The Birthday Party Hosting Time Line, Part II
The birthday party is fast approaching, and you did your homework a month or two in advance, but now it is crunch time and you have to alert everyone, figure out what to serve for food and drinks, and get the place decorated.
Three Weeks in Advance
- Send Those Invitations Do not wait any longer or people will have likely planned something else for the same day as the big birthday bash.
- Plan the Menu Now that you know how many you will be entertaining (assuming everyone comes) you can plan the menu, whether it is simple snacks or a full-fledged meal. It is also a good idea to make the grocery list at the same time.
- Order Cake If you aren’t making the cake, you definitely want to order it well in advance, as cake-makers can also be in high demand.
One Week before the Party
- Buy the Party Supplies Don’t forget goody bags, balloons, and other decorations
- Check In If people haven’t RSVP-ed yet, now is the time to give them a call or send a friendly email.
- Charge the Camera Batteries We love the idea of a photo booth, at any type of celebration. But in order to make that happen, you are going to need a camera. There is nothing worse than realizing the batteries are dead just as you want to snap a picture.
Two Days in Advance
- Buy the Food
- Assemble Goody Bags
- Confirm with Venue and Vendors
The Day Before
- Prepare Cook-Ahead Foods Many foods can be made in advance and then rewarmed or simply served the day of the party.
- Pick Up the Cake If you aren’t picking it up, make sure the cake-maker is prepared to deliver it to the venue at the specified time.
Party Day!
- Manage Transportation of party supplies, food, beverages, and cake
- Decorate the Space
- Have fun! You did it, so now take the time to enjoy yourself and the guest of honor.