What can a party planning supply store do for me?

Whether you're having a small gathering or planning a huge company-wide party with hundreds of people, party planning supply stores can help you take care of all the small details. Many companies have in-house designers that can make customized party goods like invitations, drink coasters, ribbon, gift bags, candles, and any other item you want at your event. Party planning supply stores help you stay on-theme and accessorize for special events.

What goes into planning a party?

There is a lot that goes into planning a party. What will the entertainment be for your guests? What will they eat? How will you invite them to the party in the first place? You have to know how to decorate, what gifts you want to give the guests (if any), and coordinate who will make it all happen. It can be overwhelming when you get put in charge of an important event, so party planning supply stores help take care of a lot of the essentials.

How customizable can party planning be?

One of the best things about party planning supply stores is that you can make it completely your own. Some companies allow you to upload your own art or graphics to be printed on invitations, napkins, plates, bags, masks, cups, and other accessories. You can choose your colors, a theme, and select from a variety of different styles of products. On the other hand, if you want to keep things simple, party planning supply stores also offer a wide range of products that look amazing without having to customize them.

How much does it cost to shop at a party planning supply store?

The cost of party supplies will totally depend on what you're buying and how much. Most of the time you'll be buying in bulk, which actually ends up being a better deal than if you are only buying a few of something. For example, if you want 300 personalized napkins, you might expect to pay about $115. If you want 300 customized party favor bags, you will pay around $130. You could pay $300 for high quality, frosted cups, and so on. The quantity of each product and the variety of things you buy will largely determine your end cost. It is a good idea to set a budget beforehand so you can shop wisely! You can also usually get a discount on your purchase if you sign up for a company's email list!

Can party planning supply stores give me vendor suggestions?

Some companies offer vendor referral services. This means you can choose the service you need (e.g. artists, bakeries, balloons, flowers, musicians, photography, etc.), your location, and the radius you want to shop within and get recommendations. This is a fast way to find a list of contacts to reach out to for your party planning needs.

How do I choose a theme for my party?

If you're planning a party that doesn't already have a set theme, it's fun to browse party supply stores to get ideas. This way you can see what products are available for your potential theme and choose your favorites. Some party planning supply stores have photos of real weddings and parties to give customers ideas of how other people have pulled events together and how they've decorated.

How far in advance should I get help with party planning?

It's never too early to start planning a party! You might find that the products you need are backordered or take a while to customize. You'll also probably think of more ideas as time goes on, so you'll want to give yourself enough leeway to make sure you get everything perfect. There is nothing more stressful than feeling like you aren't going to be ready for a big event you're in charge of. We recommend starting at least 6-8 weeks before a party is going to take place to decide a theme, put together a guest list, find a venue, and secure your entertainment.

What if I'm unhappy with the party planning supplies I receive?

Unless the party planning supply store sends you items that are defective or have a misprint, it's unlikely that you'll get a refund on customized products. If you change your mind about what you've ordered or realize you made a mistake, you'll probably have to eat the cost if it was personalized in any way. If you buy pre-designed products, you'll have a better chance of qualifying for a refund if it's within the company's designated timeframe. Be sure to read up on the return policy of a company before buying anything from them.

Best Party Planning Supply Stores for March 2026

Item: The Best Party Planning Supply Stores - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Saturday, March 7th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Party Planning Supply Store Reviews

Where is the Best Place to Purchase Party Planning Supplies? One of the most exciting things to do is plan a party. This usually means a big milestone is around the corner like a birthday, holiday, graduation, retirement, or a new baby in the family. You could think of any excuse to throw a party and maybe we should all be doing that more often.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Oriental Trading

110% low price guarantee
Ships in 1 business day
Over 60,000 unique items

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Oriental Trading website

Oriental Trading is a fun company with over 60,000 unique products to help you throw the biggest, most detailed party of the year. Their prices are competitive and they've thought of every little item and decoration you might want to add some extra touches to your space. They allow customers to return their products within 30 days for a full refund and their reviews are great. The Better Business Bureau gives Oriental Trading an "A+" rating and we do too. The inventory here is hard to beat and you'll find yourself totally immersed in all the exciting party planning options here. Oriental Trading has earned our highest ranking for party planning supplies.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Party City

