The leaves are falling, the pumpkin spice lattes are coming out, and football season is in full swing. For most of us, the first date party of the year is just around the corner. 

If you are single, this is probably one of the most stressful tasks of the year. Finding the perfect dress, the perfect date, and planning the whole night can really be a challenge. However, date parties are definitely worth all the stress that they bring. Here are a few tips I have learned. 

1. Rent The Runway. This is, single handedly, the most helpful thing I have discovered since going Greek. Dress hunting is a very long and tedious process that simply isn't worth the time we put into it. Taking time out of our days to go shopping to find the perfect dress doesn't always work out. Rent The Runway has all the dresses you could imagine in one app and will have you the dress in two different sizes the day before you need it. It's awesome. Try it.

2. Sisters before misters.  This is important, always. Unless you are in a steady relationship, the chances of you and your date actually staying together after date party are slim. So don't ever blow off a sister for your date, especially if she really needs you. It is going to be a crazy night for everyone, but these are the nights where you can get the closest with your girls. Your sisters are with you for life, while your date is only there for the night and maybe the next week. Keep this in mind.

3. The perfect date This is potentially the hardest task, if you don't weigh all of your options, so don't ask someone too early! By the time date party rolls around, you may have decided you don't want to take that person anymore. Don't rush into it, trust me. It will all work out by the time the date party is near. T-shirt orders are not an excuse to irrationally pick a date when you may have so many options.

4. Keep it together. Date parties are fun, but it is important not to get too crazy because all of your sisters are there. But, then again, they are probably all getting crazy with you, so don't be afraid to enjoy yourself. Date party is about enjoying the nights you won't remember -- and probably don't want to -- and with the sisters that you'll never forget.