How to Plan a Special Event

Planning a special event requires organization and attention to detail, but you do not need years of event planning experience to be successful. You simply must make decisions on the type of event you are planning and understand your audience. Follow these steps to plan a successful event.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Identify the type of event, your audience and the event theme. For a child's birthday party, your planning will involve kid-friendly activities, colorful decorations complementing the theme and enough cake and ice cream for everyone. For a cocktail party, your event will include adult beverages, appetizers and good music that complement the party's theme.
2. Determine your budget so you can account for the venue location and rental, food and beverages, rentals such as seating, music or entertainment, audio/visual equipment, invitations, decorations and possibly electrical supply.
3. Select your vendors such as the caterer, florist, entertainment, etc. Contract a catering company if you do not plan to prepare the food and beverages on your own. Keep your audience in mind to determine whether you will need vegetarian or special dietary food and age-appropriate beverages.
4. Make or buy your event invitations and send them to your attendee list. Send invitations one month prior to your event, or even earlier if you prefer. If you must know exactly how many people will attend, include RSVP contact information or an email address on your invitation.
5. Purchase decorations that reflect your event theme. Consider whether you will need plates, napkins, cups, tablecloths and eating utensils.
6. Create an event set-up plan and identify the person responsible for assisting with the set-up. Making a checklist with event layout, contact names, numbers and to-do items will assist in making your event successful. It also will serve as a helpful guide for anyone assisting you with the planning and implementation of your special event.

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