Pre-Party To-Do List
Why to Use a Pre-Party To-Do List
Because planning can be fun. There. We said it.
Welcome to your all-inclusive guide of what to check off prior to your party taking shape. From the birth of the idea to host your gathering to the moment your guests walk through the door. Whether you color-code with sticky notes or like to play-it-by-year (ear?) last-minute, we've got you. Your party planning is about to smoothly sail.
We’ve curated checklists below for the two types of party planners. Now snag your notepad, Google Doc, or iPhone Notes — and let's get to it.
Party like there’s no tomorrow! Dive into your exclusive member perks now.
For The Plan Ahead Host
2 weeks before the party:
- Send out RSVP invitations
- Hire a caterer or chef, or pick out your menu for the event
10 days before the party:
- Order items for the party
*Make sure to check delivery dates so items arrive in time. To ease your process, check out Our List of Favorite Things, made for you. - Compile the "yes" guest list for food and drink purposes
5 days before the party:
- Ensure all items have arrived or are arriving on time
- Finalize grocery shopping list and determine cooking equipment required
2 days before the party:
- Make sure speakers work properly
- Prep or find a playlist(s) to fit your party mood
*Note: Spotify has tons of playlists ready for your vibe. Wine & Dine? Check. All Out 50s? Check. Pop 4 Kids? Check. - Grocery shop
Day before the party:
- Clean kitchen, dining area, and guest room
- Prep items from the menu for overnight cooling (if required)
- Check in on guest arrival
For The Last Minute Host
3 days before the party:
- Send out invitations to guests
- Decide on menu for party and create grocery list
- Order items via Amazon for the party
*Check delivery dates - thank goodness for Prime shipping! See Our List of Favorite Things to well, prime your shopping.
2 days before the party:
- Compile the "yes" guest list for food and drinks purposes
- Grocery shop
- Make sure speakers work properly
- Prep or find a playlist(s) to fuel your party mood
*Scout out our Spotify playlists for all your party needs
**Bonus points: dance a little solo kitchen number to boost your planning process. - Ensure all items have arrived or are arriving on time
Day before the party:
- Clean kitchen, dining area and guest room
- Prep items from menu for overnight cooling (if required)
- Check in on guest arrival
Whichever host you are, you’re absolutely killing it! To ease your hosting process, check out these pre-made checklists to help you out during your party prep process. For more how-to hacks, check out partytrick.com.
And remember, your guests are lucky to have you. You are a star, after all!
Membership has its party privileges! Discover your perks & start saving today.
featured parties
Cocktails with Aplos
Aplos cocktail hours are the most refreshing ways to “take the edge off” after a long day. Connect & create a memorable experience.
Perfect Picnic
Grab your blanket, basket, and besties, and head for the hills, the beach, or your backyard! Pack a meal (or order from Platterful) and enjoy an afternoon or sunset in the best of vibes.
Invest In Our Planet
Invest in our planet (and your friends!) with this sustainable Earth Day Party! Reduce, reuse, and recycle without sacrificing style or flair. Dare to be a Force of Nature.
Shabbat Dinner Party
Hit pause and reconnect with loved ones this weekend with light, airy decor, warm bread, and relaxing company.
Sock Hop at the Diner
This party is inspired by diners, young love, milkshakes, leather jackets, and Sandy and Danny of course!
Dragons Love Tacos
A birthday party chock full of tacos, dragons, and adorable tributes to the NY Bestselling picture book, “Dragons Love Tacos,” by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri.
Songkran: Thai New Year
Bring on the Thai New Year with delicious food, drinks, water fights (yep, we said water fight), and Thai Traditions! Jessica Akemon shares how she and her family celebrate the Thai New Year at home in the U.S, and how you can too!
Girls Just Want to Have Caviar and Martinis
The Caviar Co. inspired caviar, martinis, gal pals, games, great music… the perfect girls night in, with delicious small bites. This party is great year round!
.webp)
Beach Bonfire
Collect some firewood, snag a few cozy blankets, and head to the beach with your friends for a casual evening full of roasted eats, lively games, and memories waiting to be made. Great for just because or to celebrate a birthday. If you're landlocked, this gathering works in the mountains, at a lake, or the park, too!
Ellen Game Night
Inspired by Ellen DeGeneres's Game Night box, we've brought all the pieces together to make your game night EPIC.
Unicorns Are Real
Welcome to the party where every kiddo feels extra-special and dreams come true!
Caroline's Hangover Brunch
This festive burrito-filled brunch will make guests wide-eyed, deliciously full, and smiling for days. Later hangover!
More articles
Get Ready to Sparkle
Expert tips, exclusive content, and the 411 on the latest parties
Thank you for your submission!
Start the party
For each party, our professional event planners have curated, styled, schemed, and planned so we can hand over everything you need to know to throw incredible gatherings.
