Planning a party whether for yourself, a loved one, or a client can be a daunting task. Not matter how small the affair parties take time and attention to details. Taking the time to plan a party and working off of a party planning checklist helps to create successful, pleasant, and organized event. Below is In Order To Succeed‘s party planning checklist.

Party Planning Checklist

Four Weeks Prior to Party Day
☐ Put together a “party binder” to keep notes and file paperwork
☐ Create a budget
☐ Create a guest list
☐ Decide on an exact date and location: home, inside or outside, third party location
☐ Decide on a menu
Appetizers____________________________________________________________________

Main dishes___________________________________________________________________

Side dishes___________________________________________________________________

Desserts______________________________________________________________________

Non-alcoholic beverages______________________________________________________

Alcoholic beverages___________________________________________________________

☐ Decide where you are getting the food from
☐ It it’s a potluck, assign the dishes
☐ Reserve any rented items and arrange for delivery
☐ Reserve any entertainment
☐ Think about interior decorations
☐ Select a Party Theme
☐ Send out invitations

Two Weeks Prior to Party Day
☐ Assess serving pieces and utensils and if not items you use every day label them for what food will go with what
☐ Assemble party bags if needed
☐ Start compiling party music, games, and other entertainment
☐ Make a list of volunteer assistants, and assign them roles
☐ Test any equipment you plan on using including cameras
☐ Buy required decorations
☐ Prepare any food that can be frozen

One Week Prior to Party Day
☐ Confirm any reservations including rentals, catering, entertainment, and/or people making potluck items
☐ Send out a reminder email for RSVPs
☐ Review menu preparation if cooking
☐ Purchase non-perishable food items, beverages, disposable cameras, paper plates, plastic utensils, etc.
☐ Make a list of everything that still needs to be done

Three Days Prior to Party Day
☐ Finalize RSVPs, make a polite call to those you have not heard from
☐ Clean house
☐ Polish silverware if using real silverware

Two Days Prior to Party Day
☐ Wash wine glasses, and other glassware and dishes if you not renting or using disposable
☐ Purchase fresh meats
☐ Make sure camera is charged

1 Day Prior to Party Day
☐ Purchase fresh produce
☐ Wash and press table linens if using
☐ Set up any tables you planning on using
☐ Lay out serving pieces and utensils, napkins, etc
☐ Rearrange furniture as needed
☐ Pick up pre-ordered cakes, and other food or items
☐ Set up the bar
☐ Purchase and arrange any flowers
☐ Stock toilet paper and put out guest towels
☐ One last quick clean

Party Day
☐ Purchase fresh seafood
☐ Take deliver or rented equipment, read your bill and inventory carefully before singing. Keep this paperwork.
☐ Buy ice for the party
☐ Chill beer, wine, and other drinks
☐ Put up last of the decorations
☐ Set up party platters
☐ Enjoy Yourself

Download your own copy of In Order To Succeed’s Party Planning Checklist.

Further Reading
Image via flickr by Pink Sherbet Photography
Rooms with A View 2010 Press Party & Cocktail Reception (June 2010)
Effective Party-Planning Tips (June 2010)
Wedding Season: The Five Biggest Wedding Preparation and Planning Mistakes (May 2010)
Plan An Eco-Friendly Wedding (September 2009)