Organizing a party is not as easy as it sounds. From preparing a list to buying the supplies, you need to put a lot of effort and time to make an event successful. While it’s a breezy process for some, others often struggle or feel anxious when they are calling people over to their place, especially during an important celebration. If you are a perfectionist, you must have felt the urge to throw a perfect party, which can induce stress and keep you from enjoying your own hard work. Here are some useful party planning tips and ideas by experts that will help liven up your event and reduce party-planning stress.

1. Follow a Checklist

Whether you are preparing for your exam or throwing a party, checklists always work. Start by preparing a guest list and sending invites. You may feel compelled to invite everyone you know, but the trick is to stick to a small circle. You need to connect with each and every guest at your party, which is impossible with a big group of people around you. Next, categorize your checklist into different areas of the party like “Food”, “Decorations”, “Games”, etc. This will help you set a timeline and keep a track of every tiny detail.

2. Create a Budget

It is easy to get carried away when you are spending money on an event. You must set an approximate figure that you can spend on the party and try to stick to it. Just like you categorized different areas like food, games, and entertainment when preparing your checklist, set a number for each category to avoid spending too much money. Next, figure out areas where you can save. For example, you can place food bars or set up a buffet course for self-serving to avoid the need for servers. You can also prepare DIY invitation cards and bake your own cake to save more money.

3. Stick to a Simple Food Menu

The food you present at your party should be appetizing and filling. This doesn’t mean that you need to prepare complicated dishes or follow recipes with multiple ingredients. You can make a simple delicious roasted chicken and please your guests. The simpler your party menu is, the easier it is to manage it all. If you have a specialty that your friends and family members like, include it in your menu. Another benefit of sticking to a simple food menu is that you can spend more time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

4. Jazz it Up with a Dance Floor

Give your guests an extra dose of fun by introducing a dance floor. This adds extra pizzazz to your event and will leave your guests impressed. An LED dance floor can instantly add some color to your plain party space and compel your guests to have fun together. If you are hosting a wedding, this LED dance floor will bring a red-carpet feel to the setting. Pay attention to the music and playlist too. You don’t need to spend extra money on a DJ; all you need is a set of speakers and a party playlist on your phone. To make it more fun, add games and introduce prizes to encourage your guests to participate.

5. Do Not Ignore the Decorations

At times, party planners forget or ignore decorations when focusing on other important things like food and seating arrangements. Instead of hiring a party decorator or an interior stylist, focus on tiny details like the color of your walls and contrasting table cloths. Stick to a pastel color palette with just two to three shades to give your venue a modern look. Some small touches like ribbons, flowers, and fairy lights can also enhance your party’s aesthetic appeal. Consider the type of event you are hosting and design your decor accordingly.

6. Get Extra Hands on Board

While planning the party single-handedly is not that difficult, managing it without any extra help can be quite daunting. Ask your partner to help with specific areas of the party to keep your focus on other important things. If you are organizing an important event, seek help from a professional party planner or stylist, especially if you haven’t planned an event before. You can also consider setting up things beforehand to avoid any hassle during the party. For example, set the table and test the lights at least one day before the event.

These tips and ideas will keep your guests entertained and make your party more inviting. A tiny error in the party-planning process can ruin all your efforts. By following these tips, you will not only stay on track but will also impress your guests.