31 guides
Planning
Planning
Digital vs Paper Invitations: Which Is Right for Your Event?
Compare digital and paper invitations on cost, reach, tracking, timing and tone, and learn when to use each or send both for different guests.
6 min read
Planning
Event Cleanup Plan: Teardown, Trash and Rental Returns Made Easy
Plan event cleanup before the party starts: assign teardown jobs, set up trash and recycling, stage rental returns and finish the venue walkthrough.
5 min read
Planning
Event Day-of Emergency Kit Checklist: What to Pack and Why
Pack a day-of emergency kit for any event with first aid, stain care, tools, tape, chargers, snacks and weather gear, plus a list of key phone numbers.
5 min read
Planning
Guest Welcome Bags and Hotel Logistics for Out-of-Town Guests
Plan guest welcome bags and hotel logistics for out-of-town guests, from room blocks and shuttles to bag contents, delivery and a welcome note.
5 min read
Planning
Event Photography Shot List: 25 Moments to Capture at Any Event
An event photography shot list for parties, weddings and corporate events, with must-have group photos, detail shots, candids and a photographer briefing.
5 min read
Planning
Event Planning Mistakes to Avoid: 12 Costly Errors and Fixes
Avoid the most common event planning mistakes, from vague budgets and late headcounts to weak weather plans, with a simple fix for each one.
5 min read
Planning
Event Planning Timeline by Event Type: When to Do What
See how far ahead to plan a birthday, shower, wedding, graduation, corporate event or gala, with month-by-month and week-by-week milestones for each.
6 min read
Planning
Event Run of Show: How to Write One That Actually Works
How to write an event run of show, with a step-by-step method, a sample schedule, who gets a copy, and tips for cues, buffers and last-minute changes.
5 min read
Planning
Event Signage Wording Guide: What to Say and Where
Event signage wording guide with sample text for welcome, directions, seating, bar, restroom and gift signs, plus sizing and placement tips for any event.
5 min read
Planning
How to Choose an Event Date That Works for Most Guests
Pick an event date by checking holidays, school calendars, weather, vendor availability and local Chicago events, then confirm with key guests before booking.
5 min read
Planning
How to Delegate Event Tasks to Family and Volunteers
Learn how to delegate event tasks so the host can enjoy the day: match jobs to people, write clear instructions, set deadlines and thank your helpers.
6 min read
Planning
How to Make a Guest List for Any Event Without Hurt Feelings
Build a guest list in tiers, set a firm cap from your budget and venue, handle plus-ones and kids, and cut names fairly without starting family drama.
6 min read
Planning
How to Pick an Event Theme That Fits Your Budget and Guests
Choose an event theme without overspending: start from the guest of honor, set a color palette, pick three signature touches and carry them through rentals.
5 min read
Planning
How to Plan a Progressive or Multi-Location Party Route
Plan a progressive or multi-location party with a route, timing, transport, food plan and host roles, so guests move easily from stop to stop.
5 min read
Planning
How to Plan an Event in 4 Weeks: A Week-by-Week Rush Plan
Short on time? This week-by-week plan shows how to plan a party or event in four weeks, what to book first and what to simplify so it still feels special.
5 min read
Planning
How to Plan an Event Step by Step, From Idea to Day Of
A plain step-by-step guide to planning any event, from setting the goal and budget to booking vendors, confirming details and running the day itself.
6 min read
Planning
How to Track RSVPs Without Chasing Every Guest by Text
A simple system for collecting, tracking and following up on RSVPs, with reply deadlines, a spreadsheet layout and polite reminder wording for any event.
6 min read
Planning
Inclusive Event Planning Checklist for Guests of All Needs
Plan an event every guest can enjoy with this inclusive checklist covering access, seating, food, sensory comfort, language, kids, elders and clear invitations.
6 min read
Planning
Multi-Day Event Planning: Schedules, Budgets and Guests
Plan a multi-day event with a master schedule, per-day budget, guest logistics, vendor timing and rest breaks, from reunions to festivals and weddings.
5 min read
Planning
Planning an Event for Older Guests: Comfort and Access
Plan an event for older guests with comfortable seating, easy access, good lighting, quieter sound, shorter timelines and simple food that everyone can enjoy.
5 min read
Planning
Seating for South Asian Weddings: Mandaps, Stages and Large Guest Lists
Large guest counts, multiple events and ceremonial seating create different needs. A planning guide for couples and families.
1 min read
Planning
Wedding Chair Rental Cost: What to Budget
What goes into the price of renting wedding chairs, and how to plan a realistic budget.
1 min read
Planning
Sweetheart Table Chair Ideas That Photograph Beautifully
The couple's seats are the most-photographed chairs of the night. Here are the options worth considering.
1 min read
Planning
Winter Wedding Seating: Velvet, Jewel Tones and Warmth
Cold-weather weddings call for richer textures. Here is how to make seating feel warm and luxurious.
1 min read
Planning
Barn Wedding Seating Ideas for the Fox Valley
Barns and farms have their own seating demands, from uneven floors to long tables. Here is what works.
1 min read
Planning
The Best Chairs for a Boho Wedding
Rattan, cane and wishbone chairs bring the texture a boho wedding needs. Here is how to choose and combine them.
1 min read
Planning
Ghost Chairs at Weddings: How to Style Them Well
Clear acrylic chairs can look dated or breathtaking. Here is how to make them work, and when to choose something else.
1 min read
Planning
Should Your Ceremony and Reception Chairs Match?
Matching chairs look cohesive, but mixing them can make each part of the day feel different. Here's how to decide.
1 min read
Planning
How Many Chairs Do I Need for My Wedding? A Simple Guide
Ceremony, reception, cocktail hour and the head table. Here's how to count chairs so no guest is left standing.
1 min read
Planning
Cross-Back vs. Chiavari Chairs: Which Is Right for Your Wedding?
A side-by-side look at the two most-requested wedding chairs, covering look, comfort, venue fit and what each says about your style.
1 min read
Planning
12 Chiavari Chair Alternatives for a Wedding That Feels Like Yours
Tired of seeing the same gold chair at every reception? Here are 12 wedding chair styles worth considering, and the kind of wedding each one suits best.
2 min read
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