1. Finding the Objective of Your Event

When trying to plan the perfect event the first step is always to just sit back and really think about what the exact objective of the event you are planning is. Why is this specific event being planned? Whether it's a fundraiser or a special birthday party, it really helps to put everything into perspective. Take every aspect into consideration, what is it you are trying to accomplish exactly at this event? What do you want you're guests to feel after leaving? Think about all the great memories you want to create for those guests. You want them to be in high spirits and be in a great mood throughout the event. Write it all down to keep track of your ideas and use it as a reference point when starting the event planning process and remember to always try to see through the eyes of the guests at the specific event.

2. The Three R's… Research, Research and more Research

After you are done figuring out the objective of your event the next thing to do is start reading. Talking to people about the event to get ideas is always a plus, remember to think out aloud and run your ideas past associates. Next determine who your prospective attendees of the event are. Based on everything you have researched, you will be able to come up with various themes that may work for the event. Remember that every event big or small needs to have a certain theme. Whether it be a color scheme, a fun costume or dress up theme, it is always much more fun when the guests get to be involved in your event. When looking for that perfect theme you should use certain guidelines that you have written down from step number one. This will make it a lot easier to narrow down your theme search. A theme is one of the most important aspects as it will be the backbone of the event.

3. Make the Event Unique

There really is nothing better for your event than making it uniquely yours. Your guests should walk away with a memory that they can never and will never forget. Planning a unique event has its creative edge, but at the same time it has to have realistic visions. You need to have balance between the two aspects this will result in a memorable event for everyone. Browse through magazines and catalogs so you can get a better idea of what all the latest trends in color and décor are. You can use all that information for baseline and then add your own special twist on things as you move through the process. You should always be sure that your unique touch will complement your events theme. Keep in mind that there is a fine line between having that wow factor and going overboard.

4. Keep Your Plan in Order with To-Do Lists

There is one thing that you can never go without when planning a great event, and that is a lot of well organized to-do lists. Whether you keep your lists on a cell phone or just on a normal piece of paper, it really doesn't matter, as long as it's a well thought out and thorough list. Having everything in writing will help to make things you are planning clearer. It keeps you in the driver seat and gives you a complete sense of control throughout the planning process. By making more than one list you will always stay organized. You will find this to be extremely helpful. You should compile one master list and then make weekly or even daily lists based on the main lists priorities. Things can get a little overwhelming if you sit and stare at just your master list every day. A well thought out list can make the perfect event that much easier to plan and keep in order.

5. Getting That Feeling of Accomplishment

There really is nothing better than the thrill of seeing your vision brought to life and knowing that all your hard work is going to pay off. You should never be afraid to ask for help, if you think you might need it. It's only part of being human to feel a little over-whelmed on the day of the event, but as long as you've followed your master list and you've made sure everything is all checked off, you really have nothing to worry about. It is completely normal to have one or two nagging thoughts in the back of your mind, What if something goes wrong? What if I missed something? You should always be prepared to shrug it off and take everything with a grain of salt. You have come this far in the event planning process, be confident that if something goes wrong you will be more than able to figure out a solution. Keep in mind that a problem in your eyes will not always be noticed by your guests, after all it is your vision and that will always make it harder for you to look past the small things.

By following these simple steps you are sure to have the event you have been dreaming of and give your guests a party they will always keep in their memories for years to come. Good luck and good planning.