How to pre-plan for an epic Halloween party

October is right around the corner and that means that spooky season is upon us. For many of us, Halloween represents a time where we can throw on an outfit, enjoy time with family and friends and kick off the start of party season but where exactly does one even begin?


Between costumes, decorations and food, it can feel like there just isn’t enough time to plan it all. Luckily for you, we’re here to help! In this blog post we’ll detail some handy tips and tricks to get you started on pre-planning an epic Halloween celebration. We’ve also included a helpful timeline so that you can get everything ready without the stress. Let’s get into it!


A month before the party - Pre-planning

The first thing a host should do when planning a party is give themselves enough time to plan and procure all the necessary items that they need. 

  • Pick your day - while most people opt for hosting their Halloween parties on All Hallows Eve, this might lead to a clash in schedules. It’s always a good idea to consider an alternative day, in case clashes do arise. 
  • Create your guest list - Consider the number of people you would like to host. This will give you a better idea of the space needed and the budget you have to work with. 
  • Select a venue - Will you be hosting your celebration at your home or an outside venue? 
  • Choose a theme - There are so many themes that you can choose from so it’s always best to start thinking while you’re still ahead. 
  • Send save the dates - This is the perfect time to send notifications to your guestlist and have them save the date. This will ensure that all of your closest friends have ample time to pick out an outfit and make necessary arrangements. 

2 - 4 weeks before the party - Planning the nitty-gritty

As the day of your party draws closer, it’s the perfect time to iron out any important aspects and make sure that you have all your prep work done. 

  • Send out your invitations - Since the major details of the event are finalized, the logical next step is to send out invitations. Make sure your invitations are in line with your chosen theme for a more cohesive look and feel. 
  • Gather your decorations - If you’re hosting a big party, you’ll want to put in a little extra effort to make sure that your venue looks very Halloween-y! Think skulls, glowing skeletons, spiders, cobwebs and fake blood. This is your chance to go wild! The list truly is endless so feel free to take your theme as far as it can go. 
  • Decide on games and prizes - Costume contests are a tried and true favorite but you don’t necessarily have to go this route. Consider the number of guests, their ages and interests and then align your games and activities accordingly. You can also gain some inspiration from looking for Halloween games online
  • Plan your costume - You’re the host so you absolutely MUST do the most! Get a head start on your costume and make sure you have all the components ready before the time. 
  • Create a party playlist - Perfection takes time so make sure you have your playlist ready well in advance. Remember, your playlist doesn’t have to consist of music only - don’t forget to consider sound effects too. 
  • Finalize your menu - Halloween food is some of the most creative food you’ll ever come across! Consider what you’d like to serve and create a shopping list so that you can get everything ready for the big day. 

One week out - Final touches

At this time, you’ll want to pay attention to the final details so that everything runs smoothly. 

  • Check in with guests who haven’t RSVPed - this will help you finalise your headcount.
  • Go grocery shopping 2-3 days before the party.
  • Test the audio and run through your playlist to make sure you’re happy.

The day before 

This is your chance to put all of your pre-planning into motion. 

  • Do any last-minute grocery shopping.
  • Decorate your venue.
  • Chop and prep any food items. Cover and refrigerate with dish covers to limit plastic waste.
  • Chill any drink items. 
  • Charge your camera batteries and clear SD cards.
  • Wash any serving pieces you don’t use on a regular basis. 

The day of the party

It’s D-day! This is when all your planning comes together and you get to sit back and enjoy your hard work. 

  • Set up party goods such as cups, plates and napkins
  • Finish food and drink prep - make sure you have enough ice!
  • Make sure bathrooms are stocked with enough toilet paper, soap, etc.
  • Get your costume on and enjoy!

And just in case you want a handy file to save and reference for next year, you can find a print-out here

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