The Complete Guide to Planning Private Parties: Everything to Know
One of the most expensive private parties in existence cost around $27.2 million. It was for the Sultan of Brunei for his 50th birthday back in 1996 and they booked Michael Jackson to perform.
When you’re planning private parties, the sky (and your bank balance) are the only limits. You can choose whichever theme you want and decorate it how you like.
But it can also be stressful. You have a lot of people to please and vendors to organize. Lucky for you, this complete guide is the only private party checklist you need to stay organized and throw an awesome bash!
Set a Date and Write a Party Guest List
Start with the logistics by setting a date and writing a party guest list.
How far in advance the date should be will depend on what the party is for. If you’re planning a big wedding, it should be at least a year. But if you’re planning a dinner party then a few weeks should be long enough.
Consider how you will invite your guests at this point too. Paper invitations, phone calls, emails, or a Facebook event?
Work Out a Private Party Budget
Planning private parties can be expensive. Costs will soon get out of hand if you do not have a private party budget to keep you in check.
Make a list of everything you need to buy (using this guide to help!) and research the approximate cost of each item. This exercise will help you manage your expectations of what you can afford as you may need to readjust what you had in mind.
Organize a Party Venue
Next, look into party venue options. If you are throwing a dinner party, this might be your house. But if you are planning a milestone birthday party or wedding, you will need a larger venue.
Choose a venue with space for all your guests, space for catering, and the weather of your local area. Don’t choose an outdoor venue without a backup plan if it rains a lot where you live!
Choose Music and Entertainment
Planning entertainment for parties is essential. Don’t assume good conversation alone will carry the event. Most private parties should have a live music booking but a decent playlist will work for smaller events.
Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Comedians, magicians, and party games are all super fun entertainment options.
Plan Catering and Drinks
Even if you’re planning a casual house party, you need to provide drinks and nibbles. Essential drinks are beer, wine, and soft drinks. Add a themed cocktail to the menu if your party has a theme.
Consider where your guests will be eating. Don’t provide catering that needs a knife and fork if there are no tables.
Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
Every good private party needs to have a few special bonuses to make it more fun and memorable. This could be cool decorations, a photographer, or a photo booth.
Make Planning Private Parties Easy Peasy With These Tips
Planning private parties can be stressful as there is a lot to organize and you want people to enjoy themselves. But if you follow this guide and stay organized, there’s no reason why you won’t throw an awesome party that everyone will remember for weeks.
Need catering and drinks ideas for your next big bash? Browse our food section for all the inspiration you need!
