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How far in advance should I start planning the party?
Give yourself plenty of time to plan and organize the party. The larger the event the more time you should give yourself to plan. If you plan to
hire a photographer,
caterer,
DJ, etc., you should plan several
months in advance. Some vendors book quickly during the holiday
season, so plan accordingly. Contact vendors and request availability as soon as you decide to have the event. A small event will require less
time to plan, especially if you decide to do it without the assistance of vendors.
How far in advance should I send out invitations?
Invitations should be sent far enough in advance to give everyone time to get to the event. If guests will be
traveling from out of town, it's best to give a 1 - 2 month notice. This will allow them to make travel arrangements
and submit vacation requests at work, if necessary. If all guests are local, a 2 week notice should be sufficient.
For weddings, it's a good idea to send a save the date card at least 3 months in advance or once you finalize the date,
time and location of the wedding. If the wedding date is close to a hoilday or during the summer, you should send them much
earlier to avoid schedule conflicts.
Should I cater the event or make the food myself?
This is a personal choice and will depend on a few things. If you do not cook, it might be a good idea to hire a professional
caterer. If you're planning a surprise party, you might not have time to make the food yourself. If the budget allows,
hiring a caterer will make life easier. Ask yourself the following questions before deciding. Do you have enough
time to shop for the food and prepare it? Is there enough money in the budget to hire a caterer? If you plan to make the food
yourself check out our party recipes and cocktails.
How much should I budget for the party?
Consider your personal finances when setting a budget. You don't have to spend a fortune to show your guests a good time. There will always
be some unexpected expenses, so consider that when finalizing your budget. Once you set a budget it's important to stick with it. Use our budget
calculator to help you stay on track.
Where should I have the party?
The location should be convenient for your guests. The more convenient, the more likely your guests will come.
Looking for a location to have the party? Check out our venues and banquet halls.
Should I give party favors?
Party favors are a nice touch, but not absolutely necessary. If the budget allows, there are many options to choose from.
PlumParty is an online party supply store with many unique party favors and
supplies.
Should I ask for help?
You do NOT have to do it all on your own. Learn to say yes, when someone offers to help. Accepting help can eliminate stress and allow you to
enjoy the party. If the event is large and seems too overwhelming, you might want to consider hiring an
event planner
or a wedding planner.
How many guests should I invite?
Consider your budget and the size of the location when deciding how many people to invite. Keep in mind that not everyone you invite will be
able to attend. Invite a few more than you expect to come.
For children's parties, it's best to keep the guest count
to 7 or less. The guest of honor will bring the count to an even 8. Most disposable cups, plates and other parties supplies come in packages of 8.
Do I need to decorate?
Decorations add a special touch, but are not necessary. If you have a limited budget, decorations like balloons can have a huge impact. Nothing says
a party like a balloon bouquet. Purchase
party supplies and decorations online.
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