Halloween Party Planning Checklist

Four weeks out

• Pick a theme: 90s horror, haunted mansion, monster mash, murder mystery.
• Send invites — the Invitation Maker has themed templates ready to go.
• Confirm your guest list. Aim for ~30% more RSVPs than actual capacity; ghosting rate is real.

Two weeks out

• Order costumes, wigs, or fabric so nothing ships late.
• Plan the menu: 1 signature drink, 1 punch, 3 finger foods, 1 showstopper dessert.
• Build the playlist — start weird, ramp up, end with dance floor bangers.

One week out

• Deep-clean the space guests will actually see (bathroom, entry, main room).
• Prep decorations you can put up in advance (garlands, cobwebs).
• Confirm alcohol, ice, mixers.

Day before

• Carve pumpkins.
• Prep make-ahead food.
• Test all lighting — nothing kills a mood like a flickering hallway light that isn't supposed to flicker.

Day of

• Ice the drinks 4 hours before.
• Light candles 30 minutes before.
• Start the playlist at 60% volume — you can only turn it up.

The final trick

Set a "lights on" song for the end of the night. Something upbeat and unmistakable. When it plays, people know it's time to head home. No arguments, no awkward hovering.