Throwing a fabulous party your guests will talk about for months isn’t as easy as ordering a few trays of hors d’oeuvres and inflating a ton of balloons. But it’s not rocket science, either. If you make a note to avoid making these four big party planning mistakes then Whether it’s a child’s first birthday party, a huge 25th-anniversary party, or just an office Halloween party, you don’t want it to suffer because of one simple-but disastrous-mistake.
Mistake #1: Not Setting a Theme
The only thing worse than a party with an identity crisis is one with no identity at all. That is why it is essential that you take some time early in your party planning efforts to brainstorm a theme that matches the type of event you’re having.
An anniversary party might have a theme based on the year being celebrated. For example, 25th is silver-make it the main color in your palette for party decorations and tableware. For a child’s birthday find out who – or what – their favorite entertainment world characters are and base the party’s theme around them. Whatever you decide to do though, set a theme, otherwise, the whole affair may turn into a room full of confused people eating ‘nibbles’ with no idea what to do next.
Mistake #2: Sending the Invitations Out Too Late-Or Too Early
The invitation is the critical piece of the party-planning puzzle. If it reaches the planned guests at the wrong time the results could be disastrous.
An invitation that is sent too early is in danger of being forgotten. An invitation that is sent too late may mean that a significant number of the planned party guests have already made other hard to break commitments. The sweet spot? Far enough in advance to try to ensure that most guests won’t already ‘be booked’ but close enough to the event that it will be on their radar. Three to four weeks from when the invitation arrives to when the party is scheduled is a good time frame to work with.
Mistake #3: Not Being Firm Enough When Requesting an RSVP
An RSVP is about a lot more than just simple etiquette, it can be a party planner’s lifeline when it comes to booking event space, buying party supplies, arranging catering and must more. Therefore you do have to be a bit strict when requesting one.
Ask guests to respond by a specified date (usually a week or two before the event, depending on its size and type) to a listed phone number to leave a voicemail or text message or email address. And yes, be prepared to make last-minute phone calls to stragglers who have yet to respond. It’s better to know a few days in advance that your numbers will be changing than finding out when that unexpected party of five walks through the door on the big day.
Mistake #4: Not Planning Far Enough Ahead
When it comes to party planning, you need, of course, to have a plan. But not just any plan, one that is set at least a few weeks before the event. By doing so you’ll ensure that you get all of the party supplies you need ordered and delivered on time, you can take your pick of caterers rather than having to rush to Pizza Hut at the last minute and that all the little details that can make such a big difference – and yet are so easy to forget – are in place.
