How to Throw a Terrible Party! - The 5 Most Common Mistakes That Party Planners Make

Don't ruin your party with a mistake that could so easily have been avoided! Read on to find out the 5 most common mistakes party planners regularly make and how to avoid them!

1. Unremarkable entertainment
The last thing you want at your party is a dull atmosphere where guests are bored! This can easily happen if you choose the wrong type of entertainment for your party. By choosing something a little different to the norm you can keep your guests amused and having fun, regardless of their age! If budget is a concern, simple suggestions such as a DJ and background music from an Ipod can work perfectly as long as they are tunes that will get everyone up dancing and not Dad's soft rock favourites! Alternatively, a giant Jenga will ensure fun for all ages. If your budget can extend further, consider going all out with human canapé tables, a carousel, living statues, ice sculptures, a contortionist, a comedian, ice cream van/bike, firework show, stilt walkers, a baroque orchestra, or even circus performers...to name but a few!

2. Is there any more champagne?
It's crucial that you have enough food and beverages to satisfy your guests. The last thing you want is to run out of booze or nibbles half way through the night! If you are using a caterer or a party planner, they should be able to advise you on how much you will need, based on the number of guests you are expecting. If you're planning this event yourself, remember it's always best to over estimate rather than get caught out on the night, even if it means leftover party food for lunch and dinner the next day! And make sure you buy sale or return booze to ensure the drinks keep flowing!

3. Where are we?
Choosing a venue for your party will usually be hugely dependent on one thing, budget. But this doesn't mean you have to settle for something that is not right for your party! Consider the number of guests you are inviting, and the type of party you are throwing...can you host it in your home by re-arranging some of your furniture? If your home is not big enough - or you can't cope with the mess - think about venues in your local area. Perhaps there is a local art gallery, or unusual location that could add a bit of excitement to your party? Think out of the box for this one!

4. Cringe-worthy decor
Decorating your venue is usually something that is considered less important than the other factors e.g. catering, venue, entertainment (unless you are throwing a themed party, in which case decor should be at the forefront of your party plans!). However it is one of these elements that can really add to the atmosphere of your party, and a small budget doesn't have to equal tacky decorations! Be clever with your budget and use it for elements that will have the most impact on your guests, for example, maybe all you need is some creative lighting to enhance the venue. Or if you are having dinner, consider some coloured table linen and candlelight table centres that will transform your guests' dining experience!

5. Fantastic night, but where are the memories?
People are often so busy planning the party that they forget about how to capture the essence of the night for long-lasting memories. Hire a good photographer and/or videographer, or appoint a friend as the dedicated 'snapper' of the night. When it's all over you'll want to remember the fun of the night and there's no better way of doing this than through photos and videos!