Vendors

Planner

If you think the work might be overwhelming, or you have a busy

schedule, consider hiring a planner to help make the day run smoothly.

As with all vendors, you should shop around and ask friends for recommendations.

Prices can vary wildly, and a high price isn’t necessarily a good indicator of a high quality vendor.

Catering

Choosing a caterer is one of the most fun parts of planning! Follow

these sure-fire tips for finding the right caterer for you: 

• Decide on what type of theme you’d like for the party, and choose a food that compliments it.
• Test out caterers known for that particular type of food.
• If possible, make sure the catering includes servers and bartenders who can make excellent cocktails.

Rentals

In all likelihood, you won’t have enough table room and seating in your home to host fifty guests.

Contact a local party rental company to inquire about tables, dishes, chairs, tablecloths and napkins.

You can also rent fun extras like a dance floor, a nice bar, heating lamps and comfy outdoor seating like couches and chairs.

Other Vendors to Consider

Florist: Flowers add a lot of character and décor to an upscale event. You might be surprised at how reasonable many florists can be.

Band or DJ: There is nothing better than a live band for getting guests up on their feet and dancing.

Lighting: Uplighting (lights that are on the ground, shining up

at a tree or wall) and Pinspotting (lights that are up high, shining

down to highlight a table, floral design, etc) have a great impact on

the ambiance and overall appearance of a party. Consider contacting

your local theatre or university theatre program for a cost-effective

solution.