| | 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! |
