Party Planning Timeline
Planning a party takes a lot of time and effort. To help you keep on track and make your party planning more successful and a lot less stressful, we've put together this checklist of items that will help make sure your event runs smoothly.
Initial Planning
- choose a date, time and location for the party
- decide on the number of guests and develop a guest list
- decide on a budget and who will pay for what
- interview caterers
- send out "save the date" notices
1 + month before
- compile names and addresses for the guest list
- confirm venue / dates
- research accommodation options for out-of-town visitors (if required)
- hire entertainment and photographer (if required)
- design and print invitations
2+ weeks before
- shop for decorations and party favours needed for your party
- finalise guest list
- send invitations (weddings and large-scale events earlier)
- decide on the food and beverage menu with your caterer
- decide on costume or outfit to wear
- organise equipment rentals (tables, chairs, sound equipment, marque, glasses)
Party week
- call any guest who hasn't responded
- confirm final numbers with caterer
- pick-up decorations
- clean the house, party room or venue
- mow lawn, clean-up yard
Day before
- confirm pick-up/drop off times with all vendors
- drop off items at venue
- prepare seating chart or name tags
- prepare cheques or final payments for all vendors
Day of the party
- coordinate set-up, service and clean-up with caterer and service staff or volunteers
- decorate the room
- remember to eat and drink plenty of water
- take time out to relax (at least 2 hours before the party begins)
- enjoy the party