Party Tips
Below are some tips that can help you out if you are going to have a party.
1. If the party is to be a surprise, it is important to have a private phone number where caterers and DJs can call to confirm times, locations, etc.
2. It is a great idea to have a theme to your party. This will help guests in gift selection and attire for the party. Here are some ideas: 20's, Mexican Fiesta, Caribbean, Hawaiian, 50's-60's, 70's, etc.
3. When sending invitations, allow three to four weeks advance time. Be sure to include attire and theme, food to be served, time to arrive, whether gifts are appropriate, an RSVP number, directions to the party and for kids' parties remember to include pickup times.
4. If you are to use a professional caterer, ask for references, ask about cancellation policies, deposits, and staffing. One source for professional caterers is The National Association Of Catering Executives.
5. When deciding on a location for your party consider your parking needs, a large enough area to accommodate your guests, a dance floor (these can be rented), noise codes or statutes, handicapped access, cleanup times, and any other needs of your vendors (cooking facilities and electricity).
6. Advise your guests whether gifts are appropriate, limited to a dollar amount, and whether they should be tied to the party theme. With kids' parties, correct sizes and personal tastes (e.g., Barbies or baseball cards) can be very helpful.
7. If your party will consist of many or all underage guests, adult supervision is a MUST. Make sure your chaperones know what their responsibilities are and that they are available at all times. Your catering staff and entertainers will be busy performing their functions, so it is important for them to know who the chaperones are and where to find them. It is best that no alcohol be available, because your liability can be questioned, even after your guests have left your party.
8. When deciding on times for your party, don't let the party go on too long. It is best to have everyone in good spirits at the end rather than having your guests dwindle down to a few.
9. Entertainment will be a key component of your party. When considering your entertainment keep in mind, the party theme, the Guest of Honor, and especially your invited guests. Though the Guest Of Honor may be a "classical buff," having a string quartet for entertainment may find many guests having "pressing commitments" and leaving early. The same may be true at an 18th birthday where Oldies are played, or a 5 year old's party where Top 40 is played.
10. Be sure to let all your vendors know what you expect of them, and what they can expect as to your guests and the party. Disappointments will come when the communication is poor.