Party Planning Ideas

Photo courtesy of caribb on flickr

For some, planning a party is a walk in the park. And for others, it’s more like walking through the dessert on broken glass! Some have the knack and some don’t. Whether online or in print there is an abundance of party planning ideas out there to help. You can find information including theme concepts, food and beverage ideas and recipes, entertainment, games and more.

But for those who party planning does not come easy, the question is how to develop the more intricate details. Should you work within a budget? On average, how many drinks are required per person? And once you know what you are doing, how do you stay on top of things and track them?

Party Planning Ideas – How Many Drinks are too Many?

I think we can all agree that parties, no matter the occasion, are full of fun, fun and even more fun. From the moment the invitation is received, to the moment we arrive at the shindig, it’s all about anticipation and looking forward to the fun. But not so much for the person planning the party.

Today, a large part of party planning includes the beverages. You have to combine being a responsible host with ensuring your guests enjoy themselves at a party with an open bar. Although there is no exact science to it, the first rule of thumb to remember including alcohol at your party is – drinking and driving is a humongous no, no.

Smart Serve is an online site that educates, trains and certifies career and bar professionals including those working a single party or event (non-profit, corporate or a home party). Smart Serve’s goal is to provide the tools to deliver responsible alcohol service and encourages “good times and good judgment”. In Ontario, Canada, anyone that serves alcohol in a licensed establishment must be Smart Serve certified.

If you aren’t able to go the Smart Serve route, there is a useful online drink calculator. The online drink calculator will help you work out how much alcohol to have on hand for your party. Just by entering the number of guests along with the number of party hours, it will provide you with the basic information to stock the party bar.

Party Planning Ideas – To Budget or Not To Budget?

To budget or not to budget, that is the question. And the answer is a rip roaring YES! Setting a budget (and sticking to it!) is a really good way to keep your party on track. Whether you’re planning a corporate party or home party, there is nothing worse than going over budget. There is an on-line budget estimator that will help you determine the approximate cost of your party.

By making a realistic budget, including all of your line items, you will put yourself one step ahead. So when you do the party postmortem (solo or with the entire corporate board) you will be able to pin point any problems or over spends, and avoid those situations in the future.

Party Planning Ideas – We All Love a Checklist, Don’t We?

Another really good party planning idea is the ever present party planning checklist. Along with the party budget, a very important part of party planning is the checklist. A party planning checklist will enable you to keep track of all the responsibilities, purchases and deadlines, all in one convenient place. Utilizing a party planning checklist, will ensure you accomplish everything that is required, track the items and meet your deadlines. A party planning checklist is like the assistant you never had!

Determine what works best for you. The checklist can be an elaborate, multi-page spreadsheet or a basic handwritten outline on a sheet of paper. Regardless of the style, it will help keep you organized and add to the success of the party.