How to plan a party step by step
Start with three decisions: the date, the budget and the guest list. Everything else follows from those. Book the venue early, and send invitations three or four weeks before with a clear reply-by date.
Make a checklist and work backwards from the day. Plan the food and drinks, ask about dietary needs, choose a few activities and music, and order the cake in good time.
On the day, set up early and leave time to enjoy it. Ask a friend or family member to help with food and drinks, put someone in charge of photos, and keep clean-up simple with bins and a box for rubbish.
Print a party planning checklist →