Check our party planning checklist.

With use of our party check list you can rest assured that you will have quite a bit more understanding of what is involved in planning a party. They can be fun to plan, but can also be very stressful if things don’t fall into place, as you would like. Feel free to pass this on, print it out or bookmark it for future reference.

Party Date – When is the party?

Everybody loves a party, but unfortunately people have their own lives and commitments, so it is good practise to ensure they actually KNOW when the party is and where. Choosing a date which works for the most important people is better than trying to fit one with all 100. After all as long as the people you most care about, what more could you want, but the more the merrier, as they say.

Summer parties are a great time to book for as people tend to have time off from work around these periods.

Head Count – How many people would you like to attend?

Working out the number of people to invite is easier said than done however starting with the ten or twenty so people that definitely should attend is a good starting point, leaving the people that you would like to attend but can’t necessarily cater for as provisional guests. Sometimes it is better to cater for the main group but inform the others they won’t be catered for, in a nice way of course. Remember if you are on a budget to stick to it. It’s no good making everyone happy if you end up going skint and end up miserable as a result.

Budget – From flash to pub to small gatherings?

Budgets for parties can be a downer, well especially if it’s extremely limited, however budgets ensure your party is catered for down to the last tee. The budget splits between the venue, food, drinks, cake and entertainment.

Party Venue – Where will the party be held?

Whether you are going for a pub, your home, a hotel, a flash restaurant you must ensure you book way in advance, otherwise that party you had planned will end up either going nowhere or back at your house. Venues book up pretty fast so get your skates on. When booking a venue in advance, a deposit will most definitely be taken, and I would ensure you do leave some form of deposit otherwise it could prove difficult later. Remember that the venue needs to first, fit all your guests in, and cater for (if required). Remember if there is a budget to add this in.

Home based parties will mean you are going to need enough space, spare glasses etc, and it is a good idea to let people know their boundaries, i.e. no go rooms, prior to the event. If you are planning on having a lot of people in a small space that will probably get very drunk, then move any precious items to save them getting smashed.

You can find party venues in your local area by browsing our party venue directory .

Party Theme – Will there be a theme attached?

Themes for parties are great, but getting guests to fit or like the theme isn’t always easy. Choosing a theme which is popular may prove a better option, as not everyone might want to dress up as a gorilla, or attend in their pyjamas. One for the photo  albums though.

Party Invitations – Have you sent the invites?

It is best to send party invitations in good advance, whether for formal or casual events, so that people are aware. Getting people to respond can be tricky as people can be very busy so don’t worry about asking the ones who don’t respond for their response as the numbers will prove vital in preparing the party.

A good tip is to send two lots, one for the response and one a little closer to the time to serve as a reminder, this way you can also only send the reminders to the people who need them, just to keep the party fresh in their minds. If ordering them please order way in advance as so you are not unable to send due to them not arriving in time.

They will require the following info on them to serve a good purpose;
The party date, what time its at, where the party is and what dress theme

 

Party Food – What food will be laid out?

If you are planning on catering for large numbers it may be an idea to book party food caterers as there could just be too much to handle, again who need plenty of notice, and ensure they know full details about what is required. They may also charge for delivery, unless they cater in the venue. Remember you will have all the other areas to be concentrating on. Drafting in family members always works quite well. Think prior to the party whether there is going to be enough food, or too much. Choosing generic foods that most people will eat is a safe option, fancy foods and exotic foods may alienate certain fussy guests. Oh and don’t forget the vegetarians, it’s a good idea to ask if you are unsure.

You can find party food caterers in your local area by browsing our party food caterer’s directory .

Party Cake – Getting a cake and eating it

Cakes are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes, whether for formal or a celebration, and if you cant find one you like or that fits the bill, a lot of cake makers offer bespoke cake making services, although extra costs will usually be involved. Please again do at least inform them in good time, as then they can make it closer to the date as part of their usual schedule.

You can find cake makers in your local area by browsing our party cake makers directory .

Party Drinks – What beverages will be available?

Remember when it comes to drinks, not everyone’s as partial to alcohol as you may be. You will need a good mix of both soft and alcoholic drinks, to cater for adults and any children that may be attending. If you are planning on stocking up and taking the drink to a venue, you might not be allowed to do this or most places that will let you will have a corkage charge (which is easy money to them), so please do check before you book. Booking a bar may be cheaper than bringing your own drinks, so it may be worth checking. If the party is at home, get stocked up early and with a good selection, or another good tip is to ask guests to bring a bottle, which often leads to all manner of drinks being made available.

Party Entertainment – Will you be requiring an entertainer?

Whatever the party venue, whether you are hiring a DJ, clown, magician, live band, or something adult related it is a good idea to get them booked in advance to save time and upset later, at least if they don’t turn up it wont be your fault. Although some will require more advance notice than others. It may also be worth letting people know what they are in for and whether people are ok with your choice, unless of course the entertainment is a surprise.

You can find party entertainers and party entertainment in your local area by browsing our party entertainment directory .

Party Keepsakes - Remembering your special day

If your party is for an event which you will treasure for ever then you will likely want to hire a good photographer, whether your event is for a wedding, or a significant birthday or anniversary you are celebrating. Do some research, ask to see previous work, most will have a portfolio online or off, and book one you feel is going to create the mood you require. You dont want to be remembering your party for the wrong reasons. An excellent add on you may wish to consider would be to get either a cd or dvd of the event which some companies may offer which will last a lifetime.

You can find party / event photographers and party photography in your local area by browsing our party and event photographers directory .

Parking Space – Where will everyone park their vehicles?

So everyone’s going to be there, but you forgot to check whether the venue had parking space and now your guests are finding it difficult to get a space. It is a good idea to check that there is adequate parking spaces required for all your guests on the venue and nearby, and this includes the public too as you may be having your party at a venue which caters for several groups such as a pub etc. And remember drinking and driving don’t mix.

Consideration – Love thy neighbours

Parties are great fun, but mostly only to the people, who are attending, consideration is usually only needed to be made if the party is to be at the house, however it is still nice to be courteous at venues. Your neighbours may love the same music you are into but, not so if its 3 am in the morning. The best advice is to consult your neighbour and let them know what you have planned, as they will often take a more lenient view on it.

Party Aftermath – When parties are over!

Well everyone loves parties, don’t we all?, but unfortunately with parties come mess, holding a party at a pub or venue away from home means you don’t have to do the clearing up.

Holding a party at your house, could see you spending a lot of time cleaning. Even sensible people who you have known for years, who get drunk tend to spill drinks, occasionally vomit, knock things over, and smash things, this can lead to disaster. You may think oh what harm can come, but when you find out your nice 32” LCD TV is smashed, you may not be thinking like that. Or those nice new white carpets you had put in could end up looking like something you dragged out of a dustbin or worse. Being practical can save a few hazards for example like black bags being made readily available for empty cans. Or even using plastic glasses instead of glass ones.

However no one likes a kill-joy so do go easy on your guests; otherwise people could be made to feel uneasy and possibly leave.

Party Mess And The Environment – Do your bit.

We all know how much rubbish a party can produce, so please do stop to consider our planet once the party has descended to its aftermath the following day, rather than dumping all the waste and rubbish, why not check what things can be recycled, especially empty bottles of beer, wine and other non or alcoholic drinks. Empty cartons, some wrapping paper and packaging could be recycled too.

Doing this will leave an even warmer feeling in your belly, and not just the one from the great feeling the party gave you.

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