Some people think parties are meant to have loud music, drinking, dancing, and other similar activities. However, you can have another type of party: a relaxation party. This type of party is an ideal way to unwind after college finals, during a vacation from work, as part of a bridal shower or bachelorette event, or for birthdays.

There are lots of different ways to throw this type of party. Before we get into specifics, let’s look at some basics of planning your own relaxation party – no matter what the occasion.

Planning a Relaxation Party

First, you need to decide who to invite to your special party. Generally, you’ll need to keep the numbers low. Five to ten guests are probably sufficient for a fun, relaxation party. Too many guests defeat the purpose of having a relaxing and stress-free event. You should choose people who get along well and who definitely could benefit from a bit of relaxation.

Once you put together your guest list and decide on a few other logistical details – date, location, and time – you can choose your invitations and start sending them out, along with response cards. Pick invitations that send a relaxing message so your guests have a good idea of what they can look forward to. Here are a few examples: Rainforest, elegant pool, coastal vacation, pool oasis, or fruit and pool invitations. Remember to set a date for guests to respond to your invitation so you’ll be able to finalize your plans.

Choosing the Setting for Your Relaxation Party

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to hold a relaxation party. The only requirement is that whatever activity you choose it should be relaxing and soothing. You should pick something all of your guests are going to enjoy doing and that won’t be too cost prohibitive – remember your guests are on a budget. In fact, you may want to give your guests an advance idea of how much they can expect to spend before they RSVP.

Below are a few ideas for relaxation party ideas:

• Go to a spa for a day of pampering, including facials, massages, and more
• Attend a yoga class for beginners
• Learn the basics of Feng Shui
• Learn how to do meditation
• Spend the day at the pool
• Hire a chef to prepare a gourmet meal for you and your guests
• Spend the day getting a makeover

No matter which activity or activities you decide to choose for your relaxation party you’ll want to make sure to make arrangements well in advance. If you’re not sure which of these types of activities are available in your area, consult your local yellow pages, the Internet, or community calendars (often hosted by local news stations).

The only thing to keep in mind when you’re throwing a relaxation party is that all of your guests should be comfortable and should be able to relax in a stress-free environment. That will do all of you a world of good.