This post contains affiliate links.
I have planned and executed a lot of parties in my life, from birthdays to weddings, from work parties to fundraisers. Planning a party can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. From deciding on the theme to the guest list, menu, and decorations, there’s a lot to consider. However, with proper planning and execution, the party can be a success.
Whether you are planning a birthday party, a graduation party, a sales party, or even a wedding the same basic steps are used.
One of the most exciting aspects of any party is the decorations. Balloons are an easy and fun way to add life to a party. Here is a guide on how to plan a party.
Determine The Purpose And Theme
The first step in planning any party is to know why you are throwing it and what is the theme. Think about the occasion, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas party, and tailor your ideas around it.
Once you know the purpose of the party, it will be easier to decide what kind of decorations, food, and drinks you should have.
Set A Budget
Once you have a theme and know what kind of party you want, you should establish a budget for it. Think about how much you can afford to spend on the invitations, decorations, food, and drinks, and stick to it.
If you are trying to save money don’t be afraid to get creative with your budget, by using Pinterest or DIY to devise unique and affordable decor ideas.
A simple birthday party can range from $10-$20 per guest without any catering. The price of a party will significantly increase per person if you decide to cater the event.
According to Thumbtack the average cost of a catered event with buffet style catering service is $23 a person and a formal catered dinner is $145 per person.
| Catering Service | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Buffet | $23 per person |
| Corporate event | $70 per person |
| Informal food stations | $25 – $45 per person |
| Formal dinner | $145 per person |
Create A Guest List
The next step is to create a guest list and think about how many guests you want to invite. Remember that you will need to buy enough food and drinks to cater to everyone on your guest list. Also, you will want to be sure to get RSVPs, so that you will know how many people plan to attend. We will talk about that more when we send out invitations.
Check out this great article on rsvpify.com to learn more about Guest List Etiquette.
Set A Date And Choose A Venue
These two steps go hand and hand with each other because you will want to make sure that the venue is available for the date that you want to hold your event. If you are having a party at home it will be much easier to coordinate than if you will be renting out a hall.
Depending on the type of party you are planning, you will need to choose a venue that best suits your needs. If it is a small gathering, you can have it at home, but if it is a large event, you might want to rent a hall or a public space. Think about the weather, and if it will be an outdoor event.
Choose The Colors
Once you have decided on the theme, you can choose the colors that will be used for the party. Balloon decorations come in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find ones that match your theme. You can choose to use one or two colors or a variety of colors to create a colorful and festive atmosphere.
Check out my post Elements And Principles Of Design And Why You Need To Know Them here.
Plan The Menu
Food and drinks are always essential components of any party, so you need to choose what you want to serve at the event. You can do pizza, finger foods, a BBQ, or have a potluck party where everyone brings a dish.
Drinks are just as important, and you should decide if you want to serve alcoholic or non-alcohol beverages.
Book The Entertainment And Extras
Will there be dancing or games? What about a photo booth or ice cream decorating station? The options are endless when it comes to entertainment for your party guests. The entertainment can be as simple as playing music or as extravagant as hosting a petting zoo.
The type of entertainment will depend on the type of party and the theme.
Send The Invitations
Remember that guest list we created a few steps back, let’s go ahead and send out the invitations. Invitations can be beautifully crafted pieces of art or they can be as simple as a text message. The type of invitation you choose to send with be directly related to the type of party you are throwing and the level of formality.
For example, if you are throwing a backyard BBQ sending a text or email invitation is completely acceptable. On the other hand, if throwing an elegant formal wedding you wouldn’t want to invite guests with a text message.
Plan And Order The Decorations
Once you’ve chosen the venue and menu, it’s time to order the food, drinks, and decorations. You can make DIY decor or order everything online, just be sure to order in advance. When it comes to decorating, keep it simple and don’t overdo it. Use decorations that complement the theme, and colors and decorations that make a statement.
Check out my post Where To Buy High Quality Balloons here.
Plan The Balloon Placement
Balloons can be used in many different ways, including as a centerpiece, bunched together to create a balloon bouquet, or tied to the backs of chairs. Consider the key focus areas of the party, including the entrance, photo booth area, and the table where the cake or food will be displayed.
Check out my post How To Decorate For A Party – Creative Tips And Ideas – Balloon Placement here.
Choose The Types Of Balloons
In addition to the standard round balloons, there are many other types of balloons to choose from. You can use foil balloons in the shape of letters or numbers to spell out the guest of honor’s name or age. You can also use specialty balloons such as balloons in the shape of animals, flowers, or even cartoon characters. There are even clear balloons that can be filled with confetti or glitter for an extra touch of celebration.
Check out my post Types Of Balloons – Everything You Need To Know And More here.
Create A Balloon Arch
For a more dramatic effect, you can create a balloon arch. This can be done with helium-filled balloons or by attaching the balloons to a string and then draping the string over a frame or arch. You can even make a balloon arch by attaching it to a balloon stand. A balloon arch can be used as a backdrop for photos or as an entrance decoration.
If your venue is outside you will want to put your balloon arch on a sturdy stand with weight to prevent it from falling over in the wind.
Check out my post How To Make A Balloon Arch – The Ultimate Guide here.
Determine The Number Of Balloons Needed
After choosing the colors, it’s important to determine the number of balloons needed. This will depend on the size of the venue and the number of guests attending. A general rule of thumb is to have at least four balloons per person. However, this can vary depending on the size of the room and the desired effect.
Check out my post How Many Balloons Do You Need For A Balloon Arch Or Balloon Garland here.
Balloons are a fun and cost-effective way to decorate any party. By choosing the appropriate colors, types, and placement, you can create a festive atmosphere that will keep your guests talking for weeks to come. With proper planning and attention to detail, your party is sure to be a success.
Finalize The Details
Last but certainly not least, in the week leading up to the party, finalize all of the details. Confirm the venue, menus, and music, and clean it up so that everything is in place. Explain to your guests, the details of the party, the timing, dress code, etc., so that they are fully informed about what to expect.
Enjoy!
Planning a party can be a breeze. Nothing guarantees a perfect party, but with proper planning, you can ensure that the guests feel pleased and that you all make memories that you’ll cherish for a long time.
I hope this post brought value to your day. If it did, please consider sharing it with a friend or on your favorite social media. Thanks For Reading Fun With Balloons!