3 to 4 Weeks Before

2 to 3 Weeks before

1 Week Before

• Create a guest list
• Create a party budget 
• Pick theme or decor
• Order party supplies
• Decide menu & drinks
• Create menu & grocery list
• Create party supply shopping list
• Decide activities & games
• Send party invitations
• Book entertainment
• Buy disposable birthday party cameras

• Order party favors

• Buy birthday games & game items

• Order Balloons

• Enlist party helpers

• Gather owned party supplies (banners, utensils, platters)

• List other supplies needed

• Order rental equipment

• Buy film & video tape

• Buy piñata, candy & fillers

• Place RSVP guest list & pen by the phone

• Do any heavy cleaning
• Order cake
• Order Flowers
• Buy non-perishable food & beverages
• Buy birthday candles
• Procure matches
• Bake & freeze unfrosted cake if making your own 
• Buy freezable foods
• Schedule activities
• Call non RSVP guests

Two Days Before

Day Before

Party Day

• Check camera batteries
• Buy extra batteries
• Clean party area
• Make necessary space in the refrigerator 
• Buy extra garbage bags, foil & plastic wrap
• Arrange party favors
• Confirm entertainment
• Select music
• Fill piñata  
• Defrost frozen foods

• Clean bathrooms
• Wash outdoor surfaces
• Charge video recorder
• Decorate party room
• Childproof party area
• Gather games or activities
• Set out party favors
• Buy undelivered floral arrangements 
• Prepare food that refrigerates well overnight 
• Arrange food delivery
• Eat out or order in
• Defrost cake before bed

• Pick up ordered cake, ice, balloons
• Frost & decorate homemade cake
• Decorate indoor and outdoor party areas
• Set up party games
• Gather serving pieces
• Have camera ready or
• Set out disposable birthday party cameras
• Prepare perishable food
• Check bathroom for needed supplies (toilet paper, hand towels, soap)
• Secure pets as needed
• Smile and have fun!