For many, Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off to summer. So why not start the season with a backyard bash to commemorate those who have defended our country with help from the one device that is practically attached to you anyway: your iPhone.

So as you are digging your white shorts out of the closet and preparing for the upcoming holiday weekend, be sure to download these iPhone apps to help you plan the perfect party.  

Evite. Before you start planning the entertainment portion of the party, you have to nail down your ideal guest list. You may already be familiar with Evite’s browser-based electronic invite service, and the app provides you with all of the same benefits, but at the swipe of your iPhone screen. Use the app to create your invitation, send it to your coveted guest list and send them real-time updates as you make them. I mean who actually sends out mailed invites anymore anyway? Instead, your personal Evite will be sent straight to your friends’ smartphones and scream, “You mean more to me than a lame Facebook event.”

Wunderlist. If your party planning requires more than picking up a keg and a couple bags of chips, Wunderlist is a great online-based task management app to help you create and manage your To-Do lists. Whether you need to create a grocery list or require a reminder to clean up the house, Wunderlist allows you to access all of your lists via the browser-based tool or directly from your iPhone and you can even share your lists with anyone you need to pawn menial tasks off on prior to the party.

Spotify (News - Alert).  Once your party prep is done, you can actually start enjoying yourself. And what would a summer get-together be without some good tunes? Sure, there are tons of music streaming services out there right now, but Spotify basically takes the best features from platforms like iTunes and Pandora and integrates them into one unified offering.  Spotify allows you to import all of your existing iTunes files as well as grab any album past or present and create playlists based on your mood or party’s theme.

Mixology. If you are playing the role of DJ at this shindig, chances are your party also isn’t exclusive enough to require a paid bartender. Not to worry, once again your iPhone has your back. With the help of Mixology Drink Recipes app, you will have everyone thinking you moonlight as a cocktail waitress in your free time. This app will help you concoct anything from a Beachside Martini to the perfect margarita. Warning: for the sake of keeping the party going, make sure your iPhone stays out of spill zones at all time. 

Instagram. And last but not least, what would any summer kickoff party be without a way to capture the moments of your ridiculousness. Unless you are still rocking an embarrassing flip phone you are likely familiar with Instagram and all its awesomeness. Take, edit and share your photos on Facebook to document the night and embarrass your friends who may not remember their antics the following day. 

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend from your friends at Techzone360!