Parties need organization.
One of the best methods available today is party planning software.
You can track items you still need to accomplish, tasks you've already completed, schedules, information about venues, and budgets.
If you're thinking of purchasing party planning software, there are features that are a must when looking at the different types available.
You want to make sure whichever version you buy has most, if not all, of the features discussed here.
The first thing you should make sure of is how easy it is to use.
Many available titles have an option to test it for a certain amount of time before you decide to buy.
Definitely take them up on this offer.
If you try it and find that the user interface isn't very intuitive, or it's badly laid out, move on to your next option.
You don't want to spend all of your time getting up the learning curve.
The software should be easy to use right out of the box.
  The next feature to look for is the software's export capabilities.
What formats can it export? Excel? HTML? XML? Text? CSV? Do a comparison among the versions you're considering to see who has the best export options available.
Now you should take a look at the software's printing capabilities.
How easy is it to print a checklist, budget, calendar, etc.
? If the software's feature list or FAQ doesn't specifically talk about it, email the manufacturer or author of the software.
  This brings up another point, which is customer service.
When you purchase software of any kind, you need to make sure there is someone available to help you out if something isn't working properly.
Test the customer service by emailing them a few questions and see whether they respond.
It's better to get poor response (or no response) before you buy than it is once you start using your purchased software.
The next few features have to do with management of the data.
You should find out how your data is going to be stored.
Will you be in charge, or is it on a network server somewhere? Is there some sort of backup system in place in case your computer or the network crashes? What are the sorting and filtration capabilities? Make sure your party planning software choice has some sort of reminder available.
Reminders, like audio and visual alarms, can make your life so much easier when they let you know of upcoming deadlines for deposits and placing orders.
The last item to look for is the type of visual tracking (a.
k.
a.
calendar) it has to offer.
The software should have a calendar you can view on screen and print.
The price you pay for party planning software all depends on the capabilities of the one you choose.
If you make sure the title you buy has most of the features discussed in the article, you'll be getting your money's worth, and you'll definitely be on the right path to planning a great party.