The style and the food selection really depend on the type of event. If it’s a wedding, you might want a served meal. If you are having a graduation party consider an informal barbecue.
Get the easy parts organized now! No matter what the event is, you are going to want decorations, dinnerware, serving utensils, and other must-haves such as napkins, candelabras, silk flowers, food warmers and so on. Disposable tableware and drinkware, as a choice, is more affordable. Formal tabletop and flatware can be rented on your own for a fraction of buying.
Have some sort of a written timeline as to when you need to get things done. Work back from the date of the big day. You might want to get a specific event planning calendar for this starting a month or so in advance and be writing down what needs to be accomplished on each day.
Being organized and planning things out now rather than later, can guarantee your event will be a super success.