How to plan a party (step by step guide) + free Printable Party Planning Checklist

FREE Printable Party Planning Checklist

Planning a party or get together can be stressful enough without having something go wrong or realize that you forgot the cake at the last minute – so after many years of learning through trial and error I have came up with a step by step guide on How to Plan a Party. I have spread it over 6 weeks, but you don’t have to take that long – if you are speedy or feel like you can handle more or if you just don’t have that much time there is a lot you can combine. I like to spread it out so I don’t feel overwhelmed. I would love to hear what ideas you have and what works for you.

Here is our guide on How to Plan a Party:

(download the free printable version here)

6 weeks before:

• Guest List (download our free printable guest list planner)
• Decide if you want to use a theme (check out these 25 Birthday Party Themes for ideas)
• Set a date
• Set a budget

5 weeks before:

• Decide on decorations
• Plan tentative menu (snacks, drinks, food)
• Decide if you are going to make or buy your invitations
• Make arrangements for any outside entertainment

4 weeks before:

• Start looking for decorations (check the clearance areas of the party stores)
• Start to Make invitations or looking for ones to buy (check thrift stores, they always have new boxes for cheap)
• Plan out party games / activities

3 weeks before:

• Mail invitations
• Shop for party favors (bags, toys, snacks)
• Shop for accessories, prizes, and rest of decorations

2 weeks before:

• Put favor bags together
• Get confirmed number of guests (as close as possible)
• Get prizes for games

1 week before:

• Get party food
• Get decorations ready
• Make a tentative schedule for the party
• Confirm help from other parents, your spouse, or friends

1 day before:

• Hang decorations
• clean up house, yard or make sure park or location of party is ready
• If indoors, set out gift bags, plates, cutlery, cups, etc
• Get games ready
• Set our prizes
• Make  or buy cake
• Wrap presents and set out on gift table or area

(download the free FREE Printable Party Planning Checklist here)