Event Planning DIY Checklist
So you have been put in charge for a big event and you now have no clue where to even begin. Well, lucky for you, I am here to help you get started. Here is a step-by-step how-to guide on planning an event so that you do not need to spend your budget on an event planner or consultant.
Before taking the first step, you need to determine just what kind of event it is you are planning. Here are a few questions you need to ask before getting started:
Event Planning Step 1
Finding a venue. This can be an overwhelming task sometimes. You need to determine your number of guests before you choose a venue. Some wonderful venues will allow an undetermined number of people, and others have a limit on capacity. Most often, the venue will take a large portion of your budget—unless you do it at a private residence that allows you to host your event for free (score!!). If you are doing an event outside, it is a good idea to rent a couple tents and canopies. Part of your choice in venue will depend on what you are providing as far as entertainment; i.e. a dance floor might be needed which can also be rented for outdoor events.
Event Planning Step 2
Most events have food of some kind. This is a good place to start, as it will be a large part of your budget. You need to determine whether or not it is going to be buffet-style, sit down service, hors d’oeuvers served by a catering staff or volunteers, or whatever you decide. Research local catering services to see which one fits your budget giving you the best food for the best deal. Ask around town to see what various businesses use or other people prefer. Personal recommendations are always a good place to start when it comes to choosing food. Your food choices can either make or break your event. Also think about what you will serve for beverages. Some catering places will provide bar service while others do not, and you will need to investigate other options.
Event Planning Step 3
Next, it is good to decide on your décor. You may actually choose this to be your first or second step if you choose to go with a theme. If you do choose a theme, having the food and venue fit into the theme is always a plus. Thematic events are a fun and good way to make an event memorable. Depending on how casual or fancy you want your event to be, there are numerous themes for any degree of fancy. Some themes include:
There is no end to the creativity you can use when thinking of a theme. If you choose to not do a specific theme, it is still a good idea to choose a color palette for your decorations. The magic is in the details of a good event. A color combination can make a big impact on your guests. When looking for decorations, here is a list of possible items to consider:
Event Planning Step 4
Entertainment is usually expected at an event. It can be as simple as a DJ and dancing. Hiring a band to perform or to provide the music for dinner and dancing can be a great idea. If you choose this option, it can be a little harder to find what you are looking for, but completely worth it. Sometimes, hiring a dance instructor to give a half hour to 45 minute dance lesson before the dancing starts is a fun way to get more people onto the dance floor. If you choose this option, ask around for recommendations. Finding an instructor who is personable and fun will help make those reluctant guest more willing to get up and dance.
Other forms of entertainment may be small dance performances, special musicians, a specific singer, or games. If you have a theme, finding entertainment that goes along with it is always a fun addition. An example of this would be: Great Gatsby Party—a 1920s Charleston dance lesson and jazz band for dancing. If you are having a casino theme, then offer casino style games. If there is a Hawaiian theme, perhaps hire a Polynesian dance troupe to perform. If you are planning a banquet of some kind, be sure that you have speakers lined up. If it is an awards banquet, the awards need to be ordered as well.
Event Planning Step 5
Invitations can eat up a budget if you get them professionally done. If you have the time, there are so many options you have for making your own. Craft stores have made this pretty easy. However, if you have it in your budget to get them done for you, by all means go for it. Again, if you have a theme, choose an invitation that will match the theme. If you don’t have a theme, be sure that the invitations have the color palette you are using—it just adds class to the overall feel of the event.
Event Planning Step 6
Create a timeline and calendar to follow for the event. This may seem tedious, but there are always little things that come up at the last minute and having a calendar to follow will help alleviate some of those woes. On this timeline, be sure to give your helpers/ vendors enough notice and time to prepare what they need to prepare. Things that should go on the calendar include, but are not limited to:
Now, let’s talk about the varying kinds of events and things you may need to consider adding to your "to-do list".
If you are planning a wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning it:

If you are putting together a fundraiser for a specific organization, you may have a better pool of volunteers to delegate responsibilities to. If this is the case, be sure to set up regular meetings with your volunteers to be sure there is progress being made. As the event gets closer, more meetings will be needed. For fundraisers, other things need to be considered. Some of these things include:
These are just guidelines to event planning, but they should give you a starting point to feel more confident with planning a major event. If you have volunteers, be sure to thank them relentlessly. Happy volunteers make your event a much better success. Feeding your volunteers is always a good thing to do too. Best of luck, and happy planning!
Published: August 1, 2016
By: Phillip Gilliam