Vinyl letters are great for parties|better than a banner!

Vinyl letters are great for parties|better than a banner!

Vinyl Letters Add Glamour to Parties

Let me tell you a little something about party planning with vinyl letters. The first party I ever had was amazing. It was my sixth birthday party, and the first one I was allowed to invite my classmates to (all previous ones had been strictly family). I told my mom everything I wanted for the party: balloon animals, three kinds of cake, a trampoline and more. We went crazy! Needless to say, all the kids left with a smile on their face.

And so, at age six, I had sealed my reputation as the BEST party planner around.

My friends and family still come to me for all their party planning needs. And I've moved on from balloon animals and trampolines to somewhat more grown up party activities. I've even planned weddings.

But that doesn't mean I don't make mistakes — I certainly do.

Have you ever had a giant disco ball fall on your head? I have. I've also had 200 balloons escape pre—party and a floor waxed so much that no one could step foot on it without sliding into a full split.

But I've learned my lessons. In fact, I have some pretty good tips and tricks. So what are they?

If you want to throw a memorable party, you have to do things differently — make things a little extra special.

Well, you know those flimsy cardboard banners that fall down all the time and look really tacky?. My favorite thing to do is update the look of the party by giving it more elegance and sophistication with vinyl graphics and letters. It's easy to apply vinyl graphics directly to the wall and they take the place of banners. They are totally customizable, remove easily and look like they took tons of time to apply (they don't!).

I've used them a lot of different ways. At my best friend's wedding, I placed beautiful silver lettering above the head table that said, "Amy and John, Together Forever." They absolutely LOVED it! It looked amazing in photographs.

I also love to use vinyl letters at birthday parties for a customizable birthday message. I've done everything from, "Happy 30th Laura!" to "It's better to be over the hill than buried under it!" Of course, your b—day guy or gal needs to have a good sense of humor for that last one.

Vinyl letters are great for graduation parties, too. "Class of 2011" in school colors looks great in the background of a picture.

Use vinyl letters for baby showers, bachelorette parties and wedding showers. Show your wife or girlfriend how much you care with a special message on the wall on Valentine's Day (I helped one friend propose this way. His girlfriend was ecstatic and, of course, said yes!).

I had a St. Patrick's Day party last year and put up green vinyl letters that said things like "Top 'o The Morning to Ya!" and, "Kiss Me, I'm Irish!"

Okay, so I went a little crazy sharing all my ideas with you, but using vinyl letters and graphics is my absolute favorite way to decorate for a party. They're always a big hit!

If you want to get some custom vinyl letters or graphics for your next party — or for your storefront or around the house — go to TheSignChef.com. You can even have a free online session with a graphic designer who will help you create the perfect design. And —bonus! — Free shipping! So start planning your next party!