Parties are a staple not only for your college years, but for the rest of your life. There are parties for nearly every occasion, and I'm here to help you ensure that you have the best one yet!
1. Spread the word wisely.
Key word: Wisely. If you want to throw a huge party, go for it! It is recommended that your guests are notified of the party at least a week or two in advance. Posts on twitter and Instagram are the best way to tell people that you’re throwing a party, and it’s a lot easier than texting them individually. But make sure your information is passed out to the right people. If there are some people you would not feel comfortable with showing up to your house or place of event, maybe posting on social media isn’t for the best. If you still want to post, however, make your accounts private! That way the only ones who will see the invite are your friends and followers, who are likely the people you trust.
2. Make sure you include all the important information on the invitations!
Make sure you proofread what you are writing before sending it. Every invitation should include the name of the event or description, the date, time, address, and any rules you may have (no smoking, costumes only, etc.). This will eliminate the confusion among invitees and will prevent you from getting asked with the constant “where is it?” and “what time should I get there?” messages.
3. One word: FOOD.
Ask anybody what one of the most important parts of a party is and they will likely say it’s FOOD. This can make or break a party. Remember all the Sweet 16s you went to in high school? You probably remember the better of the parties being the ones with the good food (good music is a bonus). However, when it comes to college parties, food may not necessarily be as important as it is in parties with a formal setting – especially if you expect a lot of people, buying food can get expensive. Switching out cocktail foods for simpler snacks such as chips, pretzels, and soda is more affordable and suitable for a laid-back party.
The next level: If your party is slightly more sophisticated than just a hangout, look into tailgate-friendly foods such as buffalo wings, fun veggie trays, pigs in a blanket, or pizza!
4. Have decorations that will make your party fun and festive.
If your party has a theme, decorations are a MUST! Not only do they create the perfect background for Instagram pics, but they can also get your guests into the mood of the festivities. Head over to your local Party City to get some cute decor inspo beforehand. Stores such as Target, Walmart, and even your local dollar store will have decorations for the occasion.
5. Keep your guests entertained with music and games
Honestly – what would a party be without music? This is the most important part of the entertainment aspect of your party. Take the time to make a playlist that you know your guests will enjoy. Taking suggestions from friends, music charts, and other parties are the best way on keeping up with what songs are popular at the moment. Be careful that you choose songs from popular artists that most people like! Mixing it up with different genres are also a great way of satisfying your crowd. Artists such as Drake, Yeezy, Ariana Grande, and Rihanna are sure to get the party started. Know your guests and choose the genres and songs wisely!
Games and activities are vital in keeping the party alive and your guests having fun. If most of your guests don’t know each other, icebreakers such as human bingo and “two truths and a lie” are fun ways to have them introduce themselves. Beer pong is considered essential among many college-aged partygoers, so make sure you have a table and red solo cups on hand.
6. Have a good time.
Many people who host a party tend to forget this last important tip. HAVE FUN! After all, it is your party. Though you will most likely spend your time running around to make sure nothing breaks or falls (including your guests), stop for a moment and remember that you deserve to have fun as much as everyone else at your party does. Spend time with your friends, play the games you oh-so thoughtfully planned out, and dance to your carefully curated playlist! Taking pictures is also a MUST. Not only will your friends leave with great memories and Instagram-worthy pictures, but you will too!
