7 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Party

Learn from these 7 mistakes people make when planning a party, so you don’t make them too.

It’s that time of year. Party season!

There are so many holidays and events happening from October thru January. Will you be hosting one of them this season?

Do you want your event to come off without a hitch? For your guests to have a fabulous time? For your party to be amazing, fun, and memorable?

Then you need to know the most common mistakes people make when planning a party, so you can avoid them.

You don’t want your party to be memorable for the wrong reasons.

Check out the list below, so you can know what NOT to do.

7 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Party

1. Procrastinating in planning the party

Yay! You’ve decided to host a party or get-together. You’ve set the date and time, and sent out the invites. Then you sit back and let out a sigh of relief because you’re so proud of yourself for giving your friends and family plenty of notice about the event.

And then the inevitable happens ~ you procrastinate planning the party.

This is a primary mistake people make when they decide to host a get-together.

They feel the hard part is setting the date and informing guests, so they put off creating a plan and checklist of what needs to be done and when. Then they find themselves running around like a crazy person, stressed and angry with themselves for waiting until the last minute to get stuff done.

Don’t procrastinate when planning a party. As soon as you have decided on a day and time for your event, create a timeline for when everything needs to be accomplished. Then use it as a reference and stick to it. This will lessen your stress and ensure that you aren’t a crazy person leading up to the event.

2. Not providing enough party information to your guests

I’ve seen too many hosts make the mistake of not providing enough information to their guests about the party.

Most invitations provide pertinent information like date, time, and location, but they fail to provide other valuable information.

Think about everything your guests are gonna need to know and anticipate their questions on your invites.

Let them know things like:

Dress code: formal, casual, theme, etc.
If parking might be an issue ~ where to park
If they can contribute food, drinks, or something else. Many guests want to bring something, so let them know if they don’t need to
If there is an end time to the event
Can they bring a date
Is it an adult affair, or are kids included

You get the idea. Provided as much information about your party ahead of time as possible.

3. Not accurately planning the food

I think the biggest mistake people make when planning a party is not accurately planning the food.

They forget to verify if their guests have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Then when the guests arrive, they’re limited in what they can eat.

Or hosts don’t accurately plan enough food or drinks for their guests and guests are left wanting more to eat or wishing they could have a second glass of wine.

Confirm how many people you expect to attend and then plan for more. Inevitably a guest that didn’t think could make it will show up.

You can always send leftovers home, but you’re not gonna make more food or go buy more wine while the party is happening.

4. Not having a backup plan

When you’re planning a party, you need a backup plan. Even if it’s super simple. A few ideas for if the unexpected happens.

What will you do if the weather forces you inside? Or if guests show up that originally weren’t planning to come? Sometimes their plans change at the last minute and they can now attend your party.

Or if you having the food catered, and something happens with the caterer?

You don’t need to have firm backup plans, but you should have ideas at-the-ready, if necessary.

5. Not allowing enough time for setup

It will take you longer to set up for your party than you think.

Trust me.

Don’t wait until the last minute to prep the food, set up your buffet table, or arrange the furniture. Do it the day or night before. It will relieve some stress on the day of your party and you will feel a sense of accomplishment by checking it off your to-do list.

Then all you need to do the day of the event is cook or pick up the food and drinks.

6. Not asking for help

Planning a party can be overwhelming and stressful. Don’t feel that you need to do it all yourself.

Too often hosts don’t want to ask for help. They don’t want to infringe on their friends and family. But let’s be honest ~ most people like to help and will gladly lend a hand.

If someone offers, take them up on it. Maybe they can help prep the food, pick the food up from the restaurant, set up the drink station, or bring extra chairs. Anything to lighten your load and lessen your stress.

7. Not introducing guests

Now I know that this isn’t exactly planning before the party, but it’s a huge mistake that hosts overlook at the start of their party and they really need to have planned in advance.

So often hosts don’t even think about introducing their guests to each other. I see it time and again.

The host has invited people from their different social groups and doesn’t introduce them. They greet their guests and then leave them to mingle. But that creates an awkward interaction where the guests need to introduce themselves to each other, or worse, not at all. And then the groups never intermingle. They stay to themselves.

Please don’t make this party mistake. When your guests arrive, promptly introduce them to your other guests, even if it’s just sharing their names and how you know them. That will start the ball moving, your guests will feel comfortable and a fantastic party experience will be had by all.

Now that you’re armed with the 7 mistakes that people make when planning a party ~ you know what not to do and how to avoid them.

I know your event will be a smashing success and that you and your guests will have a fabulous time!

4 Comments

Elena says:

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Very helpful tips, thank you!

1. Nicole says:
  
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  Thank you! So glad they’ll help you!!
  
P Wimbley says:

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The information you provided is so timely as I assist my niece with planning a small outdoor party for her mom’s 67th birthday. I read all of your posts on entertaining and tips. Thank you.

1. Nicole says:
  
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  So glad to hear you found it helpful! I’m sure the birthday party will be wonderful!!

7 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Party