Planning your ultimate birthday bash is a huge task. If you're expecting hundreds of guests ? 300, 400, 500 or more ? you'll need a lot of before-hand planning. A good start to your birthday party is finding and sending the perfect birthday invitation. This is going to set the tone for the entire event, so make sure its perfect.

Begin your party with a great themed invitation

Your over the top event is going to need an over the top theme. You've got hundreds of people coming - you'll need a fantastic theme to dazzle and amaze your guests. Whatever theme you choose for your ultimate birthday bash, you'll have to get the ball rolling with a great themed birthday invitation. Not only will your guests get in the partying mood, but this will give your guests much-needed information. If you're planning on a costume or masquerade theme, make sure you put that information on your birthday invitation. You should also mention dress code i.e. formal, casual, black tie, etc.

The not-so-glamorous details

In addition the date and time of the party, your guests are going to need to know some other logistical information. Parking information on your invitation is a must. Keep in mind that there is bound to be some delay and/or traffic when 200+ cars are all heading to the same place. You might want to consider a valet or shuttle to alleviate some congestion. If you do, make sure you note this and how guests can take advantage of it on your birthday invitation. Also, you may want to use your birthday invitation to make a note about the physical location of your birthday party. Outside or inside can make a big difference when your guests are getting dressed. Last, but not least, find a clever way to tell your guests what the evening will entail ? elegant dinner, casino night, dancing, etc. This can also have an impact on how your guests will dress.

Timing is Everything

Not only should you start your plans way in advance, but you should get your invitations in the mail with plenty of notice. Give your guests lots of time to make plans to attend. It's not a bad idea to put a save-the-date card in the mail even before your birthday invitations go out. This is especially helpful for out-of-town guests or for events that happen around the holidays. A big party like this bound to be the talk of the town. The longer people know about your big birthday bash, the more ?buzz? it gathers and the more excited your guests become about attending.

RSVP

Inviting hundreds of guests to your party is a big task. Keeping track of those RSVPs after the birthday invitations have gone out is going to be an even bigger job. Give yourself plenty of time between the RSVP due date and the date of the party to make phone calls to any guests who have not RSVP'd.

The time you spend now will be well worth it when your big day arrives. The planning you do on the front end of your ultimate birthday bash will guarantee you a fantastic and hassle-free event. Your attention to detail now will have you partying the night away with 300, 400 or 500 of your closest friends.