If you’re planning a party then you know both the fun and the stress involved. You don’t just want it to be a good party. You want it to be a great party.
You want it to be a party to remember.
That’s an admirable goal, but not always easy to pull off. However, it’s not impossible. The first thing you need is a starting point, a plan to set your “party to remember” dreams into motion.
Consider the following tips to set you on the right path.
Create a Party to Remember and Have a Purpose
The best parties are built around a theme. It can be related to a special day – holidays, birthdays or anniversaries, for example. Or it can be attached to some sort of theme, which means an almost endless list of potential ideas.
Superheroes. The Beach. Cowboys and Indians. The Swinging ‘60s. Sports. Universal horror movies. Television shows such as “Game of Thrones.” You get the idea.
Whatever you choose, the important thing is to make a decision. The type of party will dictate much of what follows, including the time of year, the venue, the decorations and the entertainment.
Location, Location, Location
Where do you want to have your party? Your house? Are you sure? Because if you are inviting more than just a dozen people, that could be a problem (unless you have a huge backyard).
Deciding location can depend on the theme you’ve chosen, the weather during the time of year of your party and the number of people you invite. But it’s important to get this set early, as it will help you decide on some of those other issues.
It almost will help you determine what you are going to spend, which brings us to our next issue.
How Much to Spend?
Only you know the answer to this question, but it’s an important one. A good rule of thumb is spend enough to make it a party to remember, but don’t spend so much you’ll have “buyer’s regret” when it’s over. Try to use extra money you have and not go into debt to throw the party.
Entertainment Options
These days, people are used to not just standing around, eating and drinking at a party. It’s key to provide some type of entertainment that doesn’t just involve turning on the television (unless, of course, the party is tied into a TV show, like the “Mad Men” party craze a few years ago).
You can also go with a party rental company, these companies specialize in providing entertainment that is unique and certainly memorable. They include rentals such as:
- Concessions stands where you can serve your refreshments in style, including snow cone, popcorn and cotton candy machines. You can even get a carnival tent to out it all under.
- Bumper Cars and other fun, interactive rentals. The range is large, including foam machines, mechanical bulls, trackless trains and mobile stunt jump rentals.
- Bounce houses, which are especially good for kids (and the grown up kids). The number of choices are staggering, but include superheroes, castles, train cars, underwater adventure and space exploration.
Party Decorations for a Party to Remember
This is where you can get very creative and, depending on your skills, also save a lot of money by doing things yourself.
Those with a bigger budget can go “heavy décor.” That basically involves turning whatever venue you have chosen into a fully immersive party experience, with thematic decorations at every turn. This can range from furnishing and wall decorations to the art used on plates and cups.
But even on a smaller budget, you can make certain items that will give your party a great atmosphere. A well-placed mural on the wall, a few set pieces (a life-size cardboard character, for instance, or putting out tiki torches) can give the party just the right kind of ambiance.
Food & Concessions: What to Serve
This again depends on the budget. Those with extra cash can simply hire a caterer and be done with it, other than choosing what you want.
If you are making your own food and providing your own drinks, it’s a good area to have at least a few co-planners. Throwing a beach party and know someone who is awesome on the grill? Now’s the time to make that phone call.
Whatever route you choose, remember to keep the food tied in with the theme.
Those are just some ideas to get your party creativity going. Good luck and don’t leave all the fun to your guests. You’ve worked hard. You get to have a party to remember, too.
