aIt’s your buddy’s big day in a few weeks, and you volunteered to organize a special event for them. But you’ve never really organized a party before, and you’re not sure what to do! You’re starting to feel panicked and overwhelmed.
But planning a bachelor or birthday party, a baby shower, or any other kind of shindig doesn’t have to be stressful! All it takes is a little bit of planning and attention to detail.
So put that paper bag down, take a deep breath, and read on for what you can do to celebrate a friend!
1. Communicate
Just because you’re throwing a big or small party for your pal doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself! Keep in touch with the person to be celebrated, and make sure the party is going to be something they’ll actually enjoy.
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Chances are you have mutual friends, but it’s possible they have friends outside of your immediate circle. You’ll need to know how to get in touch with them. You may even need to know specific people you should avoid inviting altogether.
You can’t know these things if you don’t keep communication lines open. Yes, you’re doing the bulk of the work, but at the end of the day, this is an event for them, and it should be done according to their wishes!
If the event is meant to be a surprise, that’s a fairly different matter. That being said, hopefully, you’ve communicated with your friend that they actually like surprises. But, if you are planning a surprise party, see if you can plan it with someone else and keep communication open with them!
2. Cater the Special Event to Them and the Occasion
The old saying “Know your audience” works well for planning parties, too.
If it’s your friend’s birthday and they don’t drink, they’ll likely be unhappy with a boozy event at the local pub. On the other hand, a bar with drinks and pinball machines is exactly the kind of place to hold an adult birthday party if playing games and downing beers is what your friend enjoys.
But if your pal is a board gamer, it might be best to organize a game day at a place of your choosing! Maybe your friend loves the great outdoors, in which case a day trip to the mountains or an overnight camping trip is in order.
After thinking about whom you’re organizing for, remember what the occasion is. Are you celebrating your friend’s 21st birthday or their 10th year of sobriety? Does the occasion call for a wild night out with a boatload of friends or a private party with a classy dinner?
Planning a party becomes immediately less stressful when you stop to consider whom you’re planning it for, what their interests are, and what the occasion is.
3. Organize, Organize, Organize
Word of mouth simply isn’t going to cut it. Decide whom you’re inviting, where and when the party is happening, and then make an official Facebook Event for the occasion. Keep on top of any potential guests who aren’t giving you RSVPs if you need them.
Do you need to make reservations? Even if you don’t know, it never hurts to call or message them to ask. Regardless, it may be prudent to make one anyway.
Once you have the guest list and venue sorted, you can continue to organize the party by acquiring anything you need in advance. And with multiple guests coming, you’re not alone! You can delegate duties to those coming to help unload some of the pressure off of you.
Planning a Special Event Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
To organize an event, particularly a special event for a friend, is a commitment and a big responsibility. You’ve been entrusted by someone important in your life to celebrate their big day, and you don’t want to let them down. It’s easy to feel pressure, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
All you need to do is communicate, make the event appropriate, and organize. Remember, it’s supposed to be a fun and joyous time!
If you found these tips helpful, see what other ways our Entertainment blog can help you plan the best party your loved ones deserve!
