General Any gathering of family & friends to celebrate a special occasion, whether it be at home or in a function room can, realistically be termed “a party”. Bloomers Party Shop will be of benefit to you from the initial planning and organization stage right through to the delivery of your unique, personal event. First things first > The most important element of any party is the guests - no party is complete without them. Your guest list must be drawn up well in advance and the invitations sent to allow sufficient time for everyone to reply. > If the party is to have a dress code, whether it’s formal or fancy dress, your guests need time to organize themselves. > Until replies are all in, you have no clear idea of numbers of guests and therefore how to arrange the seating or the amount of food required to feed them all. > With the guest list confirmed, remember to book the :- - venue - entertainment - caterers - decorators - transport > Consider the age ranges of the guests and try to have activities and items of interest on the tables for them all e.g. the kids :- - Bouncy Castle - Poppers, blowouts, streamers, favors - Pinãta - Balloons For the adults - see kids ! Timeline for party organizing Although it is possible to have a successful party with hardly any planning at all, the majority of us who attempt it will fail to achieve the desired results. This is a suggested timeline for arranging each element of your party. If you are catering yourself, substitute purchase / preparation of required items where the caterers are mentioned :- 2 months to go:- > Set a date for the party > Decide on a party theme (remember to put it on the invites) > Compile a guest list > Book the venue (you need somewhere to party) > Book the caterers (approximate numbers & get a menu) > Book the entertainment ( DJ, magician, band, karaoke etc) > Book the party decorators (balloons, flowers, banners etc) > Choose, write & send invitations (directions, menu & theme) 1 month to go:- > Follow-up replies to the invitations > Confirm numbers and menu with caterers > Order your cake & buy disposable tableware if required > Plan activities for guests & collect the required accessories 2 weeks to go:- > Check the invitation replies again and chase up non-replies > Buy batteries & film for your camera > Buy and wrap game prizes and presents 1 week to go:- > Book any transport required to & from the venue 1 day to go:- > Pick up the cake & any perishable drinks & food D Day:- > Set out buffet area at venue (remember napkins & tableware) > Arrange tables & chairs (remember tablecloths) Décor Planning Tips In order to get the best advice and the desired result for your party décor, there are a number of questions your chosen professional will need to have answered and a number that you should receive answers to. Here’s a list of the main areas to help ensure you cover all the bases and get it right first time:- > When and where will the party be held? > Is the event indoor or outdoor? > What is the occasion? > Can the guest of honour’s interests be used as a party theme? > How many guests are to attend? > What is your budget for the event - how much is for decoration? > Do you have a theme for the party? > What mood do you want to achieve for your party? > Do you have a preferred colour scheme for the décor? > How many tables will there be and how much free-space? > Has your balloon decorator been to your venue before? > Can you see photographs of the decorator’s work? > Will the decorator meet you at the venue to discuss décor options? > Can the decorator provide other items beside balloons? > Will the decorator be on site to direct the décor installation? > Is there a delivery +/or set-up charge for decorating the event? Important areas to decorate Regardless of the size of your party, there are several important areas to consider for decoration — some of these may not apply to your party but, all should be considered :- > Outside the venue - (driveway, trellis, gazebo, car) > Entrance area to the venue - (doorway, foyer) > Direction of guests to the main party room - (hallway, corridor, stairway) > Main party room entrance - (doorway, reception area) Once your guests are in the main party room, what particular areas of the room deserve highlighting on this special occasion ? Some events have a formal seating arrangement and buffet areas, others have a more relaxed arrangement. Certain areas are usually relevant regardless of the party set-up :- > Direction of guests to the host & hostess table > Main table decoration & / or backdrop > Guest tables / favors > Buffet table > Cake table > Dance-floor > Stage area > Bar / drinks area > Wall decoration around the function room > Special effects such as a balloon drop or an exploding balloon > Photo backdrop Other decorations & party items not restricted to a particular area are:- > banners > bunting > confetti > balloons > streamers > poppers > blowouts Do’s and Don’ts for your party As you organize your party, you will be making a conscious decision as to whether it is to be a glitzy “no holds barred” event , an eye-catching yet classy affair or, a subtly decorated, yet memorable occasion. Regardless of the event, there are areas that can reasonably be tackled yourself and others best left to the professionals. With this in mind :- > Do get professional advice before you start - you don’t need to take it but it is better to have a knowledgeable viewpoint. > Do try to arrange for your florist & balloon decorator to match colour schemes > For a classy look, keep the colours to one or two - use foil balloons, see-through and double bubble balloons. > To create a stylish, subtle effect, use pearlised latex balloons & double bubble balloons. > Do get a professional to do the décor - it is not only probably more cost effective, it saves you time & guarantees the result. > For the no holds barred party - anything goes and your local professional will have lots of ideas & balloons to make your party a memorable event. > Do be prepared for well meaning relatives & friends to offer to do your décor. The result is rarely what you expected & often a disappointment. > Get professional help & advice. > Don’t assume the balloon colours have to match the bridesmaids dresses. Coordinating with the room colours is often a better option. > Don’t assume you can only have table décor in two and three balloon arrangements - there are dozens of other options. > Don’t assume that balloons are all you can have - we have coordinated table ware, bunting, banners and fabric as well as themed party bags & piñatas. > Do ask for free advice on ideas & what we can do for your occasion

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