Happy Wednesday, y’all! Party planning can feel like a monumental task! However, getting organized and creating a plan can help relieve the pressure of trying to remember everything and keep you less stressed on the day of the party!
Here is how I plan a party in 6 steps:
STEP 1 : Know your budget and stick to it!
Fabulous parties can be thrown on any budget so don’t feel like you have to spend a lot to make it beautiful. Planning in advance, catching sales and doing things yourself will help save a ton of money. I like for my money to mostly be spent on delicious food and drinks and save by making decorations or repurposing items I’ve used for other parties. I save everything just in case I need it later!
STEP 2 : Select a theme!
The fun part! Who is your primary guest? Children? All adults? Mixed? If the party is for a child make sure they LOVE the theme. I know as a parent sometimes I think of themes that would be cute but if they aren’t what my kids really want, then what’s the point?
STEP 3: Plan activities!
Whether you are throwing a party for adults or children have activities! You don’t have to have cheesy games but people need things to do. For kid parties I always have bubbles, coloring pages and sidewalk chalk for kiddos to play with if they aren’t hungry or enjoying the main activities. For adults I think music is a must.
STEP 4 : Select food and drinks!
Time of day, season, weather, and location will determine what foods and drinks to serve. I always try to have lots of selection so that there is something for everyone. I also try to have a creative drink or dessert that may be new for some folks. Something they will remember!
STEP 5 : Have a schedule for implementation!
The day of a party can get pretty crazy so anything I do as much as possible ahead of time. Typically weeks before a party I will start making any DIY items, buying all of the paper goods, decor, and scheduling vendors (if needed). The day before I set up everything that isn’t perishable so that the day of, all I have to think about is food and drinks!
STEP 6 : It’s ALL in the details!
Small details really set the tone for the entire party. People notice extra care that is put into the details so make sure to include a few. Details that I always include (even for kid parties) : flowers, color scheme, and personal touches.
I hope this will help the next time you are planning a party! I’d love to hear your thoughts so feel free to leave a comment!
Have a great day, y’all! Thanks so much for spending some time with me!
Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter!
Stephanie Olive and Tate says
I love the tablescape for the Oscar’s Party!! xo
Jessica says
Thanks, Stephanie!
Alli says
All of the parties look great!
Jessica says
Thanks, Alli!!
Chelsea says
These are great tips! I’ve always wanted to host a fun Oscars party and do all of the fun gold things like you did – just stunning! I’m drooling. thanks for sharing!
Jessica says
Thank you, Chelsea! Do it!! It’s so much fun!
Michelle Heath says
These are wonderful tips for party planning and your themes are just the cutest! I love the Oscar Party and Blogger Brunch.
Jessica says
Thanks, Michelle! Both were lots of fun! 🙂
Shalanda Turner says
Great tips! I used some of these for planning my Gatsby birthday party back in February! I love the party pics in this post!!!!
Jessica says
Thank you, Shasie! I remember the pics from your Gatsby party! So fun!
Michelle Schurman says
I notice you use a lot of plain white dishes and serving ware. I think that adds to the beauty – keeps things looking clean and classic.
Jessica says
You are correct! White never goes out of style and it allows us to use the same dishes over and over, saving money in the end!! Thanks for your comment!
fashionsnob says
Great tips! Hopefully I can utilize them when/if I host another party.
Jessica says
Thank you, Heather!
Sara says
Loves these steps Jessica! Great tips to help any party go off without a hitch.
The Summer Days says
You’ve thrown some great parties!! I loved the 6 steps, and the themes! I’m always looking for opportunities or events to plan one, thanks for the inspiration! Xoxo Summer
beautyandconcrete says
Love this Jessica!! I’m an event planner, and I LOVE finding new details!!
Catherine says
These steps are great I always struggle with party planning!
A Beautiful RAWR says
Seriously, can you plan my next party/gathering?? I’ve always loved following you ladies on IG, but especially because of your beautiful photos from these events. I would fail at #1 already…I always go over my budget and that gets me in trouble. These are great tips!
-Linh
Jessica says
I’d love to help!!! Thanks for the sweet comment!
Kathleen says
Oh I love the decor for your Oscar party!!! This is so helpful! Def saving it for when I host my apartment warming house in August! 🙂
Emily Bastedo (@emilydbastedo) says
Thanks for the great tips on throwing a fantastic party! I always get so overwhelmed when it comes to planning for an event because I want everything to be perfect; these 6 steps will definitely help to keep me more focused when I start to plan my next party! Thanks!
xx, Emily | Something Gold, Something Blue
Michelle says
Oh my goodness! I’m feeling so inspired to throw a party now!!! How beautiful is the Oscar setting?? Wow. Beautiful!!
Meg O. says
You are such a boss at parties! Loving that Oscar party table!
LINDSEY LYONS says
I need your party planning skills! LOVEEEEE everything!
Mistle Petrey says
All great tips! I find that if you know what you want for your party ahead of time, you are able to catch great sales. I love the decorations for the Oscar party! So pretty!