Ahhh, party planning. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating nor as overwhelming!
And, considering the fact that 48% of event planners start planning parties and big events 6-12 months in advance, we’d say there’s no time to lose in planning a rocking party.
If you want to learn how to throw the best party possible, this guide is for you. Let’s take a look at how to plan a party.
1. Pick Your Party Theme
The first step to planning the perfect party is to pick a theme. You can get really creative here!
A few fun suggestions include:
- Retro gaming
- Masquerade
- Oscar’s party
- Harry Potter
- 90’s night
No matter what it is that you pick, make sure that you stick with your theme. This is what will really set your party apart and make it a night no one will forget!
2. Create a Unique Experience
When you plan a party, you want to make sure that you give your guests something to talk about. And what better way to do that than to offer up a unique experience?
There are tons of different ways that you can do this. For instance, you could try making your venue something that people won’t soon forget.
On the other hand, you could simply try having a unique activity. Give the guests glow sticks and turn out the lights for an in-the-dark rave. Or, make your party a murder-mystery dinner!
No matter what it is you come up with, just try to make it something that’s different. That will help your guests remember your night for years to come.
3. Make Your Event Accessible
Another part of learning how to plan a party is ensuring that your event is accessible for everyone. That includes a ton of different considerations.
For one thing, you want to make sure the building is wheelchair accessible. That way people with limited mobility can still get around and enjoy your party.
You should also ensure the venue choice is near enough to transportation that individuals who don’t drive can get there easily. That will make sure that all your guests can attend.
Remember, you also need to include things like gender-neutral toilets and spaces where people with autism and anxiety can go to wind down.
There are plenty of other accessibility measures to keep in mind. These are just a few that we recommend for making sure all your guests have a good time.
4. Make the Party Interactive
When your guests first arrive at a party, it’s bound to be a little bit awkward. Even though you know everyone, not everyone knows each other!
You can get past this problem by making the beginning of the party interactive. Try setting up ice-breaker games or check-in rounds so that people can get to know each other and start mixing and mingling.
Remember, you shouldn’t force anyone to participate. Doing so can make people who are more introverted disengage even further.
Instead, let people jump in at their own pace. Little by little you’ll notice that the atmosphere starts to lighten up and get going as people get in the mood of the party.
5. Find Fantastic Entertainment
Another part of your planning a party checklist should be finding great entertainment. Now, that doesn’t necessarily have to be music, either. It could be any number of things.
For example, you could have:
- A live DJ
- Carnival performers
- Cabaret singers
- A magic show
- Dancers
- Acrobats
No matter what it is that you choose to have as entertainment at your party, you need to plan wisely. Think about how you want the event to flow and organize your party around that.
Then, when the entertainment is over, make sure that you’ve got live music going. That way, the fun keeps going and the energy doesn’t drop down after the shows are over.
6. Get Others Involved
Planning a party is a big job, which is why it’s such a good idea to get other people involved. That could be your significant other, your friends, family members, or even someone you hire.
Getting other people involved can help you get the planning finished more quickly. They can help iron out different details and take some of the pressure off of you.
If you’re planning a large-scale event, you might also need staff to keep the event going. For instance, you might need bartenders, greeters, technology staff, and even medical staff.
When you hire staff, you can stop worrying about little details and focus on hosting and having a good time. Consider getting others involved in the event to help take some of the stress off your back.
7. Make the Experience Last
One major secret to planning a truly unforgettable party is to make the experience last. Even though your event might only last one night, you can start getting your guests excited early on with texts and social media.
Then, when the big day arrives, you can have photographers and videographers on site. These professionals will take amazing photos that you can then share with your guests after the fact!
Those photos then serve as a reminder of your amazing night. They’re great ways for your guests to relive the amazing experience you had.
Another fun way to make the experience last is to give out party favors. Even if it’s a small trinket, it’s a fun way for your guests to remember the night they had with you.
Plan a Party Your Guests Will Never Forget
With this guide, you now know how to plan a party that your guests won’t forget. By implementing these seven tips, you’ll be able to host the party of the year!
Did you find this party-planning guide helpful? Do you want to read more like it? Check out our other articles and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!
