Planning a friend's birthday dinner

Start with the birthday person

Unless it's a surprise, ask them three things before anything else: who they want there, roughly how big they want it, and any nights that don't work. A dinner for six and a party for twenty are different plans, and it's their birthday. If it is a surprise, ask their partner or closest friend the same questions instead.

Book early, and book for the right number

Restaurants fill up on Fridays and Saturdays, and tables for more than six usually need a reservation, sometimes a deposit or a set menu. Get a firm headcount before you book, then add one seat for the person who replies late. For groups of eight or more, ask the restaurant whether they need a set menu and how they handle the bill.

Choose a place that suits the birthday person, then check it works for the group: price, distance and dietary needs. If you're stuck between two places, let the group vote, but keep it to two or three options.

Sort the bill before you sit down

The most awkward part of a birthday dinner is the end. Decide in advance and say so in the invitation: usually everyone splits the bill evenly and covers the birthday person's share. If prices vary a lot, or some people won't drink, paying for what you ordered may be fairer. Whatever you choose, saying it up front means nobody is surprised.

Keep the guest list kind

For a surprise, hide the guest list from guests so nobody spoils it by accident. For a small dinner, people who weren't invited can see a big public guest list and feel left out, so think about who can see it. And if a seat opens up late, it's nice to have someone in mind who'd be glad to come.

In Planarchy

Put the restaurant or the date to a vote, set an RSVP deadline a few days before you need to confirm the booking, and cap the spots at the size of the table. In the event's settings you can hide the guest list from guests, and the event's chat keeps the bill plan where everyone can find it.

Plan it on Planarchy

Everything above works with a group chat and some patience. Planarchy keeps it in one place instead: the date vote, the guest list, the stand-by list and the chat all live on the event, and it's free.

Try Planarchy