The 4 Essential Things You Need to Know To Make Your Next Party The Talk of All Your Friends
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It’s doesn’t matter what type of party you are throwing, there a four essential things that can transform any boring get together into a fun filled action packed party that your guests will be talking about for years to come.

Number 1: Take time to Plan

The above items are all part of planning, but there is so much more. Make a list of thing to do and cross them off as you go.
Here is my basic list,

1. Choose a date that doesn’t clash with anything that may keep guests away. (For example, big sporting events.)
2. Make a guest list, in priority order in case you have to trim a few.
3. To theme or not to theme? Themes can be lots of fun, but do your friends like getting dressed up?
4. Music, DJ? Or organise music and sound system. (It's not a good idea to use your own stereo.)
5. Will I provide alcohol? Or will guests bring their own. Remeber to get some tubs and ice.
6. Food, friends to help on the day.
7. Decorations
8. Lighting, (if it’s a hall and the lights are fluro's, alternative lighting is a must).
9. Warn the neighbours (or invite the neighbours)
10. Security, the bigger and meaner looking the better. (Mainly for younger parties)
11. Invitations, what vital info goes on these?
12. Do a quick budget, what is this party going to cost?
13. Register your intent to have a party with the police.

Take a moment to consider all the problems you may have heard about other parties and ask yourself what you’ve done to avoid those problems.

The last thing you want is 300 uninvited guests, a blown up stereo, wrecked house, stolen goods, fights, police visit and complaints from neighbours. That’s not a party, it’s a nightmare.

Number2: find that 'Just Right' Venue

If money is no problem there are unlimited options, just choose the venue you feel fits the theme of your party and hire a planner.
Planners are great, they have super ideas and they take away all the work and problems.

But unfortunately, budget is a factor for most of us!
The cheapest option is usually your back yard (if you have one). Backyard parties really can be fun, with lots of decorations, music,and homestyle food. However weather and noise can be a problem. You can always move the party inside but keep in mind, after a few drinks, people are harder to control and things often get broken.

These days it is really necessary to hire at least two or more security people. It’s not the guests you’ve invited that will cause trouble, it’s the people that could turn up uninvited. Even if you don't get any gate-crashers, security guards can be very helpful in discouraging your guests to drive home when they have had too much to drink. The security people should be big and intimidating as this will help stop trouble before it starts. Use a reputable security company.

Consider a hall, you can get them at good prices and all the trouble and mess stays out of your home. If you do go for a hall spend plenty of time decorating as halls can be really boring, put the work in and you’ll be surprised how good a hall can be. Still get security. Hotels have venues for hire too, sometimes you can do a deal if the drinks are supplied by the venue, they might supply security too (good move).

Number 3: Fabulous Food

No party is complete without great food. If people are drinking alcohol food is essential.

Take into account the time of your party. If it falls at meal times you may need to make the food supply substantial. Even if it is only finger food it can still be substantial and delicious!

Caterers can be quite expensive, if you decide to use a caterer get ALL the information in writing and phone around, prices can vary a lot and you want to know exactly what you are getting. Remember its your party, if the food (or anything else) isn’t up to a good standard, its you that will be embarrassed.

If you decide to do the food yourself, get friends involved to help in preparation. Many caterers actually buy pre-made items such as spring rolls, cocktail meatballs, mini quiches, canapes etc. Check around with suppliers, you are often able to buy the same food the caterers buy, and then its just case of re-heating.

Good friends will be happy to lend a hand and often it’s lots of fun. The party can really start at the prep stage, but if you have a food fight, make sure you throw the cheap stuff.

Whatever you decide to do make sure people know how much food will be there by putting a note on the invitation, then they can decide whether to eat before on not.

Number 4: Music Makes the Party

At any party, if the music is good and people are dancing, then they are having a good time.

If it’s a theme party then the music should reflect the theme. You may say “well that’s obvious” but some people take that too far. If it’s an 80s theme you may get away with 80s music all night but with a 40s theme 40s music all night will drive most people nuts. Keep some perspective; try to guess what sort of music the majority of your partygoers would like, remember it’s a party keep the music fun.

Don’t under estimate the difference a good DJ can make, conversely a bad DJ can have a major impact too. When hiring a DJ interview him first to get a feel for his professionalism, if he has references that’s even better.

If you’re doing the music yourself, choose the music before and load it to your mp3 player or make cds. Decide before hand when you think the party should wind up and make the music mix the right length to end then. If things are really kickin’ and you want to go longer play some of the music again, by the end of the night you can usually play anything and people will dance.

One thing to beware of… using your home hi-fi for parties is asking for trouble. Home stereos are not designed to be run flat out and that is eventually what they are asked to do, the result is usually blown speakers or amplifier. Also remember that turning the bass up uses more power, leave the bass alone.

If you know someone with some pro gear, (even a guitar amp will do) pull some favours to get it. If you have no other option but to use your stereo, do two things: 1) put the speakers up high, above heads is good; 2) hide the amp really well, better still lock it up so people with a couple of drinks under the belt can’t turn it up.

DJ Ray Clark is one of Perth, Western Australia's premier entertainers and audio production professionals. He has over twenty years working as a party DJ, a radio announcer, and audio production specialist. Visit his site at www.rayclarkmusic.com.