Party Planning Guides
Clear, practical answers for every step, from the budget to the cleanup.
Where Should You Start Planning a Party?
Start with three numbers: your total budget, a rough guest count and a date. Use the budget calculator to split the total across the venue, food, rentals and decor, follow the checklist, book the venue first, and compare two or three written quotes before you pay any deposit.
Party Budget Calculator
Split your total budget across venue, food, rentals and decor.
Party Planning Checklist
A step-by-step checklist you can tick off and print.
How to Plan a Party, Step by Step
What to book and do 3–6 months, 6–8 weeks, 2–4 weeks and one week before a party or event, with a printable checklist and day-of schedule.
How to Choose an Event Venue
How to compare banquet halls, event centers and party rooms: capacity, all-in price, hours, food and drink rules, parking, accessibility and contract terms.
How Many Tables and Chairs Do You Need?
Seats per table for 60-inch rounds, 72-inch rounds and 6- and 8-foot banquet tables, how much floor space a party needs, and the extra tables people forget.
How Much Food and Drink per Guest?
Rules of thumb for appetizers, main dishes, sides, desserts, drinks and ice per guest, so you do not run out or overbuy for a party.
How to Plan a Kids Birthday Party
Choosing between home, park and party places (bowling, trampoline parks, escape rooms), how many kids to invite, timing, food, allergies, waivers and favors.
Bounce House Rental Guide
What to ask a bounce house or inflatable rental company: insurance, setup, anchoring, wind limits, space, power, permits and supervision rules.
Event Venue Contract Checklist
The terms every event venue or party rental contract should spell out: dates, times, fees, minimums, cancellation, insurance, damage deposits and red flags.
How to Set a Party Budget
How to set a total, work out a per-guest budget, split it across venue, food, rentals, entertainment and decor, and avoid the fees that blow budgets.