- 1). Begin your planning at least six weeks in advance; two months is better if you'd like your choice of dates at popular venues. Determine how much you will be able to spend. Your budget will guide decisions such as whether to have the party at your home or hire a hall and how many guests you can invite.
- 2). Investigate possible venues if you're not having the party at your home. Long Island Catering Halls is a trade organization that maintains a database of available party spots ranging from waterfront mansions to restaurants; many of these are full-service establishments that offer packages complete with food, entertainment and decorations. For budget-friendly options, check with your local town government: many parks departments and community buildings have rooms that can be reserved. Local churches and fraternal organizations may also have social halls they are willing to rent.
- 3). Narrow your venue choices down to three or four and visit these in person before reserving, to avoid unpleasant surprises. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it also might not show the less impressive features of a location, and seeing the room for yourself will help guide your decorating decisions.
- 4). Make your guest list and send out invitations. Paper invitations with a followup by email are one possible compromise between traditional etiquette and the pace of modern life. If you are planning a large multifaceted event such as a wedding or family reunion you may want to create a dedicated Facebook page or other website, especially if many of your guests will be traveling long distances.
- 5). Contact DJs and catering services at least a month in advance to find out about availability, options and prices.
- 6). Plan your decor and menu around your budget and the number of guests you've invited. It is better to start looking for and pricing balloons, flowers or whatever special touches you have in mind a month in advance than to be left scrambling about two days beforehand wondering who makes origami doves. It is also better to have leftovers because a few guests couldn't make it than not to have enough for all.
- 7). Two to three weeks before the big day, check in with any professionals you're working with and make sure that everything is on track.
- 8). Make a to-do list of what remains to be done. Contact any close friends or relatives who'd be willing to help and assign tasks as necessary.
- 9). Purchase beverages, decorations and other nonperishable supplies a week in advance.
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