Tips for Planning a Day Spa Party
A day spa party is an exciting treat. If you want to host one, you need to plan it carefully. Below are some tips to help you with it.
The guest list
Before you even start calling or checking online to compare costs from different spas, you’ll need to have some idea how many people will be coming. It’s okay if you don’t know an exact number. After all, until you send out the invitations, you can’t be sure. A general idea of the number will do.
Who’s paying?
Don’t assume everyone will be pitching in their part of the cost. Traditionally, the host pays for a spa party, so if you want your guests to pitch in part of the cost, make sure they understand this. There is nothing wrong with asking guests to pay as long as you’re clear about it. An unexpected bill can be terribly stressful, especially if someone’s under financial strain at the moment. If you feel awkward about asking friends whether they can afford it, just include in the conversation about when and where, “And do you think it would be okay if I asked everyone to pitch in $X?” That way, they can say “no” without having to share that they cannot afford it.
The short list of spas
Now you need to find all your local spa options and start narrowing down your choices. Check the phone book, internet and friends to find out what spas are available. Start narrowing them down by calling or emailing to find out:
- How many people they can accommodate. If your group is too large for them, they’re off your list.
- Pricing. One easy way to narrow it down is to eliminate all but 3-5 of the most affordable spas.
- What do they offer? Different spas offer different combinations of services. Some may appeal to you and your guests more than others.
- Look for online reviews or check with friends who have visited these spas.
- You may need to visit a spa for a mini-tour to get an idea whether it’s right for your party.
- Remember to consider salons, too. Many of them can give you as much of a spa experience as a business that calls itself a “spa.”
Allergies/sensitivities
Remember, some people are allergic or over-sensitive to certain ingredients found in skin care products. Ask your friends if they have any concerns. If they do, make sure the spa you choose can accommodate them. Most spas offer more than one option for their services, so this shouldn’t be a problem. But it is good to take care of this before the party.
Time and place
Before you send out any invitations, make sure you’ve got a firm location and time. It’s a good idea to check with some of the people you’re inviting informally to see when they can make it and how far they’re willing to drive or carpool. Once you’ve decided on the spa and the date, you can send out invitations.
Invitations
You can make your own invitations from templates online and specialty paper sold at office supply stores, or you can buy blank invitation cards and write them out by hand (this can be a charming personal touch). Email invites are also good, as long as all the people you’re inviting are comfortable with email and won’t take offense at not receiving something in the mail. Websites like Evite.com offer services to help you track who’s coming and who’s not, and many people are already familiar with that site.
Don’t pay in advance (except deposits)
If a spa is closing down or using an entire room for your party, they may require a deposit, which is fine to pay up front. But don’t pay for each guest until the day of the party. There will likely be a last minute cancellation or two, and it may be difficult to get your money refunded.
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