Planning a party can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re aiming for a memorable event that leaves your guests talking about it for years. Whether it’s a baby shower, bridal shower, graduation party, reunion, rehearsal dinner, or birthday bash, having a comprehensive plan is crucial. That’s where we come in! Welcome to “The Ultimate DIY Party Checklist by The Savvy Swaréy,” your go-to guide for ensuring your event goes off without a hitch.
At The Savvy Swaréy, we believe that anyone can throw an unforgettable party with a little bit of planning and the right resources. That’s why we’ve created a detailed, printable party checklist. This checklist covers everything you need to plan your event, laid out in a convenient timeline format.
Before you dive into the checklist though, here are some expert DIY party planning tips packed with inspiration and ideas to get you started!
10 Essential Tips for Successful DIY Party Planning
I often get asked for party planning tips, because for many, planning and hosting a celebration is a stressful task. So, if you’re in the camp of wanting to put on a special event, but can’t shake the anxiety about what, how, and when of party planning, these tips will help you keep it all in check and stress LESS.
And, I’ve included them ALL on the printable party checklist too (I got ya covered!)
1. It’s never too early to start
Planning ahead is crucial to ensure that you have enough time to book venues and organize all the necessary details. Especially during prom, wedding and graduation season, venues get booked up quickly. If you have your heart set on a specific location, consider booking that several months ahead, if not a year.
2. START with your budget
Determine your budget at the very beginning to guide all your planning decisions. This helps you prioritize spending on elements you care most about while keeping costs under control. Don’t care about a fancy DJ? Put more into your food!
3. DON’T skip the theme!
Even if your theme is a color palette, don’t skip this step! I’ll tell you why. A theme can tie all elements of the party together, from invitations to decorations and activities. A theme actually makes it EASIER to select these items. Choose a theme that suits the occasion and your guest/s of honor.
━━━━━➤ For theme inspiration, explore these Creative Party Themes.
4. Decorate thoughtfully
Choose decorations that enhance your theme and create the desired ambiance. Pay attention to details like table settings, lighting, and signage. DIY decorations, repurposing from other events, or thrifting some eclectic decor are budget-friendly ways to add a personal touch.
━━━━━➤ I’m always sharing savvy party decoration ideas on Instagram. Find tons of inspiration and tutorials by following along.
5. Think about your guests
It’s easy to plan a menu, games, and music that YOU like, but you also need to consider your guests, especially if you’ve got a large age range coming.
- Incorporate a variety of genres and music styles from different decades in your playlist.
- Make sure you’ve got options for a variety of dietary needs.
- Plan entertaining games that can be enjoyed by all.
━━━━━➤ A photo booth is always a hit. Check out these DIY backdrop tutorials.
6. Use digital DIY party planning tools
There are so many great digital tools to streamline DIY party planning, including online RSVP management tools, digital invitation templates, and floor plan designers. Using these tools can help cut down your planning time.
━━━━━➤ I talk all about my favorite floor plan design tool in this Instagram reel!
7. Give your guests plenty of notice!
Send out invitations at least 3-4 weeks in advance for informal parties and 6-8 weeks for formal events. This gives guests plenty of time to RSVP and make arrangements to attend.
━━━━━➤ Use Canva to design party invitations for FREE! And print them at home for super budget-friendly invites (and signage!)
8. Plan for the unexpected
Always have a backup plan for unforeseen issues, such as bad weather for outdoor events or technical difficulties with equipment. This could include renting a tent, having extra seating, or having a playlist ready if the DJ cancels.
━━━━━➤ This blog is all about tents and how to pick the perfect one for weddings OR parties!
9. Create a party timeline
For bigger events, in particular, draft a detailed timeline, including setup, the arrival of vendors, and a schedule of activities. Share this timeline with key people involved in the planning. This may sound overkill, but it’ll make sure YOU and anyone you’ve booked for the event are all on the same page.
10. Delegate your DIY party checklist tasks
Don’t try to do everything yourself. When we say DIY party planning, there IS such a thing as to over do the DIY. Delegate tasks to friends, family, or hire a professional event planner. Assign responsibilities based on people’s strengths and availability. Don’t forget delegating someone to take photos to capture all the memories!
DIY Party Checklist Download | Free Printable
Hosting a spectacular event doesn’t have to be stressful. With “The Ultimate DIY Party Checklist by The Savvy Swaréy,” you’ll have everything you need to plan your event from start to finish, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Remember, planning ahead, staying organized, and using available resources can make your party planning experience smooth and enjoyable.
Ready to take your party planning to the next level? Download our printable party checklist now by subscribing to become a Savvy VIP. You’ll not only get this indispensable tool but also receive monthly emails filled with the latest DIY party planning tips and freebies.
For more inspiration and resources, check out our other DIY party planning guides, including photo backdrop tutorials, decoration ideas, menu suggestions, and more.
Happy planning, and here’s to throwing an unforgettable bash!
Kelsey