Save 15% with email signup
Free shipping on orders over $59
Same-day pickup or delivery options

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GREAT

4.5

On the Party City website

Party City is one of the most popular places to shop for party planning supplies. They've got locations all throughout the US, so you can often get same-day delivery on your online order and go to their store for free returns. Party City has competitive pricing and has thought of everything you might need to put on a special event. Their inventory hosts more than enough items for you to browse and put together for a fun party. Their unfiltered product ratings are quite high, so we trust that their products are high-quality and people receive what they expected. Party City has pretty negative feedback about their in-store processes, so as long as you stick to their online store, you'll see why Party City has earned a great rating from us.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Zazzle

Buy from independent creators
Customize all your items
20% off your order with email signup

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VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Zazzle website

Zazzle is the place to turn if you want to make anything custom for your party. The sky's the limit as far as what you can add words, art, or a face to on this site. For party decor, they're a fun place to make personalized balloons or plates or create beautiful invitations to your party. You'll spend more money here since everything is custom, but don't let this deter you from buying at least a couple of items to add a personal touch. If you aren't happy with your order, Zazzle breaks the norm of customization companies and lets you return your order within 30 days for an exchange or refund. This company ranks highly among their millions of satisfied customers, so they've also earned a high rating from us.

3.9

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Party Expert

Woman-owned
Unlock 15% off your purchase of $30 or more with email signup
30-day return policy

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VERY GOOD

3.9

On the Party Expert website

Party Expert is a Canadian company that stocks plenty of products to bring any party theme to life. Their website is sleek and we had no problem finding more than enough decorations for any type of party here. Party Expert has competitive prices, but their return policy isn't our favorite. You have 30 days to send unused items back, but you'll need to pay the shipping fee to Canada and they deduct 10% for restocking fees. Otherwise, Party Expert is a well-liked organization with many happy customers who are happy with their customer service, selection, and quick delivery. Party Expert is a good place to turn for party decor.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Ultimate Party Superstore

15% off your first order over $30 when you subscribe to texts
Free standard shipping on orders over $59
30-day return policy

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GOOD

3.5

On the Ultimate Party Superstore website

Ultimate Party Superstore is based out of the Nashville, Tennessee area. They're popular with the locals because of their community involvement and fantastic rentals. However, for most of us living outside of that area, their online store is all we can go off of. They carry all of the basic party supplies you might need, plus a range of costumes, but some categories have a lot more choices than others. Their prices are comparable to what we've seen elsewhere and they have a 30-day return policy, but we've shopped at some other stores with a slightly bigger selection than what we found here. Ultimate Party Store has earned a just-above-average rating from us.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

For Your Party

Save 10% with email signup
Small female-led and founded business
15-day returns on non-personalized items

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AVERAGE

3.0

On the For Your Party website

For Your Party is an upscale place to turn for party planning supplies. They have a selection of napkins, plates, cutlery, yard signs, matches, and gift bags that can be customized with your own photo or names printed on them. Customers will pay a lot more here than they will at a standard party supply store and the themes aren't as bold as what we've seen elsewhere. Shipping prices are not transparent, which is disappointing, and since most everything is customizable, it cannot be returned. If you are willing to pay more and want your party decor unique to you, give For Your Party a look. Otherwise, stick with a higher-rated party planning site.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Discount Party Supplies

Free 2-day delivery on all orders
Selection of decor for common party themes
High customer ratings

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SUBPAR

2.0

On the Discount Party Supplies website

Discount Party Supplies has a small selection of items from common party categories like kittens, tractors, 90s, glow party, soccer, or superheroes. Within these themes there isn't a big variety of decor. You might find just enough to cover your tables, hang a banner, and provide plates and utensils for your guests. If you want enough products to decorate an entire room for a party, this isn't the place to go. We like that they have free 2-day shipping and are highly rated by customers, but there are party supply stores with much better selections than you'll find here.

