| Where to start? Are you excited? You have just | | | | Drink- Do not forget to add in the cost of ice, |
| been given the challenge of planning the perfect | | | | cups and other extras. |
| event! And more than likely, you have no idea | | | | Extras- Anything extra you might need to |
| where to start. Whether you are planning a | | | | purchase for your event. |
| backyard birthday party, holiday party, church | | | | Décor- Any decorations needed; lights, |
| event, company picnic or a post prom, event | | | | flowers, candles and props |
| planning does not have to be stressful. It can | | | | Entertainment & Activities- Games & |
| even be fun! | | | | Activities, either rented or coordinated by others. |
| Step 1 Plan your Budget The first thing you have | | | | Music & Entertainers- DJ, Band, face painters, |
| to know is how much money you have to spend. | | | | caricaturist, magician |
| Then you can plan your budget for different parts | | | | Favors- think cheap; try to keep it under $1.00 |
| of your event. Once you decide on your total | | | | Emergency Fund- IMPORTANT- Before you even |
| budgeted amount, work within it. It is no fun to | | | | start, set 10% of your total budget aside for |
| be running way over budget weeks before your | | | | emergencies. |
| party. You will need to divide your budget | | | | Step 2 Pick a Date In many cases the date will |
| between the following categories. | | | | be picked for you. If not, think of your work and |
| Invitations- If you are sending out regular | | | | personal schedule as you plan. Also, consider |
| invitations do not forget the postage cost. | | | | holidays where people might be out of town. |
| Venue- There are many different types of | | | | Step 3 Choose a Theme Themed parties are |
| venues. Ask about any additional fees besides the | | | | always fun and if you use a theme it makes it |
| actual rental fee. (Cleaning fees, etc.) A venue | | | | much easier to tie in food/decorations etc. There |
| that includes tables & chairs could ultimately | | | | are so many themes you can use that they are |
| be cheaper than an empty hall where you have | | | | only limited by your imagination. Here are some |
| to rent everything from an outside source. If you | | | | samples: Mexican Fiesta, Mardi Gras, Key West, |
| are having the party at home, remember to | | | | Tropical, Western and Casino Night |
| include the cost of any equipment you will need | | | | Step 4 Pick a Venue There are so many places |
| there also like tents, tables and chairs. | | | | you can hold your event. Home, a church hall or a |
| Food- After planning your menu, make a | | | | specialty location This can take up a huge part of |
| complete list of recipes and needed items to add | | | | your budget so shop carefully. If you are using a |
| to your budget. If you are using a caterer, talk to | | | | venue that is furnishing napkins/table settings and |
| two or three different ones. Tell them what your | | | | other items, ask to see them to make sure they |
| vision is, and see what they suggest. Also, give | | | | meet your standards. |
| them your budget for food up front so they will | | | | Step 5 Make out your Guest list |
| not waste your time suggesting things that you | | | | Ok, now that you have done all the basics it will |
| do not want. | | | | be SO easy to plan that perfect party. |