Everything you need to make your party a success!

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• 4-6 weeks before party
• 3-4 weeks before party
• 2 weeks before party
• 1 week before
• 2-3 days before
• Party's Eve (1 day before)
• Party Day
• Post Party
• 2-3 days post party

4-6 weeks before party

• Select a date and time for your party.
• Choose a theme for your party.
• Choose a location for your party and make reservations. Click here for a complete list of Valparaiso Parks rental facilities and packages.
• Decide how many people you would like to host. Make your guest list.
• Determine your party agenda (for example, 1:00 guests arrive and mingle, 1:30 team relays, 2:00 lunch, etc.)
• Book any entertainment needed.

 

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3-4 weeks before party

• Make a budget and stick to it. Click here for an example party budget.
• Compile guests' addresses and phone numbers.
• Make or buy invitations (if needed).
• Mail invitations or call to invite guests (approximately 2 ½-3 weeks before party).
• Make arrangements for any items you will rent or borrow (tents, tables, chairs, dishes, glasses, etc.). Click here for additional Valparaiso Parks picnic table reservation information.
• Plan specific games and activities.

 

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2 weeks before party

• Purchase party supplies. (Make sure to purchase extra for additional and/or unplanned guests.) Click here for a complete list of Valparaiso Parks "Picnic in a Box" packages.
• Order (or start making) decorations and favors. Click here for a complete list of Valparaiso Parks "Picnic in a Box" packages.
• Plan your menu and make a shopping list.
• Arrange for any music you wish to be playing. Click here for Valparaiso Parks music guidelines.
• Coordinate any additional help you may need for set-up, food preparation, etc.

 

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1 week before

• Gather additional supplies you may need (extra tables and chairs, toys, coolers, serving dishes, etc.).
• Finalize your guest count. (Be sure to follow up with anyone that has not yet given an RSVP.)
• Order any food needed (cake, specialty foods).
• Prepare any foods that are able to be frozen.
• Always be prepared. Gather first-aid supplies and emergency numbers.

 

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2-3 days before

• Charge camera/video camera batteries and check that cameras are working properly.
• Check your local forecast. Click here for Valparaiso's forecast.
• Purchase all groceries that are not highly perishable.
• Prepare payment for any hired help/entertainment/vendors.
• Prepare goody bags.

 

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Party's Eve (1 day before)

• Purchase any highly perishable food.
• Prepare remaining food items.
• Thaw any frozen foods (in refrigerator if necessary).
• If possible, pick up items from outside vendors (cake, balloons, decorations, etc).
• Buy ice to keep beverages and food cold.

 

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Party Day

• Finish any last-minute food preparation.
• Pick up any remaining vendor items.
• Fill coolers with ice and beverages.
• Decorate your party area.
• Set up any games or activity areas.
• Congratulations...it's party time! Smile and enjoy!

 

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Post Party

• Please be considerate and clean up!
• Pack up the car with any leftover supplies.
• Go home and put your feet up…you deserve it!

 

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2-3 days post party

• Make a list of what went well and what could be improved.
• Take film to be developed.
• Prepare and mail any thank you notes. Include pictures if you'd like!
• Gear up for next year!

 

Click here to reserve your shelter!