How to Create a Birthday Party Checklist

Wednesday, September 7, 2011 | aime |

All the party needs a plan. Even a simple birthday party requires proper planning and organization. Composing a checklist will ensure that you don't leave out any essentials. Follow a few simple steps

4 Weeks Before the Party

• Create a guest list.
• Buy invitations and stamps.
• Pick a theme for your party.
• Hire entertainers, such as a clown or a disc jockey

3 Weeks Before the Party

• Mail the invitations with an RSVP phone number or email address included.
• Decide what games or activities you will have during the party.
• Secure any items that you need to rent, like a tent or a moon bounce.
• Plan the menu, including snacks and drinks.

2 Weeks Before the Party

• Buy or order party supplies, decorations, party favors and any other supplies.
• Order your cake, or buy supplies to make your own cake.
• Start a running grocery list based on the number of guests that have responded and who you anticipate responding.

1 Week Before the Party

• Confirm your cake order.
• Touch base with entertainers and confirm rental orders.
• Order balloons.
• Follow up on delivery dates of party supplies, if ordered.
• Fill party favor bags or piñatas

1 to 2 Days Before the Party

• Get film for you camera. Make sure your digital camera or video camera is charged.
• Pick up or bake the cake.
• Buy food and remaining grocery items.
• Make food that can be prepared ahead of time.
• Decorate for the party.

Morning of the Party

• Have rented equipment delivered and set up.
• Pick up balloons.
• Buy ice.
• Prepare food for guests.

Remember, you don't need to buy invitations for everyone on the list. Consider couples, families and people living in the same home together before spending your money on invitations you don't need. Parties tend to go hand in hand with injuries. You may want to have a first aid kit on hand for little cuts and bruises, especially if it's a party for children.

Source: ehow