Decorations Committee Timeline

As Early As Possible

• Decide on a theme.
• Brainstorm for ideas to use the theme in every area of Party.

About Six Months Before ANP

• Discuss Fire Code requirements with your local fire marshal.
• Check with the facility manager for decorating restrictions.
• Meet with other chairpersons to determine needs and desires of their committee to be sure each area will fit into your theme. Determine what decorations will be done by the decorations committee and what decorations other committees will do.
• Make final decisions on the decorations to be used in each area.
• Assemble volunteers to construct decorative items.
• Make a list of items needed, where they can be found, prices, if they can be donated, etc.
• Discuss your committee's budget needs with the Steering committee and the Treasurer.
• Begin placing orders and/or discuss “wish list” needs with donations committee.
• Make and distribute a scale drawing of the party with each activity blocked into the space it will use.

About Three Months Before ANP

• Continue constructing the decorations.
• Check with other chairpersons to reconfirm their plans.
• Check with local florists and other businesses or groups who may be able to loan decorative equipment or items.

About Two Months Before ANP

• Continue to work on decorations, coordinating with other chairpersons.
• Make arrangements for equipment to inflate balloons (if applicable).
• Meet with clean-up committee to set up marking system so they will know what to put in storage, give away, trash, or return to lenders.

About One Month Before ANP

• Reconfirm purchase orders.
• Reconfirm equipment that will be borrowed (florists, etc.) or rented.
• Recruit extra volunteers to put up decorations prior to the day of the party.
• Arrange for the safe transportation of decorations to the party facility.

Two Weeks Before ANP

• Complete any decorations not already finished.

Week of ANP

• Pick up all decorations equipment.
• Reconfirm that all key volunteers will be present to help set up decorate.
• Begin decorating the facility as soon as possible. You might only have the day of the party or you might have up to a week to set up. Keep this in mind as you plan your decorations. Build only what you can safely set up in the time given to you for set up.

The Day Before ANP

• Coordinate the set up and installation of the decorations.
• Protect and secure equipment and electrical lines.
• Test everything to ensure everything works properly.

At All-Night Party

• Arrive early to finish any last minute items.
• The Construction and Decorations Chairpersons should remain at the party to ensure everything stays in place and works properly.
• Have a good time and enjoy ANP!!!!!!

After ANP

• Ensure the clean-up committee is aware of equipment that is to be returned to owner, returned to rental facility, or stored for next year. Next year's chairperson (if they are available, should be involved in the decision of what to keep and what to throw away).
• Designate someone to wrap and store fragile items.

The Week Following ANP

• Submit a report to the Steering Committee
• Ensure all bills have been paid
• Ensure all borrowed and rented items have been returned.
• Send thank you notes to volunteer personnel.

Modified: Friday, September 30, 2005