{"id":1546,"date":"2022-07-07T13:45:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-07T13:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/?p=1546"},"modified":"2026-02-23T05:13:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T09:13:09","slug":"how-to-plan-a-birthday-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/plan\/how-to-plan-a-birthday-party\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plan a Birthday Party at Home (Cocktails, Tips & Fun Ideas)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wondering <\/span>how to plan a birthday party<\/span> without the stress? Step right this way, we’ve got you covered. We <\/span>love <\/span><\/i>to <\/span>plan a birthday party<\/span> and when you are hosting one at home for your own birthday the trick is to keep everything as stress-free as possible.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, to help you pave the way for a fun lead-up to the celebration of your most recent trip around the sun, we’ve pulled together some insider <\/span>birthday party planning ideas<\/span> that will set you up for success from the word go.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ready, set, PLAN!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When should you start planning a party?<\/h2>\n

\"When<\/p>\n

A good rule of thumb is to start planning at least three months prior to hosting the event. This way you can give your guests plenty of warning to keep the date available. It also takes the pressure off in terms of liaising with suppliers, etc.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this does not mean you cannot pull it off in a month, or even a week if you have to. The smaller the time frame, the higher the angst levels are likely to be, but with enough motivation and support, a short-notice party can also be very successful.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the important things to remember when planning a party?<\/h2>\n

You know what they say – proper planning prevents poor performance. This is why we always follow this tried-and-tested organizational framework:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Budget<\/h3>\n

When it comes to <\/span>event planning for birthday parties<\/span>, every seasoned professional will tell you that you need to iron out that budget first. Sit down and decide how much you are able to spend on your birthday party.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, have a think about friends and family members you have who might have a skill they would be willing to contribute towards your party for free, or in lieu of a gift. Of course, these would have to be people that would make it onto your guest list regardless of whether they could bring their DJ deck or help you to design online invitations… <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NB! <\/span>Reach out to them to see if they\u2019d be keen to contribute to your birthday party in the way you had in mind before assuming they would. <\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Next, draw up a spreadsheet. If you are co-planning your birthday party with your partner or a helpful friend or two, make it a shareable online spreadsheet that everyone can access with permission. Use this spreadsheet to keep track of quotes and expenses as you go along so you don\u2019t go over budget by accident. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Guestlist<\/h3>\n

\"Decide<\/p>\n

Who\u2019s invited? It\u2019s your party and you get to invite all the people who make you feel like sunshine! Start up another spreadsheet, and make a list of everyone you\u2019d like to attend. Add extra columns for partners, spouses, and\/or children.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is also a good time to decide whether you are hosting a party that will be open to kiddos if there are any peeps in your group of friends that have them… It\u2019s nice to include the whole fam in an invitation, but it also means that you will need to cater for children in terms of food, drinks, and entertainment. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever you choose, be up-front about the set-up straight off the bat. This way your guests can make an educated choice about whether they are able to attend or not. FYI, the same goes for smaller, super intimate birthday parties that are literally for you and like 5 \u2013 10 members of your crew (no partners). Just be clear from the get-go.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read next:<\/strong> The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Surprise Birthday Party<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Date & Time<\/h3>\n

When <\/span>organizing birthday party<\/span> timelines, it can be easy to get tangled in multiple people\u2019s calendars and have-to-dos. After all, it\u2019s only natural to want all your favorite people together for your birthday. However, nine times out of ten you will find that at least one of your fav humans will have something else going on on the exact date you have in mind.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is when you have to remember that it\u2019s <\/span>your <\/span><\/i>party, sweets. Choose the date that works for you, and your top three non-negotiables, e.g., your partner, your parent\/s, and your bestie.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, it doesn\u2019t have to be on your actual birthday; it could be the weekend before or the weekend after. Or you may prefer to host it in the middle of the week to keep things on the tamer end of the spectrum… Whatever the case may be, make sure it works for <\/span>you<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve got the date pinned down, immediately send out a save the date so your guests can block it out on their calendar. You can always share the details of the party closer to the time; just get them booked for your event first.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Theme & D\u00e9cor<\/h3>\n

\"Birthday<\/p>\n

When contemplating <\/span>how to set up a birthday party<\/span> at home, we like to take a step back and consider the things we already have. Make a list of all the vases, table runners, tablecloths, napkins, candle holders, and other bits and bobs you already have at home. Then use this as a starting-off point when you consider d\u00e9cor. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As for party themes<\/a>, go easy on yourself friend. <\/span>Party themes<\/span> are a dime a dozen, and it tends to get even more confusing the deeper your Pinterest dive takes you. Stop and take a moment to consider what you are about. What brings <\/span>you <\/span><\/i>joy, buddy? Are you all about a certain decade, like the 60s or the 2000s? That\u2019s a complete vibe right there.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Or perhaps you love the outdoors and want to go for an indoor jungle situation? Your favorite movie or series could also provide some inspo. Take a moment to feel out your current vibe (journal even, it helps!), and use that as a guideline to pinpoint your theme. Be your own bestie in this respect.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve settled on the theme, and you have your list of stuff you already have at home, it\u2019s time to fill in the blanks. Create a wish list of items you want to set the scene for your shindig, and then winnow down until you have the essentials. Reach out to suppliers for quotes, make your choice, pay the deposit, and keep tabs on your budget spreadsheet.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More inspo? We’ve got you covered<\/strong>! 60s theme<\/a> | 70s theme<\/a> | 80s theme<\/a> | 90s theme<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Venue<\/h3>\n

This particular article is about throwing a party at<\/span>\u00a0home<\/span>, so for the sake of this vibe, the venue will be your house. However, this doesn’t mean you can tick off ‘venue’ on your planning list just yet. Here are a few things to consider:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n