How to Plan a Party? Step-By-Step Party Planning Checklist

Step Four: Plan the Menu

Now it’s time to sort out the best part of any gathering: the food! A party cannot be great, or even just OK if the food is terrible, so be careful about what you choose when it comes to the party spread.

• Pick recipes that can be prepared in advance and in bulk
• Pick recipes/dishes that fit within your budget
• Make a shopping list
• Make a thorough cooking plan of which dishes need to be made when and how each is to be stored and prepped on the big day.
• If you are unable to make the food yourself, place orders with caterers/bakeries/etc.
• Order the cake (if you plan on having one)

Step Five: Entertainment & Activities

A good party always has some sort of entertainment to keep the guests occupied.

• Make arrangements for music based on your budget (an iPod plugged into speakers works just as well at a simple party compared to live entertainment at a more sophisticated affair)
• Decide on the day’s activities (barbeque in the backyard, games, football in the afternoon, etc.)
• Order other entertainment as planned (e.g. magician & balloon bouncer for a kids’ party)
• Book a photographer

Step Six: Party Supplies & Décor

A simple decoration can help really spruce up a boring location, and party supplies are crucial in making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

• Determine what you need according to the theme
• Make/borrow/buy party supplies and decor
• If you have games planned, get them planned and prepared
• Pick up and wrap gifts to be given as prizes for the party games
• If you plan on giving out goodie bags, get them sorted