to rent tables, chairs, serving dishes or other party items, include this on your checklist. Call rental companies for pricing and reserve your items early, especially during the holiday party season.