Planning the perfect birthday party for your child?
Read these top tips on how to plan the next birthday event and be happy with the result:
1) Remember your budget, and stick to it
It’s important not to lose sight of your budget. Don’t let the party get bigger than your wallet. Usually you think that by having the party at home you are saving costs, but by the end of the day, you realise you have over spent, your exhausted, and you have a huge mess to contend with. You’ll be surprised at how cost effective and easy throwing a party off-site can be. Start off by working out how much you actually want to spend on the party before you do anything else. Keep those expectations close to you from start to finish and if you feel you are going over in one area, reign in financially on another.
2) Organise the party outside
Every child and parent loves being outside in fresh air. Firstly, it’s healthy and usually includes some form of exercise for the kids. It’s also a hassle-free alternative to hosting it inside your home, when more often time than not, the clean-up process could be a lot longer than the party itself! 15 kids under 5 running through your home can get messy, so wear the kids out by playing party games outside. Some party venues may offer both inside and outside options. Use of play equipment (excluding art and craft supplies). So no matter what the weather you are sorted. Plus there could also be a kitchen for preparing and heating party food. It's worth checking!
3) What does your child want?
Kids have big imaginations, so be specific when asking your child what they want out of their party. Ask them what theme they’d like everything to be or what they’d like to do with their friends. Answering questions like these will give you an idea of what’s really important to them and stimulate ideas for venue, party invitations and food options..
4) Make a bullet point list!
Writing a list will help you sort out logistics, what you need, how many etc. Party favours, decorations, games, guest list, invitations, music, food, drinks, birthday cakes and presents – all these things that make your party come to life are important, but easily forgotten.
5) Have fun
Probably the most important point! The birthday party isn’t a day for you to be pulling your hair out. Now that all the nitty-gritty of the planning process is complete, sit back and watch your party masterpiece play out, with cake in hand, and enjoy celebrating another successful year of your childs life. All you need to do is take the rubbish bag home with you.
For more information, contact the expert contributor.