You simply can’t beat a good party. A party for any occasion; visualized in a perfect and creative manner, with that element of surprise and anticipation peeking through. All the hard work and sweat put into planning the perfect garden or surprise birthday party does pay off, especially when it hits straight home.

Professional Guide to Planning the Perfect Party

Planning the perfect party is challenging. This is why many prefer hiring the capable services of event managers.

The following think-ahead steps offered by professional party planners will help you and your guests enjoy any party and remember it for a long time to come.

What to Do 4 Weeks Ahead

This is the time when you’ll sit with a pencil and notepad to create a realistic budget. This will be done after deciding what type of party you want to throw, i.e. if it’s a birthday party and your little daughter loves Elsa from Frozen, you’ll have to keep that theme in mind when planning the budget. There are many party planning budget calculators available on the internet that you can use as well!

Make the guest list once you decide the final budget for the party. Remember to make room for unexpected party expenses. The guest list will also be dependent on the type of party you’re throwing and for whom.

 It’s a good idea to decide on the menu while you’re at the early planning stage. If it’s a birthday party, decide whether you’re going to bake the cake yourself or have it ordered. Think of what you’re going to need for the party, (cups, plates, tables, chairs, table linens, serving pieces etc).  Make an inventory if you’ll use your own or make an early booking for rentals.

What to Do 2 Weeks Ahead

During this time, you’ll start to realize what’s missing from your own inventory which gives plenty of time to either rent what you need or buy from the store.

Think of decoration, i.e. if it’s a bachelorette party you’d have to decorate accordingly. Corporate parties tend to be more serious and minimal when it comes to decoration but you can still have some fun with it. Compile the party music list and think of other entertainment/games that will highlight the event.

What to Do 2 Days Ahead

The little, time consuming and important details need to be looked at once the big tasks have been taken care of.

Clean your house thoroughly if it’s to be the venue of your party. You want to make a good impression on guests! Make sure your camera is fully charged and working; buy extra batteries just in case.

Set table, decorate the buffet and immediate party venue.        

What to Do On the Party Day

This is the day when all your effort should shine through. This is also the day for taking care of last minute details and tasks. You’ll receive the delivery of rented equipment which you can either set up alone or use the help of the deliverers. Buy party ice for the punch and other drinks. A few hours before guests are due, remember to eat something light.

And most of all, remember to relax. A relaxed host equals to happy guests!

Some Important Tips

v  If your party is falling around major holidays, start planning at 4 weeks ahead. The same goes for if you need to rent equipment.

v  For a more casual party, start planning at 2 weeks ahead or even 1 week.

v  Note: Not everything on this list will apply to your party. Do remember to check off all the steps that do apply.

As you can see, planning the perfect party isn’t easy. A lot of thought and effort goes into every little detail! If you want to create lasting memories and actually remember your son’s fourth birthday, hiring a professional party planning company isn’t a bad idea at all.