When planning a small event, either for business or personal reasons, there are a few steps you can take to take so things can be done as smoothly as possible.

First off is to make a checklist of what you need to do weeks before the actual event. This is after you have set a date and location. That, of course, is the first and most basic step.

Making a guest list should be the next thing you do. Try not to forget anyone!

With the guests listed down, you can then move on to choosing what invitations to send out, and how. If this were an office event for example, people may just be required to be there.

Then you have to plan the menu, and seating arrangements also, if it is called for. The activities to be done at this event, entertainment considerations, audio and video needs, and decorations are also planned at this stage.

When you're down to a week or two to the event, you have to start mailing out the invitations, if there are any. Finalize your menu and start making those orders now. Contact your audio, video and entertainment sources also. Purchase and prepare any non-perishable materials needed for the event at this time too, like decorations, party favors or presentations.

A week before the event, double check everything, especially the reservations. Finalize the seating arrangements, if any.

Then, on the day before the event, set up the tables, chairs and whatever equipment is needed, and decorate the location. Bring whatever else is needed to the location of the event too. That way, on the actual day, all you have to worry about is having the food and entertainment there on time.