MAKE IT UNIQUE! THEME IT!  Tune into whatever is 'near and dear' to the guest of honor. Is it Cheerleading? Nascar? Piano? Scrapbooking?
Fashion Design? Then go crazy with visual elements. Go large, go colorful, be brave. It doesn't take much money but it takes courage and imagination, and a few good helpers!

DELEGATE, DELEGATE, DELEGATE!  The more you delegate, the more excited (and invested) others will become in the party. The enthusiasm will spread, making the party more fun when it finally occurs.

GOOD FOOD is a must! Whether it's pot luck or catered, make sure the food will be nicely presented and tasty.  Who says food shouldn't be a reward?

FOOD SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT Use tongs for pretzals and candy bowls.  Food preparers and servers need plastic gloves. Food shouldn't be left out at room temperature for more than the minimum time needed to serve it, unless it's kept cold or hot. Keep cold things recessed in ice, hot things held at no less than 165 degrees farenheit and covered, throughout serving time.

IF IT'S OUTDOORS, HAVE A PLAN "B" for the weather! Discuss the "what if's" with the rental person, before you get very far into planning.  You may be  very glad you did!

ALWAYS, ALWAYS GET R.S.V.P.'s Give a deadline of at least two weeks.
Call those that don't repsond. You need to know, so you're adequately
 prepared.

CHOOSE A LOCATION THAT FITS NOT ONLY YOUR BUDGET, BUT YOUR HEADCOUNT AND YOUR 'GOALS'  Talk to the rental person about options for decorations, activities, hours of use, etc. It's not just a "room." If you have any unanswered questions or bad vibes after visiting a facility, keep on looking!  There are literally hundreds to choose from! Talk about what matters to you and what you want to accomplish, and how you want to accomplish it. It's a very, very special day, for you AND for the guest of honor. It has to be a good fit, to become a good party!