| 1. Finding the Objective of Your Event | | | | things as you move through the process. You |
| When trying to plan the perfect event the first | | | | should always be sure that your unique touch will |
| step is always to just sit back and really think | | | | complement your events theme. Keep in mind |
| about what the exact objective of the event you | | | | that there is a fine line between having that wow |
| are planning is. Why is this specific event being | | | | factor and going overboard. |
| planned? Whether it's a fundraiser or a special | | | | 4. Keep Your Plan in Order with To-Do Lists |
| birthday party, it really helps to put everything | | | | There is one thing that you can never go without |
| into perspective. Take every aspect into | | | | when planning a great event, and that is a lot of |
| consideration, what is it you are trying to | | | | well organized to-do lists. Whether you keep your |
| accomplish exactly at this event? What do you | | | | lists on a cell phone or just on a normal piece of |
| want you're guests to feel after leaving? Think | | | | paper, it really doesn't matter, as long as it's a |
| about all the great memories you want to create | | | | well thought out and thorough list. Having |
| for those guests. You want them to be in high | | | | everything in writing will help to make things you |
| spirits and be in a great mood throughout the | | | | are planning clearer. It keeps you in the driver |
| event. Write it all down to keep track of your | | | | seat and gives you a complete sense of control |
| ideas and use it as a reference point when | | | | throughout the planning process. By making more |
| starting the event planning process and | | | | than one list you will always stay organized. You |
| remember to always try to see through the eyes | | | | will find this to be extremely helpful. You should |
| of the guests at the specific event. | | | | compile one master list and then make weekly or |
| 2. The Three R's… Research, Research and | | | | even daily lists based on the main lists priorities. |
| more Research | | | | Things can get a little overwhelming if you sit and |
| After you are done figuring out the objective of | | | | stare at just your master list every day. A well |
| your event the next thing to do is start reading. | | | | thought out list can make the perfect event that |
| Talking to people about the event to get ideas is | | | | much easier to plan and keep in order. |
| always a plus, remember to think out aloud and | | | | 5. Getting That Feeling of Accomplishment |
| run your ideas past associates. Next determine | | | | There really is nothing better than the thrill of |
| who your prospective attendees of the event | | | | seeing your vision brought to life and knowing that |
| are. Based on everything you have researched, | | | | all your hard work is going to pay off. You should |
| you will be able to come up with various themes | | | | never be afraid to ask for help, if you think you |
| that may work for the event. Remember that | | | | might need it. It's only part of being human to feel |
| every event big or small needs to have a certain | | | | a little over-whelmed on the day of the event, |
| theme. Whether it be a color scheme, a fun | | | | but as long as you've followed your master list |
| costume or dress up theme, it is always much | | | | and you've made sure everything is all checked |
| more fun when the guests get to be involved in | | | | off, you really have nothing to worry about. It is |
| your event. When looking for that perfect theme | | | | completely normal to have one or two nagging |
| you should use certain guidelines that you have | | | | thoughts in the back of your mind, What if |
| written down from step number one. This will | | | | something goes wrong? What if I missed |
| make it a lot easier to narrow down your theme | | | | something? You should always be prepared to |
| search. A theme is one of the most important | | | | shrug it off and take everything with a grain of |
| aspects as it will be the backbone of the event. | | | | salt. You have come this far in the event planning |
| 3. Make the Event Unique | | | | process, be confident that if something goes |
| There really is nothing better for your event than | | | | wrong you will be more than able to figure out a |
| making it uniquely yours. Your guests should walk | | | | solution. Keep in mind that a problem in your eyes |
| away with a memory that they can never and | | | | will not always be noticed by your guests, after all |
| will never forget. Planning a unique event has its | | | | it is your vision and that will always make it |
| creative edge, but at the same time it has to | | | | harder for you to look past the small things. |
| have realistic visions. You need to have balance | | | | |
| between the two aspects this will result in a | | | | By following these simple steps you are sure to |
| memorable event for everyone. Browse through | | | | have the event you have been dreaming of and |
| magazines and catalogs so you can get a better | | | | give your guests a party they will always keep in |
| idea of what all the latest trends in color and | | | | their memories for years to come. Good luck and |
| décor are. You can use all that information for | | | | good planning. |
| baseline and then add your own special twist on | | | | |