We all can agree that planning an event sounds like fun… until it isn’t. You’re picking out color themes the moment you start planning, and the next moment, you’re panicking over guest counts, rentals, and why there are no napkins.
We get it. Whether you’re throwing a backyard birthday bash or hosting a full-blown wedding reception, things can go sideways fast. So before you get too deep into the party-planning rabbit hole, let’s talk about some common mistakes to avoid when planning an event and how to fix them without breaking a sweat (or your budget).
1. Waiting Too Long to Book Rentals
One of the common mistakes to avoid when planning an event is waiting too long to book rentals. We’ve seen it happen more times than we can count: the event date is set, the theme is picked… but the rentals? Completely forgotten until two days before.
As soon as you have your event date, start researching and locking in your rentals. Popular items like tents, tables, and jumpers get booked quickly—especially during peak seasons in Riverside and surrounding areas.
Pro tip: Mary’s Party Rentals makes it super easy to browse, reserve, and customize your rentals in advance. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have—and the less stress you’ll feel when the big day rolls around.
2. Underestimating Guest Count
Nothing throws off a party faster than realizing you’re short ten chairs and two dozen plates because you forgot to include your cousin’s +1s (and their kids).
It is important that you always overestimate to avoid this common mistake when planning an event. It’s better to have a few extra seats and supplies than to leave guests standing or eating cake on their laps.
Mary’s Party Rentals offers flexible packages for tables, chairs, linens, and more—perfect for those “oops, we invited more people than we thought” moments.
3. Skipping the Weather Backup Plan
If your event is outdoors, Mother Nature will be a guest. And she doesn’t always RSVP nicely. This is why you should always have a plan B. Rent a tent or canopy even if sunshine is in the forecast. You’ll be glad you did when surprise wind or heat rolls in.
We have a range of sturdy tents and umbrellas that look great and keep your event covered—literally.
4. Trying to DIY Everything
We love a good Pinterest board, but trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for stress (and burnt-out glue guns). You should focus on what matters most to you and let the pros handle the rest. Renting decor, furniture, and entertainment equipment can save you hours of prep time.
From dance floors to linens and snow cone machines, we have all the party pieces you need—without you needing to lift a finger.
5. Forgetting About the Flow
It’s not just what you set up—it’s how you set it up. Bad layout can cause traffic jams (yes, even at birthday parties) and kill the vibe. You should think like a guest to avoid this planning mistake. Leave space for mingling, dancing, food lines, and quiet corners. Not sure where to start?
Our team at Mary’s Party Rentals is happy to help with layout ideas and rental recommendations to keep your event flowing smoothly.
Avoid the Panic—Plan Like a Pro
Event planning doesn’t have to be a chaotic checklist of last-minute scrambles and what-if scenarios. Once you know the common mistakes to avoid when planning an event, you can sidestep the stress and enjoy the process.
And hey—when in doubt, call Mary’s. We’re proud to be Riverside’s go-to for all things party. From weddings and birthdays to school events and backyard BBQs, we’ve got everything you need to pull off a celebration worth remembering.
Explore our rentals at mpartyrental.com and let’s make your next event fun, fabulous, and flawless.