The Ultimate Party Planning Checklist for Any Occasion

Here's my secret to managing to maintain a tiny bit of sanity, keep our household bills paid, and celebrate special occasions with 3 kids living under my roof. Every other year, my kids have the option of choosing to either have a birthday party with family and friends, or chose something special (within budgetary boundaries). Celebrating milestones with the occasional party can be as intimate or as grand as you decide. How do you begin planning for your next big event? Are you already searching for an event planner extraordinaire? Have you opened 53 DIY tabs of Pinterest party planning ideas? Either way, might I suggest you reference the tips and tricks of The Ultimate Party Planning Checklist for any Occasion.

The Ultimate Party Planning Checklist for Any Occasion

1 | Clear the Calendar

Let's get this party started. Beginning with setting the big date, think ahead in time, anywhere from one week to as far as six months in advance. Consider any upcoming holidays or special events which may present a potential conflict for celebs included on your guest list.

2 | Venture to the Venue

Where's the party at? Home parties are for rockstars, however feel free to expand your party place options. Having already selected a celebration date, checking for availability is your next step. Check with potential venues for facility fees and features, party size capacity, and contract policy details.

3 | Entertainment Extras

Set the stage for a party to remember with engaging performances or activities. Determine a budget for the festivities including factors such as profession DJ in the house or personally created playlists, keepsake crafts or spectacular performances.

4 | Invitation Creation

Send the message to your guests via mail, email, text, or social media. Always know that the RSVP should include the date guests are to respond to their invitation, ideal way to reply to the invite, and attendee numbers if additional guests are to be included in the final head count.

5 | Party People

Themes are trendy, essential elements to bringing the event's decorations and guests all together for the celebration. Superheroes, movie and TV characters, decade tributes, sporting events, or DIY activities add the element of next level entertainment. Bringing excitement and individual creativity, guests are actively involved in making your party a memorable occasion. 

6 | Serve It Up

Attending parties is an ideal opportunity to appeal to your your guests with fan fave foods or exquisite eats. Add enough in party budget for catering, light snacks, an enticing meal, cake, dessert, drinks, remembering to consider any special food sensitivities.

7 | Dress to Impress

Invitations should give guests the heads up to suit up for any indoor or outdoor activities. Will there be swimming, painting, sports, formal dining, petting zoo, skating, or an evening bonfire to prepare for at the main event? Offer a quick note to inform your attendees of any additional details.

8 | Photo Opp

Hiring a professional photographer is one less item to remember during the party, as well as an additional expense. Depending on the type of party you have planned, a photographer/videographer may guarantee quality memories of your special day, however, I've had success setting up photo booth props and a brilliant backdrop for guests to add to a DIY digital scrapbook.

9 | Show Some Swag

Can't deny that cool swag is as sweet as the icing in the cake. My kids have had more that their share of fun party favors scored at parties, in addition to awarding friends home with souvenir trophies from my son's Rockstar Karaoke birthday party. Circling back to your theme, it's just a small token of appreciation for your guests to enjoy.

10 | Give Thanks!

Family, friends, guests, event staff, volunteers- everyone involved in making your celebration an outstanding occasion deserves a little recognition. Again, a personal message via snail mail, email, text, call, or social media shout out serves the purpose and helps staying connected for your upcoming ultimate party. 

Thank me later! Here's your free printable of The Ultimate Party Planning Checklist for any Occasion.

As the owner of this blog, niecyisms and nestlings, I am compensated to provide my opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. This blog may contain affiliate links. Even though, as the writer/owner of this blog receiving compensation for posts or advertisements, I will always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs or experiences on those topics or products. This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. I believe in the honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.