1.9

SUBPAR

Subpar

Paper Mart

Same-day shipping available
Save on bulk orders
15% off first order with email signup

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SUBPAR

1.9

On the Paper Mart website

Paper Mart is a good option for people wanting to buy gift wrapping supplies, shipping products, or bags and containers of any kind in bulk. They aren't a fun choice for themed party decor or dinnerware since all of their items are really plain. Pricing is reasonable, but often you'll have to buy multiples or even hundreds of a certain item, so it's not reasonable for the everyday party planner. Paper Mart doesn't have a great rating from the Better Business Bureau, but their customer satisfaction is something they can be proud of. For those of us who want exciting, themed party decor of all kinds, we won't be making Paper Mart one of our top choices.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Private Island Party

Free shipping on orders over $100
Costume accessories
30-day return policy

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WEAK

1.5

On the Private Island Party website

Private Island Party is a unique website with a range of cheap, low-quality, random accessories for different types of costumes. There are very few party decorations here. Their website is unappealing and some of their links take you to unprotected webpages. It doesn't feel like the safest place to shop online. If you spend over $100, shipping is free from Private Island Party; otherwise, shipping can get a little pricey. The Better Business Bureau gives Private Island Party an "F" rating and customers aren't thrilled with the outcomes of their purchases here, so we wouldn't recommend this store when you're planning a party.

Continued from above...

Where is the Best Place to Purchase Party Planning Supplies?

One of the most exciting things to do is plan a party. This usually means a big milestone is around the corner like a birthday, holiday, graduation, retirement, or a new baby in the family. You could think of any excuse to throw a party and maybe we should all be doing that more often.

It's the perfect reason to gather your family and friends close, forget about the cares of the world, and enjoy good food and activities. It's little celebrations throughout the year that always give us something to look forward to. As a party host, there are endless ways to create a memorable, unique atmosphere for your guests.

Creating an immersive environment with themed party supplies helps everyone be engaged in the experience and get in the spirit. You'll want to think of everything from a photo backdrop to the design of the napkins. You can bring in props, get a piñata, hang banners, do a balloon arch, have themed dinnerware, and even let everyone leave with a fun party favor. Add in some music and good company and you've got yourself a party that everyone will remember forever.

Party supply stores aren't as common as they used to be, now that everyone can shop online and have the biggest selection at the best prices. You can usually find packages of party decor that match the theme you're going for or you can mix and match the plates, streamers, props, tablecloths, and all other party items to curate your own vibe.

You can quickly check out a few different stores to find your favorite products and compare prices between them. Then you can quickly gather everything you need, checkout online, and have it all delivered straight to your door in plenty of time for your big party. It couldn't be easier.

There are quite a few party planning supply stores to choose from that have a great selection, so keep the following things in mind when choosing who to go with:

Selection. Does the company have a range of themes and events that they stock products for? Do they have a wide variety of options for children's parties as well as those for just adults? Many companies have plenty of products for the food and drink aspects of the party, but what about the rest? Look for somewhere with games, decor, and party favors galore that would add to your theme.
Pricing. Whether you're planning a big or small party, the cost of decor and supplies on top of food can add up really quick. Find somewhere with competitive pricing that allows you to get a lot for a little. If you're hosting a big group at your party, you might see if the company offers bulk pricing to help you save a bit of money.
Return policy. What if you purchase extra of your dinnerware or change your mind about some of the decor? Are you able to send it back for a full refund within a reasonable timeframe? Ideally you'll want to find somewhere that doesn't charge any fees for returns.
Customer satisfaction. What do customers have to say about the company? Do they deliver on time and provide high quality items? If the company is rated by the Better Business Bureau, it is a good indicator of how reliable they are.

We're so excited for you to explore all the supplies out there to bring your party to life. Top Consumer Reviews has researched everything you need to know about the best party planning supply companies you can buy from online. We hope this information helps you find everything you need to throw a party that your guests won't ever forget!