How To Throw An Event, Party Positivity Style

Your life is filled with limitless celebration-worthy events, so don’t let the logistics of event planning how-to’s get in your way. 

We’re on a mission to revolutionize the party scene of womanhood, making sure women from all walks and stages of life feel empowered to celebrate their lives, successes, and milestones as they see fit. 

Struggling to plan the perfect party? Whip out your event planning checklist and get ready to take notes. Today we’re sharing a quick crash course to event planning….Party Positivity style! 

Alternative Celebrations for Alternative Women

We don’t think the celebratory champagne should be reserved for only weddings, birthdays, and graduation parties. Not that these things aren’t worthy causes for celebration, but there are so many alternative, non-traditional, milestone events that call for a major celebration, too. Party Positivity is here to revolutionize the party scene of womanhood.

Here are just a few examples of part positive celebrations that challenge the status quo: 

• Weekend retreat to celebrate your best friend ending a toxic relationship
• Dinner party to celebrate your inaugural Pap smear
• Brunch to celebrate the beginning of a spiritual journey
• Park pawty to celebrate the adoption of a fur baby
• Documentary screening night to celebrate “International Women’s Day”

Need more ideas? Here are 10 more non-traditional celebrations.

Different Times Call for Different Celebrations 

The world is changing. Collectively, we’re saying goodbye to the oppressive and hello to the progressive! We’re trading outdated (and often patriarchal) traditions for fresh and revolutionary ones. 

Remember: You’re allowed to celebrate your life on your terms, alternative cause-driven cakes and all. Women should be the ones defining which milestone events we can celebrate– not society, and certainly not social media feeds. 

The Party Positivity Event Planning Guide (a crash course!)

Planning any great party requires planning, planning, and more planning. Use this “How-To” cheat sheet to ensure nothing slips through the cracks!

First Thing’s First 

Decide what you want to celebrate! Here are questions to ponder on for a party positive celebration:

• What values do you want to celebrate (for example: health, sobriety, family, community, friendship, career, independence, spirituality, adventure, voting, abortion rights)? Download our “Values Inventory + Party Positive Planning Worksheet” to help you brainstorm!
• Will this celebration spotlight an unconventional milestone? Or perhaps, it will be a traditional celebration with a twist of feminism or your own personal flair?
• Will this celebration include an advocacy or educational spin?
• Will this celebration be in honor of a national or global observance? Download our calendar of social justice and pro-women’s rights causes for inspiration!
• What patriarchal practices will your celebration overthrow?
• What does an authentic celebration look like for YOU?
• Placing societal expectations aside, how would you celebrate YOU?

Also, think about the vibe. Is it formal or casual? Is it a surprise? How big or small do you want to go? How will you celebrate diversity? (Event planning without inclusivity just isn’t Party Positivity’s style!). No matter what type of event you’re planning, it’s important to have a general vision for the celebration. 

Start With the Basics 

There are a few foundational things to keep in mind for any event, starting with the what, who, when, and where.

Will your guest list be intimate or will it be a large bash? (Remember that the size of the party will set the mood and tone!).

What type of food/appetizers, dessert, and drinks will be served? Consider incorporating your party positive theme into the names of your dishes or cocktails (e.g., banana splits for a divorce party or serving “spirit cocktails” in honor of a new spiritual journey). Ensure the cuisine fits the various palettes and dietary needs of your guests.

Will your celebration be based on a personal date? Or will your celebration date require a particular season, month, or day of observance?

And what venue would be most suitable for the vibe and size of your celebration? Parties are not bound to ballrooms, banquet halls, and bars. Transform your patio, garage, or backyard into a celebratory space. Or choose your fave brunch spot, yoga studio, or park as an alternative venue!

Once you’ve established those basic elements, you’ll also need to come up with a rough budget for the event. Don’t forget to leave room for the crucial event décor and party favors!

2 to 4 Months Out

Finalize the theme and design of the event, and get ready to notify your guests about what’s to come! This is especially important if it is an occassion they have not been invited to before.

Here are important items to include on your event planning checklist.

• Secure your venue and pay any necessary deposits. Double check your venue is supportive of your celebration type/theme as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Consider the inclusivity of your guest list (for example, bachelorette/bachelor party groups that are gender neutral).
• Send out invitations with details signifying this event is a special milestone/educational event/empowering occasion for womxn/new type of get-together that is meaningful to you!
• Create a schedule of games, speechs, or activities for the event. Be sure to plan for people of all abilities to be able to participate. Or even let folks know they can opt out of these activities.
• Finalize the details for a diverse array of food, drinks, and entertainment.
• Source and confirm vendors, rentals, and any necessary event décor and giveaways. Choose businesses that align with your values around authenticity, inclusivity, and diversity.

1 to 3 Weeks Out 

• Collect RSVPs and send out invitation reminders to keep your event top of mind for your guests. 
• Finalize the event schedule.
• Coordinate help for event day set up and production. Enlist your most reliable friends for smaller events and consider hiring a professional for larger-scale ones.
• Confirm event décor has arrived.
• Create backup plans and prepare for any weather, music, or traffic snags. (Plan for the worst so you can be prepared for the best!)

Event Morning

You’re ready to make everything picture-perfect. 

• Do an event walkthrough to ensure everything is in place; test to confirm that all equipment are functional.  
• Check the entrance of the event for accessibility.
• Set your “party positive” intentions for the day! Remind yourself that this event is a true and authentic celebration of YOU.
• Keep a few party planning talking points/tips handy for guests who are catalyzed to throw their own party positive event after attending your celebration; be an inspiration to others!
• Snag an early selfie telling the world of your revolutionary party by using the hashtags #partypositivitymovement #bepartypositive

During the Event

Have fun! After spending months planning, it’s time for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether you’re throwing this event for yourself or someone else, you deserve to kick back, too.

Let’s Get This Party Started!

There you have it! You’ve got this handy, event planning crash course to throw your very own celebration, Party Positivity style. We hope this quick guide paves the way for you to celebrate your life milestones on your terms. 

Check out our freebies for a more in-depth look into event planning how-to’s for Party Positive celebrations.