Party Planning Checklist
Planning a shower is the same process as planning any event. Last summer I shared with you the 5 W’s to planning a party. To review those tips click on July 2009 at right.
Once you’ve answered the Why, Where, When, What, and Who questions, you can get to the details. Use this check list so you don’t forget anything. If a section doesn’t apply to your event, cross it off!
Theme
- Having one makes the planning easier
- Choose a color scheme
Invitations
- Formal, professionally printed invitations
- Buy ready made invitations where you fill in the blanks
- Make your own
- Send invitations by e-mail
- Invite by phone
Menu
- Will it be catered
- Make everything yourself
- Pot luck
Food and Drinks
- How many courses
- Gather your recipes
- Shopping
- What can be made ahead of time
- Who will serve
- Guests help themselves
- Hire waiters, bar-tenders
- Hosts serve guests
The Table
- Tables and chairs
- Dishes, glassware, flatware, etc
- Tablecloth and napkins
- Will you use real dishes/napkins or disposable
- Sit down meal:
- Plan a seating chart
- Place card holders
- Informal or buffet
- Where will guests sit
Centerpiece
- Flowers
- Order an arrangement
- Flowers from the garden
- Candles
- Other ideas
Entertainment
- Music
- Live or recorded
- Games
- Party favors or gifts
Timing
- What time will guests arrive
- What time will food be served
- If party has a specific purpose:
- What time will the guest of honor open gifts
- When will speeches or toasts be made
- If it’s a surprise:
- What time will the guest of honor arrive
- What time will everyone leave
Clean-Up
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Sure is a lot to keep up with…I’m glad that you laid it all out so I can actually see a timeline. My sister and I are hosting a 50th wedding anniversary for our parents in July. This is a great tool for us to use. Thank you so much.
Fondly,
Ann
@
The Tattered Tassel
Just wanted to say I enjoyed the site. You have really put a lot of time into your content and it is just wonderfull!
I just finished making plans for a bridesmaids’ luncheon, but this one will be out of town and in a restored plantation barn—not nearly as much planning!! This is a good list. Thanks for stopping by–no, the flower show was for invited guests only–can you believe it??
Your site is so informative and interesting. I rarely entertain any more, but if I did, this would be the first place I would go to get my act together! Thanks for your kind words re my tablescape.
Scribbler