Planning a party/event can be STRESSFUL! Recently I planned my 30th birthday party (brunch/day party). Planning a party can be an event in itself. While I had the absolute best time, that didn’t come without some stress. So I’m here to supply you with a simple planning guide to help your next event go off without a hitch.

Let’s get started……….Once you’ve established you are having an event the first thing to do is establish a date. This is important because it helps to wean out venue selections. Now if you are open to various dates that gives you more options. Date Set? Now it’s time to seek out venues, pricing, and timing. Contact potential venues for a walk-thru and ask all the possible questions about your event or what you are looking for in the potential space. Keep reading and I will provide you with some sample questions to ask your venue host during the viewing that will aid in your planning proceess.

Questions to ask the venue

What is the seating and standing capacity?
Are tables and chairs provided? If so ask to see the chairs. (Regular folding chairs may disrupt your decor vision so be mindful)
How many tables/chairs can be provided?
Can you bring in your own food/ provide your own caterer? (sometimes places have in-house catering you have to use)
Is alcohol permitted?
Is smoking permitted?
Are candles/sparklers allowed?
Are there any noise level restrictions?
How much time is given for setup?
How much time is given to clean up?
How much per additional hour?
Is there parking? (Street parking, Parking lot, valet, metered parking)

Depending on how far out you planning the event, you may need to combine some things. This breaks things down into monthly tasks. If you are doing this in a short span of time it’s definitely feasible don’t panic. I planned my party out in about a month.

2 Months Before the Event

Establish a Date
Determine your budget
Search for Potential Venues
Solidify the Venue
Sketch out your vision
Determine event time
Create guest list
Create invitations
Determine the menu (Figure out if you will be hiring a caterer/ cooking/ or some of both)
Finalize Theme
Determine whether you will be decorating yourself or hiring an event decorator
Get quotes if you are hiring a decorator

1 Month Before Event

Send out invitations (I highly suggest mobile invitations like Evite etc. Helps to track guest lists better).
Hire a DJ or create a playlist
Contact the caterer / Or designate persons to cook (Get Quotes/ Make Deposit)
Contact/ Hire Bartender (Determine whether the bartender will provide everything or will you)
Order all customized items for the event (order a month out to ensure the satisfaction of all party items)
Purchase or begin making your (DIY) decor
Contact vendors ( Balloons, Decorator, Table/Chair/Tent rental if needed, Bakery)
Begin searching for your look (outfit, shoes, scheduled makeup, hair)