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Party Planning Checklist
29 tasks, from booking the venue to the cleanup. Tick them off as you go; your progress stays in this browser only.
What Should You Do First When Planning a Party?
First set a total budget and a rough guest count, then pick two or three possible dates and book the venue or party place, 3–6 months ahead for a large event. Next book what sells out: caterer, rentals and entertainment, about 6–8 weeks out. Invitations go out 4–6 weeks before, and decorations come last.
0 of 29 done
13–6 Months Before
26–8 Weeks Before
32–4 Weeks Before
4Final Week
5After the Party
Party-Day Schedule
Enter the time guests arrive to turn this template into a printable schedule for your helpers and vendors.
- — Rental delivery window starts; tent and inflatables set up
- — Host and helpers arrive; tables, chairs and linens out
- — Decor and balloons go up
- — Caterer or food arrives; drinks on ice
- — Music on; final walk-through and photos of the empty room
- — Guests arrive; welcome drinks
- — Activities, games or entertainment start
- — Food is served
- — Toasts, cake or the main moment
- — Open party; favors at the exit
- — Wind down; guests leave
- — Cleanup and rental pickup
A common template, not a rule: adjust it to your venue's rules and your rental delivery window.
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Read the full planning timeline, then use the budget calculator.