Planning the Perfect Party

The best parties succeed by coordinating the small details with the big picture. From special birthdays, bridal showers, bachelorettes, and baby showers, there are several ways to make your special day an event to remember. For the past ten years, I've worked professionally to photograph and design for events that leave a lasting impression. Check out the list below for creative details to consider while planning the perfect party.

Always start with a good theme.

Like any good story, a party needs a theme. A party theme is a foundation for everything to come — the invitations, the decorations, the overall feeling of the event itself. During a design consult, I always suggest a few different theme ideas with clients. It is crucial to work out a good direction for the event's look and feel before getting too far in the planning process. A few party theme favorites I've worked on include:

• a rustic country-girl bridal shower

• "kiss the miss" good-bye bachelorette

• a baby shower with classic design elements and floral accents

A theme can be super specific or simply a vague set of ideas or colors. Whatever theme you choose will help focus all your other event decisions and keep the process moving forward.

Create a budget that helps you.

How much can you do yourself? How much do you want to do? What's worth it? And would you be giving up by doing some things yourself? It may seem like a luxury investment, but having a dedicated person to help you create designs for and/or photograph your event can alleviate stress and allow you to enjoy the day more fully. Book a free consult with me, and let's create your perfect event package options.

Location, location, location.

Choosing where to have an event will help make or break the perfect party.

• Would this be best hosted at home, a local park, or a private venue?

• Can all of my guests get there easily?

• Does the space fit the guest list? Not too big, not too small.

• If a private venue, what is the cancellation policy?

• If it is an outdoor event, is there an alternate plan for bad weather?

• Does the location fit with my theme?

• Is it picturesque for photos? What is the lighting like, too bright, too dark? Are there distracting elements in the background?

Custom designs elevate the whole day.

With countless DIY design sites available online now, you can undoubtedly get pre-packaged event materials made. However, many events need more collateral than just the initial "save the date" or invitation suite. Consider hiring a designer to create a cohesive custom package. A good designer provides value for the whole guest experience from start to finish. From the first mailing to the follow-up thank-you notes, your pieces should boost the event's aesthetic and help the day flow smoothly. Coordinating the designs of your event's most tiny details, such as favor stickers, place cards, signs, programs, etc., can subtly elevate how your guests feel while at your party.

Working with a designer delivers a better end product, and you get more materials for your investment. Book a free design consult with me, and let's get started.

Choosing what to wear.

Whether you are the host, honoree, or guest, what to wear to a party is an aesthetic detail that goes beyond just good manners. Consider the following when picking out your party attire:

• Does your outfit clash with the theme?

• Is it appropriate for the event?

• Can it be worn all day? Are you able to move around in it comfortably?

• Will this outfit photograph well?

For example, if you're planning the event and there is a large party backdrop that is primarily pink, you will want to coordinate your outfit with the day's color palette, not match it exactly. By avoiding wearing the same color, you won't blend into the background— instead, you'll stand out harmoniously.

Hire a photographer to preserve the memories of the day.

For all the work and effort you put into preparing and planning the perfect event, it would be a waste not to document it. Hiring a dedicated professional photographer not only frees you up to mingle with guests but you can be guaranteed to get better quality photos than the ones your guests would take on their phones. Book a free consult with me, and let's create your perfect event photography package options.

#eventphotography #graphicdesign #whattowear