Birthday-Party Timeline

Plan your next birthday party with this one-month party-planning guide. The organized timeline will help you stay on track.

One Month Before

Choose a Theme
Birthday-party themes aren’t just for kids. A theme helps you arrange everything from food to decor. Pick a theme based on the hobbies, interests and age of your birthday guest of honor.

  • Throw a sports party for a sports fanatic. Decorate with licensed team gear.
  • A pop-culture addict will love a karaoke party. Have guests dress up as rock stars and pop divas.
  • Set a high-tea table for a tea-party birthday. Use the invitation to remind guests to dress appropriately.
  • Plan several games for a tournament-style competition party.

Decide on the Guests
Are you throwing an intimate gathering or a big birthday bash? Determine how many people you’re hosting before you plan the rest of the party.

  • Ask around casually and do some investigating to decide on your guest list.
  • Host a smaller party of fewer than 10 people if you’re working with a limited budget.
  • Think about location. How many people can you comfortably host in your house? Can you use a park or other public location instead?
Three Weeks Before

Send Paper Invitations
Email is quick and easy, but real paper invitations leave a lasting impression. Give guests at least two weeks to save the date and find babysitters if necessary.

  • Include a start and end time.
  • If gifts aren’t necessary, let your guests know on the invitations. Try asking for charitable donations such as canned goods in lieu of gifts.
  • Send personalized invitations for a more formal party.
Two Weeks Before

Plan and Shop for Decorations
Whether you’re throwing an elaborate party or a casual lunch, you’ll need decorations. Write down a list, and shop at least two weeks before the party.

  • Put together bundles of multicolored balloons for a fun and easy throwback to childhood parties.
  • Print silly photos to playfully embarrass your guest of honor. Draw on party hats or create a “pin-the-tail-on” game.
  • Candles, flowers and streamers help create the mood.

Purchase Party Favors
Don’t forget party favors if guests are bringing food or gifts. Try one of these simple favor ideas:

  • Let guests bring home small candles you used for decorating.
  • Create small bags of colorful candy wrapped in tulle and sealed with a ribbon.
  • Play music during the party, then give out gift cards for music downloads.
One Week Before

Shop for Food
Plan your menu ahead of time. Use a detailed list. It’ll help you make sure you don’t forget anything you need while you’re at the store.

  • Consider purchasing pre-made party platters from the Deli, so you can focus on games and decorations.
  • Instead of serving a big meal, create several appetizers and finger-food dishes.
  • Host an ice-cream social. Purchase a few basic flavors, and then set up toppings in candy bowls.

Assign Helpers
Don’t try to throw a party on your own. One or two helpers can help keep things running smoothly before and after the party.

  • If the party is a surprise, have someone help you distract your guest of honor beforehand.
  • Throw a decorating pre-party. Include food and drinks as a thank-you.
  • Make sure someone is prepared to write down gifts. Have nice stationary on hand, so the birthday guest can keep the list as a keepsake.
  • Invite a good friend to help you clean afterward, so the honoree doesn’t have to.
  • If your party includes games, have one or two people organize and “referee” the party games.
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