Suggestions for planning the perfect party!

It's not hard to pull off a great party -- all it takes is a bit of planning and organization. Here's a handy checklist that you might customize for your specific needs:

WELL IN ADVANCE

Decide on the theme or reason for the event; this is particularly important in corporate events.
Choose a date.
Determine a budget.
Make a guest list; the number of people involved affects all
other plans.
Plan the agenda; this also will affect plans for venues and equipment.
Investigate potential locations for the event.

  • Visit them first
  • Provide list of equipment requirements
  • Get quotes in writing

Book the venue.
Book entertainment, if needed.

  • Speaker or comedian
  • Music (band or DJ?)
  • Clowns, jugglers
  • Rented activities such as pony rides

Negotiate with local hotels for blocks of rooms, if guests will be coming from out of town.
Book limousine service, if needed.
Make other travel arrangements for key speakers, guests
of honor, etc.
Create a timetable/checklist; include deadlines where they exist.

TWO MONTHS OUT

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Plan and execute any publicity related to the event; make sure in-house staff is available.

If necessary, form committees to handle various tasks; line up staff volunteers. Don't forget you'll need people just to tell event-goers where to go; be sure to station helpers near stairs. If this is a charity event, line up sponsors.
Start checking your budget; get all quotes in writing.
Hire any outside help or consultants, such as:

  • bartenders
  • graphic designers
  • calligraphers
  • printers
  • florists
  • bakeries
  • sign/banner companies
  • photographer
  • balloons

Start working with designer to create invitations and other printed material, such as:

  • response cards
  • seating cards
  • programs
  • agendas

Select and order any promotional items, gifts, or awards.
Confirm the schedules of any in-house speakers.
Make a preliminary agenda; it's important to know, for example, who will cut the cake. Determine which items will be delivered and which will be picked up, and by whom.
Determine any audio-visual equipment needs and make arrangements for all needed equipment.
Make a list of needed signage, including welcomes, directionals, and others; order.
Arrange for all staff and VIP travel and housing.

TWO WEEKS OUT

Determine a credentialling process for invitees; this might include a guest list at the door, and/or name badges.
Confirm all day-of-event items such as flowers, cakes, decorations, and equipment.
Confirm all volunteers and their responsibilities.
Finalize your script/agenda.
Will there be games or contests? Gather all pertinent needs, including prizes.
Prepare goody-bags, welcome baskets or gifts, or party favors.
Create an information sheet for staff/volunteers, and VIPs, including emergency mobile phone numbers, itinerary, maps, etc.

ONE DAY BEFORE

Deliver welcome baskets to hotel for placement in VIP rooms.

DAY OF EVENT

Have a brief meeting with staff/volunteers to review agenda, responsibilities, etc.
Monitor pick-up or delivery of all rented equipment and supplies.
Put up any signage, including directionals.
Do a walk-through of the venue; check:

  • caterer
  • bartender
  • liquor
  • linens
  • floral arrangements, centerpieces
  • cake
  • signs/banners
  • photographer/videographer
  • gifts, favors, awards, prizes
  • information/registration table
  • podium
  • band or DJ
  • stage
  • microphone/sound equipment

Conduct a sound check.
Enjoy the day!

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE EVENT

Oversee cleanup crew.
Tip the service staff (caterer, bartender, etc.)
Pack up and inventory all reusable collateral material.
Pack up and return all rented equipment.

DURING THE NEXT WEEK

Reconcile your budget; check all invoices.
List names for thank-you letters, then write them.
Conduct a debriefing meeting with staff and volunteers; there's much to learn!