Are you planning a party? Whether you’re planning a birthday party, an anniversary celebration, a party to congratulate someone on a promotion, or celebrating something else, it’s essential to be prepared for everything you may encounter on the big day. 

Most party planning checklists include essentials like a guest list, chairs, and tables. However, if you want to take your celebration from basic to unforgettable, you must have more than just the essentials.

If you were wondering what awesome items you can buy to take your party to the next level,   then you’re in the right place. Here are some great items you should get when you start planning a party.

Entertainment Rentals

Most parties need something to spice things up, and that’s where entertainment rentals come into the picture. This can include everything from a karaoke machine and party games, to even something as unique as a bounce house. While many of these items are generally considered staples for children’s parties, this doesn’t mean that adults can’t have fun with them as well!

That said, it is essential to keep in mind that your entertainment rentals should fit the type of party you’re hosting, as well as the space in which you’re hosting it. For example, a bounce house is probably out of the running if you’re hosting a formal dinner party at a high-end restaurant. In fact, depending on the type of party, you may not need to hire entertainment rentals at all – ultimately, it’s all about keeping things appropriate for the occasion.

Unique Serving Equipment

Parties mean food – and food means having something to serve it in! If you want your party to stand out, you should have unique serving equipment, such as individual plastic dessert cups, personalized glasses, and so on. Not only does individual kitchenware ensure party guests don’t have to worry about cross-contamination, but it can also serve as fun conversation starters if necessary. 

Additionally, personalized glassware can make for fun souvenirs and a way for people to remember the celebration. They can use it at the party and take it home with them, using it for years to come – and remembering your celebration every time they do!

Signage 

Having signs at your party can serve a variety of purposes. 

If your party is located in an out-of-the-way area, signs can help guests locate your party easily. Additionally, signage can communicate a lot of information, from the party’s purpose to where all the important areas are. For example, signs can help guests know where the restrooms are, where they can grab food and drink, and any other such information. 

Depending on the type of party you’re throwing, you can also include social media handles and other similar information on signs. For example, suppose there is a particular hashtag you want guests to use when posting about your parties or social media profiles you want them to tag (as is especially common during wedding celebrations). In that case, you can communicate this information on the welcome signage instead of approaching each guest individually to let them know. 

If there are guests you do not know personally (such as plus ones of people you have invited), signs can let them know what the party is about, preventing embarrassing missteps during a conversation. 

Signage can also act as fun backdrops against which you can take photos for social media. Smaller signs can also serve as fun props for staged photos that guests can use. 

The best part about party signage is that they are easily customizable. You can find signs in thousands of themed designs online, and if you cannot find something that matches your party, you can get some customized easily and for a relatively affordable cost.

Party Favors

Depending on the type of party you’re throwing, you should also have party favors that guests can take back home with them. For kids’ parties, this generally means some sweets or a small toy they can use. 

However, for adult parties, you can get a little more creative. If there will be alcohol at the party, you can include a small hangover remedy. If you’re hosting a wedding or reunion over the weekend, you can add items that your guests could use during the weekend, such as small snacks, mini photo props, and so on.

If you want your party favors to be something guests can take back home, they can be customized items like tumblers, candles, or even face masks!

Ultimately, the secret to throwing an unforgettable party is being prepared for anything that might come your way and being ready to ensure every guest has a fun time. Though party planning may take time, once the big day is here and gone, you’ll find it was all worth it thanks to the many praises you hear about your celebration!