Birthday parties are a lot of fun, but planning them requires much more organization than you'd expect.
To ensure your big day goes off without a hitch, we created a Birthday Party Planning Checklist to help you choose a party theme, venue, guest list, and more.
Now, we're back with a day-of-birthday party checklist that covers all of your birthday party supplies needs, so you and your guests have everything you need for a smooth and memorable party.
Check out our Birthday Party Supplies Checklist below:
Invite a Select Few EarlyThe best thing you should have at the ready when throwing a successful party? A reserve of good friends who can arrive early to help decorate, get ready, drink, and snack on some treats. This will also be a good time to catch up with your closest friends before the party and to take advantage of the extra hands for setting it up. Additionally, if you are the type to go through 15 outfit changes when getting ready, having friends over to offer advice will be extremely helpful. It's also just nice to have the company of your loved ones around while you wait for your guests to arrive.
Confirm Times With Your Event Location
If you are opting for a bar, restaurant, or other event destination for your birthday, call earlier in the week and again on the day of to confirm the reservation, along with the number of attendees. You never know what can happen between the time you made the reservation and the actual date. It never hurts to double-check. This is also the perfect opportunity to add a person or subtract a person from your reservation number if necessary.
Know the Transportation & Parking Options
Whether your event is at home or at a venue, it's important to offer guests advice on the best transportation options. Will most of your guests be driving? Is there ample parking? If not, what are other parking options close by? If most of your guests will opt for public transportation, Lyft, or Uber rides—then being a good host means you are well-versed on the best routes and any relevant bus and train schedules so that you're never leaving party guests high and dry.
Order & Pick Up Food
Snacks or even meals at your party are a must depending on the time of day or night. If your party calls for larger-scale catering, consider ordering your food a few weeks before the actual party and confirming delivery times. If your party is small, you can order in the morning on the day of the event. Make sure the pickup time is an hour to two hours before the party starts to cover any possible delays.
Stock Up On Necessities
When it comes to party planning, the devil is in the details, and there are many small things that people forget when planning, such as a solid amount of toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, and other household items that a party may warrant. Additionally, if you are having a lot of people over, make sure you have plenty of plates, cups, and utensils.
No matter how well you prepare, there is nothing you can do to prevent spills and accidents. Be prepared by removing any extremely valuable or easily breakable items from the party space. Also, be sure to stock up on cleaning supplies like disinfectant and carpet cleaner just in case. Having a small first aid kit is also a good idea, especially if you are planning a child's birthday party.
Consider Renting or Borrowing Decor and Decorations
When it comes to party supplies, more is often better. After your basics are covered, consider if there are additional decorations or even decor that you could rent or borrow from friends to make your event come alive. Here are some examples:
- Birthday banners
- Colored tablecloths
- Festive centerpieces
- A cake stand and cake server
- Ice bucket or cooler
- Extra chairs
- Extra tables
- Fans or outdoor heaters
- A party tent
- String lights
- Drink pitchers
- A popcorn machine
- A champagne fountain
- A cotton candy machine
- Frozen drink machines
- A projector screen
- Extension chords
Now You're Ready for Your Big Day!
Armed with your Birthday Party Supplies Checklist, you're ready for a seamless birthday party. Did we miss anything? What are some must-dos for your birthday party checklist? Let us know in the comments below. And follow EventUp on Facebook and Twitter for more party planning tips.
