Party Planning

WBS

Find/set up decoration

Plan Theme

Decorations

Pick up and arrange food

Place advance order

Browse/negotiate with venors

Plan Menu

Food

Create extensive playlist

Plan Music

Entertainment

Contact guests

Develop potential guest list

Guests

Hold Party

Charter

The party project will be carried out primarily by the project manager, without any planned significant assistance from other personnel. Four primary-level tasks are included in the project: decorations, food, entertainment, and guests. Deliverables for each of these four tasks include the visual elements of the party including wall hangings, plates and utensils, lighting, etc. (decorations); the appetizers and cocktails that will be served throughout the evening of the party (food); the music, including both selections and the necessary equipment, that will be played to accompany mingling, eating, and a portion of the evening devoted to dancing for those that are interested (entertainment); and finally the selection and securing of people to attend the party (guests).

Guests will form the primary participants of the project aside form the project manager, and will be considered customers/deliverables rather than personnel available to assist with tasks. The timeline for all phases, from planning through completion, is two weeks. The event (party) itself will last for only one evening, with guests expected for four hours and total project manager involvement on the day of the event estimate at eight hours. The project will be considered fully completed following final cleanup of the venue.

Contracting Out

Entertainment is one feature of the party that could be contracted out, with a DJ hired to provide an appropriate selection of music throughout the evening. This would change the entertainment task breakdown entirely, requiring the project manager to locate, select, and secure a DJ rather than arranging their own playlist. This could save time and lead to other benefits in the carrying out of the party itself.

Deliverables

-food products for guest consumption at the party

-sound system for playing music during the party

-disposable plates and utensils themed appropriately

Milestones

-securing of food vendor contract

-establishing full music playlist

-dispersal of invitations to approved guest list