A party is a time of fun, mingling, and sharing with friends and family. However, planning a party can be stressful because there is typically a lot to do and organize, people to work with, and a lot to coordinate. Things do not have to be stressful because there are ways to plan a successful party without all the added worry and anxiety. In this article, we share the best tips for throwing a party that does not wear you out.
Have a Purpose
Before doing anything else, decide what the party will be about and its purpose. Doing so will make the rest of the organization and tasks much easier. For example, you might be hosting a baby shower, an anniversary party, or a bridal shower. All these have different purposes, so the requirements and planning for each will be different.
Create a Simple Guest List Early
Who do you invite to the party? The planning and the party itself will be more complicated if too many people will be attending. You will also get too little time to interact with each guest, and you might even have people you do not know attending the party if you allow plus ones.
It is best to create a guest list early so you have enough time to carefully think about whom you will invite. If you are stuck, start with your friends and family and go from there. Rushing as the date nears will lead to additional stress you would rather not deal with.
Decide on a Theme and Entertainment
Depending on the type of party you are hosting, it is a good idea to set a theme. The theme will decide the decorations if you have any, as well as the menu, and even the dress code. Once you have decided on a theme, hire the entertainment.
Music is always a great go-to that does not require much planning. You can hire a local DJ or create a curated playlist for the day. Whether you hire one or a string quartet, tell them the theme, purpose, and who will attend to ensure they only play the music appropriate for the occasion and guests.
Create a Menu and Keep it Simple
Decide on the type of menu and food you want early on so you can discuss that with a catering company. You can also choose simple items you can prepare yourself and heat up as the guests request them to save money.
If you plan on serving alcohol, talk to a supplier to ensure they will have enough for the day for the number of guests you are inviting. You can also contact a business that serves the greater Los Angeles area to make prior arrangements or have the alcohol delivered on the day of.
Order What You Can Online
If you need something specific, such as a specialty tablecloth or dish, you do not have to drive to different shops looking for it. You can save yourself the effort and stress by ordering online.
As you do this, only use local searches to ensure you source what you need from local businesses. You might make the mistake of ordering overseas and have the item delivered long after the party is over.
Do What You Can Beforehand
Many people underestimate how much it takes to prepare a party venue and ensure everything is in order. You can save yourself from running around on the day of the party by doing everything you can beforehand, preferably the previous night. You can set the tables, decorate the venue, check the seating arrangements, and finalize everything with your vendors and suppliers beforehand.
Planning a party does not have to be stressful because proper planning can make things much easier for everyone involved. The key is getting started early to ensure everything is completed and ready a day or two before the party.
