Planning Your Party

Planning your teen party and hosting a party can be easy when planned for and a blast after all your friends arrive!

We have great drink recipes, party food ideas, fun and festive games, and party theme ideas!

Start planning your party and have fun! But don't forget to give yourself plenty of time.

Two to three months before the party is a good place to start otherwise with other activities you have going on, you might run out of time, do things last minute and forget something.

How Much is the Party Budget.

Don't worry Mom and Dad - you don't have to break the bank to have a great time.

First you want to discuss with your parents how much they are comfortable with spending on the party.

If you have some money saved from odd jobs, consider pitching in, and show responsibility if you have to compromise with your parents.

You want your party to be a success but everyone has different ideas and everyone has to be comfortable with the final decision on what the budget for the party should be.

Once you have come up with the amount you can spend, start by splitting your funds between:

• any decorations you might want
• activities such as the games you might play
• the food and drinks
• your outfit if you are having a themed party
• and whatever else you might need

How Long Will the Party Be.

At this point you also want to think about how long the party will be (if it isn't a sleepover). The longer the party - the more food, drinks, and entertainment you have to provide.

You don't want to purchase enough for a three hour party and it lasts five hours then find yourself forced to be stingy when things start running out.

Which brings up a good point, think of having enough extras just in case your party is so successful, nobody wants to leave.

Make a List and Check it Often.

As we stated earlier - lists are great when planning a special occasion. When you have a lot going on it's easy to forget things, especially the little details. So make a list and keep it with you until the party is over.

Enlist one of your good friends and have your parents get involved to help you plan the party.

Be sure to go over the rules so your party is a safe, successful, and a day full of fun and laughter for all involved.

What Will You Wear?

What you wear for the party will depend on the kind of party you're having. It will depend on a party theme you might choose. Just remember if there is a theme or a way you want your friends to dress - Include this on the invitation! Very important!

Your Place or Somewhere Else?

If you have enough in the budget to rent a place for your party; maybe it's a special party like a Sweet Sixteen Party, or another kind of special teen birthday party, make sure you start planning for this in advance.

Depending on the time of year, it could be hard to book and rent a location. So start looking around at least two to three months before the party, and make sure you have something booked at least six weeks in advance.

This same idea applies if you will have your party catered.

What Day is the Party.

Now you have to consider what the best day for the party should be and how long it will be. Will it be a sleep over or just a day party?

Weekends are always best for a party especially if it is a sleep over.

Also, if you are thinking about having your party on a holiday weekend, check with the friends you plan on inviting and make sure they will be in town and not on vacation with their families.

Creating Memories of Your Party.

You are going to be busy making sure the day of your party is a big hit and you don't want to loose the opportunity to preserve the memories of your party.

Take Pictures with a Camera.

Make sure you have what it takes to make those memories last a lifetime. If you have a camera, keep it close by so you can take plenty of pictures.

Camcorder or Video Recorder.

If you have a camcorder or video recorder, see if you can enlist a family member to take a video of some parts of the party. Movies are a part of teen life so there is no reason why you wouldn't like to watch the playback from time to time of your party memories.

Disposable Cameras.

Disposable cameras are great for any kind of party. Leave them on tables around the room so anyone can pick them up and snap a few pictures. This way you have many different views of your party and even more memories to cherish.

Polaroid Cameras.

If you want instant pictures so your friends can leave with some of their own memories, have an Instant Camera handy. This is something you won't regret and your friends will love.

Party Purchases.

It can be fun to buy disposable cameras and set them around the room. Tell your friends they can, at any time, pick them up and take pictures.

This way your party is seen through the eyes (or lens) of others and if you plan on making a photo book, or a scrapbook, you have a lot of fun pictures to use.

Below are some ideas where you can shop and get some of the party supplies you'll be needing.

Party Stores.

There are many party stores, department stores, and stores like WalMart or Target where you can shop for items.

Thrift Stores.

Another great idea is to hit the thrift stores. This is especially true if you are having a themed party.

Thrift stores offer a wide range of items to riffle through such as dishes, clothes, tablecloths, items that might be used for a game and quite a few people donate some of their unused party paraphernalia.

Dollar Store.

If you have a dollar store in your area, they have great party supplies. You can get helium balloons, party plates and utensils, party decorations, card stock, cards, all kinds of things you can use for your party, and it's budget friendly.

Shopping Online.

Being thrifty helps the budget and it's fun to shop for the best deal you can get - sometimes the best way to shop is online. If necessary, get your parents involved with this process.