Party Planning 101 - The Complete Party Planning Checklist

You've just finished reading "Planning 101 - Let's Start with the Basics," right? If not, you may want to take a few minutes to read through the different considerations and decisions you'll be making as you plan. It will also make this checklist a bit easier to follow.

Review the checklist below to ideate on your vision, get organized and feel confident hosting your next party! OR - download the checklist PDF at the bottom of this page to get started.

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Expected Date of Party (use this date to fill in the Date to Complete column):

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Party Theme and Vision: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Days/weeks out	Task	Notes	Date to Complete
6 - 8 weeks out	Get Ready:
	Who: who do you want to invite?	Details on questions are found in the 101 post
	What: what should guests expect?
	When: when is the party?
	Where: where is the location?
	Why: why are you hosting this party?
	Pick your food and beverage option
	Define total party spend
	Prioritize party spend 'elements' to identify how funds will be spent
	Create high level menu and define food / beverage style (i.e., dinner vs apps, full bar, BYOB, etc.)	This ties to your budget
	Finalize guest list
	Identify how you'll send 'save the dates' and/or invitations	This can be a combination of digital and mailed
	Finalize invitation content and details for guests (what to bring, attire, etc.)
	Gather guest contact info (if needed)
	Choose invitation layout	If sending printed invitations, adjust timing for ordering, addressing and mailing time - closer to 6 - 7 weeks out
	Send invitations
3 - 6 weeks out	Get Set:	Refer to your vision and theme
	Finalize decor needs and acquire or order anything needed	Check all items ordered as soon as they arrive
	Finalize menu details and make the list of recipes you need
	Create the music/playlist and confirm the technical setup at the party space	You may also want to use a curated station
	Make any hair, nail appts; plan for clothing you may need
2 weeks out	Lets' Go!
1 - 2 weeks out	Shop for all beer, liquor, wine, drinks
1 - 2 weeks out	Create shopping list(s)	Create a separate list for each place you'll shop
1 week out	Organize pantry, refrigerator, etc.	Create the space needed for food purchased
2 - 3 days out	Prep serving dishes, plates, utensils, tablecloths, etc. Wash items as needed	Also plan where food, drinks, desserts will be set
2 - 3 days out	Review all recipes; be aware of any set times, chill times, cooking times, etc.	Confirm you have the right size pans or dishes
2 - 3 days out	Grocery and food shopping	Adjust based on items you can bake or prepare earlier
1 - 2 days out	Clean all areas	There's a final 'bathroom' wipedown the day of the party
1 - 2 days out	Have coolers / ice chests ready; clean as needed
1 - 2 days out	Have plan for garbage receptacles and recyclables
1 -2 days out	Create schedule for food and drink prep	The more detailed, the better
Day before	Make any food ahead of time Prep food: cut/chop/measure any items you'll use the day of the party
Day before	Set up decorations (some may still need to be set on party day)
Day before	Plan your clothing, shoes, etc.	Plan for the theme as well as comfort
Morning of Party	Final cleaning and dusting; wipedown of bathroom(s)	This should be a 10 - 15 minute task
Morning of party	Make / prepare food items as appropriate	Cold appetizers, dips, etc.
3 - 4 hours before party	Your time! Shower, makeup-hair, etc.	You may want to change clothes closer to the party
Final hours before party	Continue food prep and ice in coolers
1 hour to 30 minutes before	Walkthrough of your space and food prep
30 minutes before	Prep for welcome cocktail (prep to pour drinks a few minutes before, or have a plan to keep them chilled)
15 - 30 minutes before	Plate food and set tables as appropriate	This will be specific to the food being served and overall party setup
Party Time	Enjoy and have a TON OF FUN!
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Download the file below to fill out your own checklist!

Decadent Parties Plan Checklist.pdf

Download PDF • 153KB