Objectives
What are the objectives of this party?
What individual or event is this party honoring?
Is this party intended to be a celebration?
If the party is for a person, how would he/she want to be honored?
Does this person want a party?
The party
What milestones or achievement did the guest of honor reach?
What guests would the person of honor want at his or her party?
What are the traditions or customary rituals that accompany similar parties?
Is there a theme for the party?
What activities will make the party more fun?
What topics of conversation will enhance the party?
Guests
What time of year would your desired guests be most available?
What are the expectations of the guests?
What is the best way to manage the expectations of the guests?
Will this be an adult-only party, or are children included too?
Are guests expected to bring presents?
What is the appropriate dress/attire for this type of party?
Accommodations
What accommodations are needed for the size and style of the party and guest list?
What special accommodations would the guest of honor enjoy?
What time of year would the desired facilities be most available?
Where will out-of- town guests stay?
Food & Drink
What beverages will be served?
Do any of the guests have dietary restrictions that will need to be observed?
What foods are seasonal for a party at this time of year?
What type of foods would the guest of honor want at this party?
Preparations
What things would best be done by a caterer?
What type of food preparations are necessary?
How much advance notice will I provide to the families living out-of-town?
Would others be willing to help with the preparations?
When will you contact guests about the party?
Time
How much time is needed to prepare for this party?
What is the time budget for this party?
Money
What is the financial budget for this party?
Does the guest of honor or the guests have specific expectations regarding the party?
Are the guests expectations realistic?
Would the guests be willing to contribute to the cost of the food?
QuestionsForLiving creating these questions. In the early days, we created our own questions. We still do.
We defer to the questions of thought leaders when they are available, otherwise we create our own.