7 Event & Party Planning Tips You May Not Have Considered

When you are planning a party, you probably want everything to be just right. There are all of the usual considerations that you are most likely to think about, but some things may easily slip your mind or be things that you may have just not thought about at all. Here are seven event and party planning tips that you may not have thought of that will help your party run smoothly.

1. Whatever you can do ahead of time, do ahead of time!

Not only do you not want to be running around at the last minute trying to get everything done, but you also want to be able to have time to handle the unexpected issues that may arise.

Although you are taking the time to plan and make sure your event or party goes as smoothly as possible, sometimes things happen that are out of your control. You want to be able to calmly handle these situations without having to worry about last-minute items that could have been taken care of in advance.

Another good reason that you want to do whatever you can ahead of time is so that you, too, can enjoy the party. You don’t want to be running around doing things that could have already been done instead of socializing and talking to your guests. After all, if you are going to go to the trouble of planning the party, you want to enjoy it too!

2. Don’t forget the music.

Having a soundtrack playing in the background will significantly enhance the mood and tone of your party or event. Many different variables will go into choosing the perfect music, such as type of event, theme, age of guests, etc. For example, if you are hosting a high school graduation party, you will want to play the music that the graduate and their friends enjoy. After all, the party is to celebrate their accomplishments. Take into consideration precisely who the music is for, and choose accordingly.

3. Make sure you make a list of to-do items and check them off.

With all of the different things you have to take into consideration when planning a party or event, it is easy to forget something. That is why you must write everything down and work from a list of to-do items. Add to the list every time you think of something new. You may think something is trivial and a given, but if you add it to the list, you can be assured that it will not be forgotten.

It will also cause your mind less stress by getting it out of your head and onto paper or electronically somewhere. Some things you have to take into consideration are:

• Time and Date
• Venue
• Invitations
• Decorations
• Party Favors
• Food
• Beverages
• Activities/Entertainment
• Cake/Desserts
• Music
• Agenda
• Equipment needed
• Centerpieces
• Lighting
• Sound System
• Paper Goods
• Dinner Ware

If you write it all down as it occurs to you, this will significantly reduce your chances that not only will it get done.

4. Find out if you have any guests or attendees with food allergies or sensitivities.

This way, you can make sure you have food available to accommodate them. If you are hosting a large gathering, this may not always be possible to know the dietary needs of every single guest. But if you do know of any guests with specific food allergies, you can make sure you have choices that will accommodate them.

5. Use small platters for food and replenish as needed.

If you are putting out food or appetizers on trays, it is a good idea to put smaller platters out with a little bit at a time so that the food stays fresh and is not sitting out for an extended time period.

Rather than putting all of the food out at once on large platters, you can put a little out at a time on smaller plates, then replenish the dishes as needed. Doing this is especially helpful if you are hosting a more extended gathering or a gathering such as an open-house style party where guests will be arriving and eating at different times throughout the party.

6. Make sure you take lots of photographs.

I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten to the end of a party or event and realized that I did not take any pictures. Get in the habit of taking pictures of everything so that you can remember the event. There have been several times that I have wanted to recall precisely how I did something because I remember that it worked well, but I can’t remember how I did it.

For example, at my eldest daughter’s high school graduation party, I remember the table of high school memories looking so lovely and everyone commenting on how well it was laid out. But I didn’t take any pictures of it! Can you believe it? The point of the story is to take lots of pictures. You will appreciate the fact that you did, and it only takes a few minutes to do. Taking lots of photos will be time well spent.

7. Make a plan for your pets.

Know ahead of time what you will be doing with your pets for the duration of your party. You may want to ask someone to pet sit for you, or you may be able to put your pets in a location of your home where your party is not occurring, such as a bedroom or basement.

In any event, you do not want to get to the time when your guests start arriving only for your dog to be jumping up on everyone to greet them. While your dog may just be being friendly, and some dog lovers may not mind this, some people will not appreciate it. You also don’t need the hassle of worrying about what your pet is doing rather than being a great host or hostess and being able to enjoy the party yourself.

By considering these party planning tips, your party is sure to be a hit, and you will be able to enjoy it also.