How to Become a Party Planner

Party planning requires a dedicated, hard working individual who can pay close attention to every little detail that makes a great party experience. If you're interested in starting a new career, this page will show you how to become a party planner.

Introduction

If you're someone who is firmly entrenched in your local social scene—always throwing dinner parties, organizing nights out on the town, an expert on entertaining—party planning may be a fun and rewarding career to consider. As a party planner, you'll put your expertise to good use by planning and organizing parties and social events down to the tiniest detail. You'll be making sure everyone has the time of their lives and the whole thing goes off without a hitch!
Step 1: Narrow the Field
- There are all sorts of events that need planning: everything from corporate dinners to sweet 16 birthday parties. Party planners tend to focus on the social side of things, so you're going to be dealing more with bar mitzvahs and bachelor parties than company conferences.
1. Think of as many types of parties as you may need to cover and research them.
  - People will be expecting a different experience at a wedding anniversary than a high school reunion. Be familiar with customs and traditions for whatever you may be called on to organize.
2. Add a personal touch.
  - Come up with your own unique ideas to create a personal calling card for your events. Work out every detail that you'll need to have planned ahead of time in order for parties to go smoothly.
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Step 2: Get Ahead of the Competition
- How will you stand out from the crowd so that people will hire you?
1. Get certified. If you can boast a degree or some other certification that proves you're a pro, you're more likely to get hired.
  - You can become certified through the International Special Events Society (ISES) or Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
2. Start an official business.
  - Although it will cost a little money to get started, if you plan on making a name for yourself as a party planner, you should make it into a full-blown business. See Mahalo's page on how to start a party planning business.
Conclusion
- While the end result may be all fun and games, party planning is serious business. You'll need to be organized, dedicated, and hard working in order to be successful. But if you have those traits, get planning and start making the world a more fun place!
Step 3: Get Your Name Out There
- After establishing yourself as a professional party planner, it's time to let the world know you're at their service.
1. Create a website.
  - It is essential for you to have an online presence where potential clients can find you, learn about what you do, and contact you.
2. Network, network, network.
  - No one knows they want to hire you if they don't know your service exists. Let the world know about your new business venture and why they should employ you—starting with family, friends, and business contacts.
3. Plan and party!
  - Get out there and plan some parties already, even if it's at a discounted cost; the more people who attend an event that you've done a great job planning, the more people will want you to plan their own shindig!
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