The 5 "W's" of Party Planning
WHY - Why am I having this party?
Birthday or anniversary celebration, casual evening with friends, dinner party, cocktail party, family reunion, holiday celebration or open house, graduation party, baby shower, bridal shower, retirement, super bowl party, new years party, etc.
WHO - Who is Coming?
· Friends, relatives, friends of the guest of honor, people from work, neighbors
· Consider how many people will be invited and how much space will be required
· Develop a guest list with names, addresses, phone numbers & e-mail addresses
· Will your invitations be by mail, e-mail or phone?
· For invited guests from out-of-town, Save-the-Date cards will allow them time to make arrangements for travel, accommodations, etc.
WHERE - Where is the party being held?
At your home in the family room, living room, dining room, backyard, at a local restaurant, rented hall, park, etc. If the party is being held:
· In your home you will need to consider how much space is needed
· At a local restaurant or rented hall, you need to know room capacity
· At a local park, is there a pavilion available? Grills available? Area for recreational activities?
WHEN - When will the party be held?
· Date and time
· If the party is being held around a major event in the area, a holiday weekend, or busy vacation time, consider sending Save-the-Date cards several months in advance to all of your invited guests, especially those from out-of-town.
WHAT - What will be served?
A birthday party for preschool children will require different foods than a summer family picnic, brunch, dinner party, or other party for adults.
· Consider costs of food, how much food will be required, and what types of food you may want to serve.
· You may choose to have your party catered (for a retirement or graduation party, pig roast or clam bake, for example), or you may wish to order desserts or cake from a bakery or caterer for bridal or baby showers, an anniversary or birthday party or other celebrations and special events.
Decorations & Centerpieces
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You will want to consider what type of decorations & centerpieces you will need and their cost.
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Helium balloons which can be purchased at your local party store,
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(or Crystal City Wedding & Party Center), can be used for centerpieces & general decorations.
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Consider using banners, signs, garlands, hanging fountains and other decorations also.
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You may also wish to use floral arrangements from your local florist.
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If you have a theme for you party (Hawaiian luau, beach party, birthday party, graduation party, baby shower, bridal shower, retirement partyk, anniversary party, engagement party, etc), center your decorations around the theme.
Rental Equipment
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You may need to rent tables, chairs, linens, barbecur grills, dishes, glassware or catering equipment from your local party rental store.
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For outdoor events, you may wish to consider some type of tent or canopy to provide shelter from the sun or rain.
Activities
Checklist
_____Invitations - mail, e-mail or phone
_____beverages/ice
_____grocery items to be purchased
_____food preparation required
_____tables & chairs
_____dishes, silverware, glassware
_____table coverings & napkins
_____centerpieces
_____decorations, balloons, banners
_____game supplies (pinatas, etc)
_____catering supplies
_____party favors
_____gift table, buffet table
_____entertainment - DJ, band, clown, caricaturist, etc
Also incude the names & phone numbers of caterers, florists, party stores & venues you are using, along with pickup times, etc.