Four-week party planning timeline

A four-week party planning timeline spreads the work out: set the date, guest list, and place 4 weeks out, book your drinks and send invitations by 3 weeks, confirm power and rentals at 2 weeks, and shop in the final week. Party day is then just setup and fun.

Use this timeline for a birthday, graduation, backyard bash, or office party. Shift it earlier for big events and weddings.

4 weeks out: set the foundation

• Pick a date and a backup. Machines are booked out Oct 29 to Nov 2, 2026; Nov 21 to Dec 3, 2026; and Mar 8 to 16, 2027, so choose a date outside those windows.
• Set your guest count. Count adults and kids separately.
• Set your budget. Use our party budget guide for a simple percentage framework.
• Choose the place. Decide indoor or outdoor. If you reserve a pavilion, clubhouse, or event room, book it now and ask the reservations office about power, alcohol rules, and setup times.
• Book your machine online. Online booking needs at least 2 days' notice, but booking now gives you the best chance at your date.

3 weeks out: invitations and drinks

• Send invitations. Ask for RSVPs about a week before the party. Need help with the words? Read our party invitation wording ideas.
• Pick your flavors. Each machine has two bowls. One easy setup is a margarita in one bowl and a kids slushie in the other. Every mix is alcohol-free until you add alcohol.
• Plan the menu. Pick a theme from our party food menus so your food and flavors match.
• Make a weather backup. Read the rain and heat plan and decide where the party moves if the forecast turns.

2 weeks out: power, rentals, and extras

• Find your outlet. Each machine needs a standard 110 volt outlet on its own circuit. Read power for a frozen drink machine to find and test one.
• Line up rentals. Tables, chairs, a tent, or shade. Add our rolling machine cart if you don't have a sturdy table, and an ice chest (120 to 150 quarts) for other drinks.
• Plan the fun. Music, games, decorations, and kid activities.
• Check your hose. You provide a garden hose and water source ready when we arrive. Buy or borrow a hose now if you need one.

1 week out: final numbers and shopping

• Get your final headcount. Adjust your mixes: one mix serves about 20 guests.
• Buy alcohol for adult bowls. Each margarita mix takes 1 to 2 bottles (1.75 liter) of tequila. You provide the alcohol.
• Shop for supplies. Plates, napkins, extra cups, trash bags, and ice for the ice chest. The machine needs no ice.
• Check the forecast. Start watching the weather and confirm your backup spot.

1 to 2 days before

• Shop for fresh food and prep what you can.
• Clear the table or counter where the machine goes.
• Test the outlet and make sure nothing else runs on that circuit.
• Set the garden hose where it reaches the machine spot.
• Make labels for each bowl, such as "Lime margarita" and "Blue raspberry slushie."

Party day

• Before we arrive: have the table, outlet, and hose ready, and clear a path from the street to the setup spot.
• Setup: we deliver and set up 2 to 3 hours before your party, then show you how the machine works.
• Freeze time: the first batch takes 2 to 3 hours to freeze.
• During the party: guests serve themselves. When a bowl runs low, mix the next batch and pour it in.
• After the party: we pick up and clean the machine. Hand us any unopened mixes for a refund.

Indoor party checklist

• [ ] Sturdy counter or table near an outlet on its own circuit, or our rolling cart
• [ ] Other appliances (slow cookers, coffee makers, speakers) on different circuits
• [ ] Garden hose and water source ready when we arrive
• [ ] Clear path from the door to the machine spot
• [ ] Towels near the machine for drips
• [ ] Cups, napkins, and a trash can beside the drink station
• [ ] Labels on each bowl
• [ ] Seating spread out so guests don't crowd the machine

Outdoor party checklist

• [ ] Flat, solid setup spot (we can't set up on rock or gravel)
• [ ] Shade for guests and the machine
• [ ] Outlet on its own circuit, or a generator of at least 3,500 watts per outlet at a public park
• [ ] Outdoor-rated extension cord only if you need one
• [ ] Garden hose and water source ready when we arrive
• [ ] Tent or covered backup spot for rain
• [ ] Water station and ice chest for other drinks
• [ ] Sunscreen and bug spray for guests

Ready to plan? Check dates and book online in minutes, or get a quick estimate first.