Event Planning buying guide

Home > Buying Guides > Seasonal Guides

Contents

1 Invitations
2 Decorations
3 Related Guides

Event Planning

With any event, big or small, the planning stage can be the most exciting, but also the most terrifying part of the process. It may seem a little overwhelming at first, but no need to worry. With a little help we'll have you on your way! First off, you will want to answer the basics. What occasion are you celebrating? What type of event is it going to be? Are your guests going to be celebrating, fund-raising, or just getting together for a visit? After you have the basics down, you might want to consider a theme. A great place to start would be party magazines. With tons of ideas, you should be able to find the perfect theme to match any occasion!

With your fantasy event in mind, let's get down to the details. Things like the date, amount of people coming, and budget are of the utmost importance. Even the best event planners have a difficult time remembering everything which is why using this planning checklist may help get the ball rolling.

Invitations

After you decide how many guests you will be inviting, you'll want to make out the invitations. A good rule of thumb is to get the invitations out six to eight weeks in advance. That way your guests will have plenty of time to plan accordingly. Make sure you include the date, time and location on every invitation along with an RSVP contact if necessary.

Most computers have a program that will allow you to create your own invitations (you can also find free greeting card software here). However, if creating your own invitations is too daunting a task, you might want to think about purchasing invitations and hand writing the content or having the invitations professionally printed for a more refined look.

Decorations

Every good event has some sort of theme, or at least some fun decor! Try to stick with a color scheme or general theme. Some easy ways to spice up any space would be by adding colorful table cloths, crepe paper, banners, plates and napkins or balloons. Just keep in mind that with any balloon purchase, you'll want to wait until the day of the event to have helium balloons inflated, otherwise you might have issues with deflation.

Below are some more things to help you along with the planning process!

Decorations are key to any good event! balloons are a quick and easy way to add some color. Choose latex balloons if you are planning on filling them up yourself. If ordering helium balloons, mylar tends to hold up much longer.

Stay organized through the entire planning process with a calendar or planner.

Food will win anyone over, no matter what the occasion! You can always check out great dessert recipes yourself or hire a caterer.

Entertainment is also a great way to get a party started. Consider interactive games like Catch Phrase or themed Bingo!

Related Guides

Wedding Budgeting: This Wedding guide to budgeting is adaptable to any event.
Hosting a Christmas Party: If your event happens to be Christmas related, this is a great resource.
Party Outfits For Women: Look incredible the day of your event!
Green Events: How to throw an environmentally-friendly function.


Decorations are key to any good event! balloons are a quick and easy way to add some color. Choose latex balloons if you are planning on filling them up yourself. If ordering helium balloons, mylar tends to hold up much longer.	Stay organized through the entire planning process with a calendar or planner.	Food will win anyone over, no matter what the occasion! You can always check out great dessert recipes yourself or hire a caterer.	Entertainment is also a great way to get a party started. Consider interactive games like Catch Phrase or themed Bingo!