| |
1-2 Months Before The Event
|
 |
Confirm the date. |
|
Decide whether or not the shower will be a surprise.
|
|
Draw up a guest list.
Creating the list in alphabetical order will make it easier to track RSVPs.
|
|
Choose the location.
Knowing how big your guest list is will help you determine how much space is needed.
|
| |
If the location is in a restaurant or other catered facility, skip the next two steps. |
|
Plan the menu.
|
|
Choose a caterer or where you will pick up the food if the shower is not in a restaurant.
Of course, you might decide to prepare everything yourself - or have a pot luck shower! |
|
Gather addresses for invitees.
|
|
Decide on a theme/color scheme.
|
|
Plan any activities.
|
|
Decide on party favors.
|
|
Secure any additional entertainment (music, etc.).
|
|
Mail invitations 4 weeks prior to event.
|
| |
2-3 Weeks Before The Event
|
| |
Confirm the menu.
|
| |
Confirm guest count.
|
| |
Order any special desserts/cakes.
|
| |
Purchase tableware.
Tableware includes tablecloths, utensils, plates, cups, napkins, etc.
|
| |
Purchase decorations.
Decorations can include centerpieces, welcome sign, confetti, wall decorations, hanging decorations, banners, streamers, disposable cameras for each table.
|
|
|
Purchase party favors. (If ordering online, you might need to do this earlier.) |
| |
Purchase prizes for games.
|
| |
Order flowers, if necessary.
|
| |
Order any necessary rentals, i.e. tables, chairs, etc.
|
| |
Purchase guest book (if you are planning on having one).
Fun guest book activity:
On a small table by the entrance of the event, place the a small scrapbook, Polaroid camera, glue stick, colored markers, and any other decorations you’d like to offer.
Have each attendee take a picture with the guest of honor and then decorate their page (around their Polaroid picture) with a personal note.
|
| |
1 Week Before The Event |
|
Determine an accurate guest count. (Make follow-up calls, if necessary. |
|
Prepare table assignments, and/or name tags (if desired). |
|
Purchase gift for guest of honor – or organize the purchase of a group gift. |
|
Place order for balloons (if desired). |
|
Place order for food platters/sandwiches, etc. to be made by vendor (if using outside sources). |
|
Choose background music. (Make sure equipment is working properly!)
|
|
Prepare printed menu and cocktail menu – or cards for buffet table (if desired).
|
| |
1 Day Before The Event |
|
Prepare platters and/or pick up any special food platters ordered (unless there is time on the day of event).
|
|
Purchase beverages.
|
|
Call vendors to confirm orders.
|
|
Have cash on hand to tip vendors (if desired).
|
|
Make sure camera and/or video camera is charged (and has film if necessary).
|
|
Wrap gifts for game winners and review instructions for games.
|
|
Wrap your gift for guest of honor.
|
|
Pick up flowers (unless there is time on the day of the event).
|
|
Pick up cake (unless there is time on the day of event).
|
|
Prepare street signs leading to party (if necessary).
|
|
Pick up any party rentals not being delivered.
|
|
Clean house and party area(s).
|
| |
Day of the Event |
|
Decorate!
|
|
If using flowers, place on tables, buffet table, and/or restroom.
|
|
Display name tags, and/or table assignments (if applicable).
|
|
Buy ice (if needed).
|
|
Display foods on buffet table.
|
|
Prepare a gift table.
|
|
Pick up or prepare balloons (if they are not being delivered).
|
|
Set up tables and/or any seating arrangements.
|
|
Place party favors on tables.
|
|
Set out beverages, glassware (or plastic ware), ice, coffee (if serving coffee), and condiments.
|
|
If using street signs, put them up 15 minutes before people are expected to arrive.
|
|
Take a deep breath, look around at all of your wonderful work, and get ready to enjoy a wonderful event!
|
