You can host wonderfully festive costume parties and other events right in your own home. Not only will you save a lot of money by doing this since you won’t have to pay a rental fee, but guests will enjoy the informal atmosphere.

Even big events, such as wedding rehearsal dinners, can be held right in your own home. Here are things to consider when planning for a rehearsal dinner or a costume party.

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

  • Find out how many people, and who, will be at the dinner and begin to create your invitations. You could buy commercial invitations, but personalizing them makes it more meaningful. You can easily create your own by visiting a site such as http://www.invitationbox.com/rehearsal-dinner-invitations.html , where you can add your own text to the templates.
  • Next, prepare your home. After cleaning, you may need to clear some space, depending on the size of your home and the number of guests. If the weather is nice, people may enjoy congregating in your backyard. If this will be the case, you should make sure the yard is tidy and that you have enough lawn chairs. You might also want to put up a large party tent, regardless of the weather forecast, to give people a chance to get out of the sun for a bit, to escape rain showers or even as a warmer outdoor space in cooler weather.
  • If the weather is cold, designate a closet or a bed in a bedroom for guests’ coats. See if you can borrow or buy an inexpensive portable clothing rack somewhere.
  • Finally, choose the menu. Check with the bride and groom to see if they have any food preferences. Since the dinner is in their honor, it is only appropriate that the cuisine suits their tastes.
  • In addition, if budget allows and it is desired, you may wish to have the meal catered. Get recommendations from friends so you are sure the catered food will be delicious.

Costume Party

  • A costume party can happen any time of the year and not just on Halloween. Choose a costume theme. For example, the theme could be historical figures, movie stars or pirates.
  • Next choose your date, time, and make a list of people to invite. Create your own invitations and try to make the artwork match your theme.
  • Make a list of what kinds of party foods you should have and whether or not it will be BYOB. If guests are expected to bring anything, it should be mentioned on the invitation, along with your contact information.
  • If you will have alcohol at the party, assign at least one person to remain sober so that he or she can be the keeper of the keys — as well as drive someone home, if necessary.