the ultimate DIY party e-book
Instantly download this 111 page PDF book full of party planning ideas, party plan worksheets, diagrams and more so you can create a blueprint for your next event.
This is the book you need to get organized for your next party or event. Learn to DIY your party so they think you hired a pro!
take the stress out of party planning
Do you wish you were "one of those people" who can throw a party or gathering that is special and seems to go off without a hitch? (You can be)
Do you love celebrating milestones and the people you love but stress about exactly how much food you need, or even what to serve?
Are you a DIY person who needs help organizing your thoughts and making plans for the party you can see in your head?
Well look no further – an eBook full of party planning ideas for real people is here!
As Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” This eBook will have you planning for success in no time.
Party planning doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right framework and lots of ideas to choose from you can create an event that meets the moment, impresses your guests and doesn’t break the bank.
This isn’t a party theme book but a way for you to think through and plan the details of your event, no matter the size or theme. You will create a blueprint for your ultimate event and go from brainstorming party planning ideas to detailed plans and shopping lists.
What’s inside
Party Plan Worksheets
Print the worksheets to plan your guest list, budget, food & drinks, decorations, activities, shopping lists and more.
Timing & Flow
Planning makes your party go smoothly to give you time to truly enjoy your guests.
Food & Drinks
Ideas for what to serve, how much you will need with worksheets & shopping list pages to print for your final plan.
Week & Day of Checklists
Checklists for both home and event venue parties
Decorations
From budget friendly balloons & streamers to making your own photo backdrop – lots of ideas are included!
Activities
Once your guests arrive what will they do? Mingle, play games, be entertained… lots of options to consider are included.
PHOTO BACKDROP
The main difference between a backdrop and a booth is dimension.
A backdrop is just that – something in back of whatever is going on, be it a photo, a table of food, or a high chair for a baby’s 1st birthday. A photo backdrop is one surface – it might be flat or it might include things like balloons or flowers that give it some dimension.
A photo booth is something guests step into, whether it’s 3 or 4 sided, to have a photo taken. Traditionally a photo booth is a machine you jam into with friends, pose for 4 photos and then a strip of awkward or funny photos shoots out. (Memories of summers at the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ just came flooding back!)
You can rent photo booth machines, self-serve photo booth set ups or hire people to come with the photo booth and stay for the party to keep things fun. You can also make your own from the simple and inexpensive to spendy and elaborate.
To make sure you get the shots that you want, have a host, ask a guest with a good eye for composition, or hire a photographer. They can be in charge of getting all the guests to the photo area. Be sure to let them know any guest combinations you definitely want to have photos of.
Things to consider when designing a photo backdrop or booth
Determine the Space you Have to Work With
How much room you have is the first thing you need to figure out. It will impact the type of materials you use and how you build it. Make sure there is enough room for guests to stand in front of it and that the lighting is adequate for taking pictures. Don’t forget to figure out where people will stand to get a great shot.
Backdrop Shape and Orientation
The shape and orientation of the backdrop can also influence its size selection. Vertical or portrait-oriented backdrops are ideal for full-length individual or group shots, whereas horizontal or landscape-oriented backdrops are better suited for wider group photos or panoramic scenes. Consider the desired orientation and choose the size accordingly.
Decide on the Size of your Backdrop or Photo Booth
The space you have to work with is the first consideration when deciding on size but there are other things to consider as well. Will the backdrop primarily be used for individual or group photos? Will guests be adults or only kids – that will impact how tall your backdrop needs to be. Understanding the purpose will help you gauge the size requirements.
If you anticipate group photos, take into account the average number of people you expect to be in each shot. Allow ample space for everyone to comfortably fit within the frame without feeling cramped. As a general rule of thumb, consider allocating approximately 2-3 square feet of space per person for group shots.
Pages
Worsheets
Abbreviated Table of Contents
What’s the Occasion?
- What
- Who
- When
- Where
- Budget
Make the Party Plan
- Theme
- Invitations
- Timing & Flow
- Food & Drinks
- Decorations
- Activities & Entertainment
Diagrams & Worksheets
About the author.
I’m an artist, graphic designer and lifelong DIY Party person. I’ve been planning parties since I was 8.
I love party planning ideas and styling a party, sometimes even more than attending.
The joy for me is in the creative process from idea to end result. At my husband’s 60th birthday party a few guests asked if I was a party planner and could they hire me – the ultimate compliment to that DIY bash!
I believe that with a little imagination and some basic supplies, you can transform any space into a festive celebration that will leave your guests impressed and delighted. Let me help make your vision a reality for your next celebration.
Tara Reed
