2. Know your budget. When you know your budget, you can decide straight away where you will most likely hold your party, what type of food you will serve and how many people you are inviting.

3. Come up with a guest list. You don’t always have to invite the whole barangay! If it is a simple birthday party, you may want to keep it intimate, inviting only your immediate family members and your closest friends. If it is a big event and the seats are counted, try to limit your guests to those people whom you would truly want to see and celebrate with. 

4. Decide on the time and place. Remember, your chosen date should not depend on other people’s schedules. If you try to take into consideration everybody else’s availability, you will never be able to celebrate. By simply informing your guests early enough about your chosen date, chances are they will be able to work on their schedules. 

5. Check out all possibilities. Don’t be afraid to inquire.      On venues: Call hotels, restaurants or food chains of your choice and ask for their party packages. Tell them your budget and ask for the best deals.   Most of these establishments offer freebies, like birthday cake, mascot or decors. Don’t hesitate to ask!  You will never know what you may get unless you ask for what you want. If you decide to do it at home, call caterers or food establishments of your choice and ask for their catering packages.  You may inquire from family or friends if they have referrals. More often than not, they will only refer someone they have tried and tested. The good thing about hiring caterers is that often, their packages include tables and chairs and a set-up. They are also the ones who will take care of dishes once the party is over.
    On food: Once you have chosen the menu, ask for food sampling so you have an idea what will be served. Should you decide to go solo: If you’re relying on your own place and your own cook, you can still scout for good deals on the invitations, paper plates, loot bags, tables and chairs, etc. There are part shops that offer almost everything that you will need. Don’t forget about your budget, though. Call at least 3 different party shops and take the best offer.

6. Theme parties can be fun. But unless it is a small party composed of really close friends or family members who consented, try not to impose on your guest to come in a costume. Unless, of course, you are willing to pay for their costume rental or expenses.

7. Enlist help of family members—it can be a sister who cooks, a cousin who bakes, an artsy relative who can make the invitations.  There will always be someone in the family who is more than willing to help.

8. Document the event, whatever way possible. Photographs and videos preserve the memories. It is always nice to look back at great moments with special people. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the affair!