| Don't ruin your party with a mistake that could so | | | | dependent on one thing, budget. But this doesn't |
| easily have been avoided! Read on to find out the 5 | | | | mean you have to settle for something that is not |
| most common mistakes party planners regularly | | | | right for your party! Consider the number of guests |
| make and how to avoid them! | | | | you are inviting, and the type of party you are |
| 1. Unremarkable entertainment | | | | throwing...can you host it in your home by |
| The last thing you want at your party is a dull | | | | re-arranging some of your furniture? If your home is |
| atmosphere where guests are bored! This can easily | | | | not big enough - or you can't cope with the mess - |
| happen if you choose the wrong type of | | | | think about venues in your local area. Perhaps there is |
| entertainment for your party. By choosing something | | | | a local art gallery, or unusual location that could add a |
| a little different to the norm you can keep your | | | | bit of excitement to your party? Think out of the |
| guests amused and having fun, regardless of their | | | | box for this one! |
| age! If budget is a concern, simple suggestions such | | | | 4. Cringe-worthy decor |
| as a DJ and background music from an Ipod can | | | | Decorating your venue is usually something that is |
| work perfectly as long as they are tunes that will get | | | | considered less important than the other factors e.g. |
| everyone up dancing and not Dad's soft rock | | | | catering, venue, entertainment (unless you are |
| favourites! Alternatively, a giant Jenga will ensure fun | | | | throwing a themed party, in which case decor should |
| for all ages. If your budget can extend further, | | | | be at the forefront of your party plans!). However it |
| consider going all out with human canapé | | | | is one of these elements that can really add to the |
| tables, a carousel, living statues, ice sculptures, a | | | | atmosphere of your party, and a small budget |
| contortionist, a comedian, ice cream van/bike, | | | | doesn't have to equal tacky decorations! Be clever |
| firework show, stilt walkers, a baroque orchestra, or | | | | with your budget and use it for elements that will |
| even circus performers...to name but a few! | | | | have the most impact on your guests, for example, |
| 2. Is there any more champagne? | | | | maybe all you need is some creative lighting to |
| It's crucial that you have enough food and beverages | | | | enhance the venue. Or if you are having dinner, |
| to satisfy your guests. The last thing you want is to | | | | consider some coloured table linen and candlelight |
| run out of booze or nibbles half way through the | | | | table centres that will transform your guests' dining |
| night! If you are using a caterer or a party planner, | | | | experience! |
| they should be able to advise you on how much you | | | | 5. Fantastic night, but where are the memories? |
| will need, based on the number of guests you are | | | | People are often so busy planning the party that |
| expecting. If you're planning this event yourself, | | | | they forget about how to capture the essence of |
| remember it's always best to over estimate rather | | | | the night for long-lasting memories. Hire a good |
| than get caught out on the night, even if it means | | | | photographer and/or videographer, or appoint a |
| leftover party food for lunch and dinner the next | | | | friend as the dedicated 'snapper' of the night. When |
| day! And make sure you buy sale or return booze to | | | | it's all over you'll want to remember the fun of the |
| ensure the drinks keep flowing! | | | | night and there's no better way of doing this than |
| 3. Where are we? | | | | through photos and videos! |
| Choosing a venue for your party will usually be hugely | | | | |