FAQs About Party Planning

Having a successful party means careful party planning. Sending out the invitations is an important first step. Finding a convenient location for the party is another key factor. Acquiring cool party favors for guests helps ensure that they have a fun and memorable time. Proper planning helps guarantee an impressive gathering.

Q: How to handle invitations

A: Invitations are an important step in putting everything in motion. If it is a theme party, such as a Halloween Party or a birthday party, buy or make invitations for that specific occasion. If it is RSVP, make it easy on the invitee. Give options such as email, text, phone and regular mail, but also expect people to show up who did not respond. Send invitations approximately three weeks prior to the event, and specify whether the invitation includes bringing a date.

Q: Where is the party?

A: The location of a party is a primary consideration. Outdoor parties are fun, if the weather cooperates. Tent rentals are available as insurance against inclement weather. Hall rentals offer an easy way to hold a party indoors without having it in someone’s residence. Many halls have tables and chairs available. This makes setting up for the party much easier.

Q: What about party favors?

A: Party favors are traditionally presented as a thank-you to guests, usually when it is a party where guests bring gifts, such as a birthday party or a baby shower. Party favors are also sometimes given as a small memento for partygoers. There are many different kinds of party favors; some are expensive and some are very inexpensive. For example, personalized ornaments or keychains are expensive party favors, appropriate for adult occasions, while candy and leis are cheaper and work for parties with a more general audience. Factor the cost of party favors into the budget of the party. For larger parties, set aside approximately 20 percent of the budget for these; for smaller parties, five to 10 percent is appropriate.