I have family and friends tell me that I have a knack for planning parties. I just love a good party, that's why I want to throw a good one, if not best!

Why not? I love it when we get together, and the only way they could is through celebrations such as parties. We get to see family, talk to our friends, and our friends get to mingle... the whole picture just brings a smile to my face :)

So here are some Basic Party Planning Tips from yours truly...These are more based from my experience of how I plan a party, so it's a tried and tested method :)

1. Plan Ahead
We started planning about 6 months ahead. No kidding. We didn't go all out planning, just started with the basics:

• Set a Date
• Draft a guest list
• Think of options for Party Themes
• Choose a Venue (if you're looking to book clubhouses in Metro Manila, better call ahead because they get booked fast!)
• List down the things you need (ex. cake, host, balloons etc.)

That's it! It helps a lot to make plans little by little. It also helps with keeping your budget in check. Suppliers would ask a small percent for downpayment at the beginning, so you don't have to cash out a big amount when the party is over.

2. Make a Party Budget (and stick to it as much as possible)
You've started listing the things you need right? Now, assign a budget or a price range so you know how much the TOTAL party  budget would be. Also, you get to assign the bigger budget to the highest priority.

Example:

• Venue = 8,000-10,000
• Caterer = 20,000-30,000
• Cake = 1,000-2,000
• Decoration and Styling = 3,000-5000   
• TOTAL = 32,000-47,000 budget range

So now, you have an idea how much your party would cost. Remember that if it is not within your budget, there is always another option, either find a different supplier with amore affordable rate or change your plan. If you have a couple of months more to go then there is time to make changes.

Also remember that a great party does not depend on the fanciness and elegance. A small party would also need a party budget right?

Planning a small party at home? Here is a sample of a budget and checklist:

• Food/Caterer = 5,000-10,000
• Cake and Dessert = 1,000-2,000 
• Table and Chairs Rental = 1,000-2,000
• Decoration = 1,000-2,000
• Loot Bags and Giveaways = 2,000-3,500
• TOTAL = 10,000-19,500

3. Canvass various suppliers and do your research
I have a file in my laptop of a number of suppliers. To build up your contact list and database, first ask recommendations from family and friends. I'm sure some of them can recommend a trusted supplier.

If not, do your research, the internet is your best friend :) Contact suppliers by calling them or sending an email inquiry and ask for their rates. Most suppliers have party packages ready for your convenience, ask for those too.

Ask if they have or are going to have promos, why not right? Most suppliers are willing to get booked and to give you the best price they have to offer. 

Remember to be polite though, you might get a better rate this way :) I mean, who likes a brat anyway?

For possible venues, do an ocular visit to see if it's a fit for your party. Consider accessibility for you and for your guests.

4. Make a Mood Board as a guide for suppliers

Once you have a list of suppliers, it's best to have a mood board for them. I already shared a few pointers HERE.

Or you can use Pinterest :)

Another good tool is Powerpoint.

I use Adobe Photoshop, since I'm used to that. I made a pdf file for Hailey's party suppliers recently. I simply looked for pictures for inspiration, since that's where you will begin anyway. And made a few notes for the suppliers. Here is an excerpt of what I provided for the suppliers for Hailey's Party:

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BONUS #1: I made a Party Planning Checklist, and I am sharing it for FREE! DOWNLOAD HERE!

BONUS #2: Happy Thoughts and I are sponsoring a PARTY KITS GIVEAWAY! Get the chance to win one of 5 Customized party kits (designed by me!). Contest runs from October 22 to November 22. Open for events/parties from December 2014 to December 2015 nationwide! Complete details over at the Happy Thoughts Facebook Page

CLICK HERE AND JOIN NOW!

Hope I helped you in planning your own party! I would appreciate your feedback.

Cheers,

Here I am once again planning a party...

This time it's a double celebration party for my kids! It will be Hailey's baptism and Kiel's 2nd birthday.

How time flies...sometimes I still can't believe that I am now a mother of two. 

Anyway, to start any kind of party planning, you've got to have a preferred date. Next would be the number of guests. And then comes the venue. This time, Jejo and I wanted to hold the party in a restaurant, to save time in searching for a venue and caterer separately... Good thing we stumbled upon the newly opened Tokyo Bubble Tea in Katipunan Extension.

You see, my husband and I have this thing where our minds are like connected. We have like Bananas in Pyjamas moments: "Are you thinking what I'm thinking B1? Yes I am B2!". Yeah, it's weird and funny... but that's the kind of moment we had when we first visited Tokyo Bubble Tea. I was still pregnant with Hailey and we ate there with my parents and siblings. The place was modern chic and totally charming! Suddenly we faced each other and said what if we hold baby's baptism reception here? Uhuh, totally a B1-B2 moment!

TBT Katipunan has that kind of ambiance that draws you 
inside the place, you know? Photo source

And so, we had our minds and hearts set on the place. Period.

Moving forward...