Party Planning In
7 Simple Steps
Birthdays are fun, planning them shouldn’t be stressful
By THUY PETERSEN
Birthday parties are important to kids. But party planning isn’t for everyone. Some parents don’t know where to start or what to consider. Birthdays are fun! And planning a birthday party for your kids shouldn’t be overwhelming and stressful.
We’ve laid out seven simple steps to make your party planning a whole lot easier – and fun for you and your child!
1. Choose a Theme
By choosing a theme first, it helps to center many of the decisions you need to make along the planning process. Even if you opt to not have a theme, choose something that can ground the aesthetic like a color scheme and think of unique activities that speak to your child’s interests. The more unique of a theme you choose, the more work you’ll have to do to bring the vision to life. And if you still don’t know where to start, have a brainstorming session with your child. You’ll be surprised by all the ideas they come up with!
Some of our favorite party themes are:
- Into the Wild
- Mermaids and Fishtails
- Over the Moon
- Glow Party
- Llama Llama
- Superheros
- Spa Party
- Mad Scientist
2. Determine the Budget
Knowing your budget is essential to finalize party plans. Without this, costs can balloon beyond what you expect because little things all add up.
Make deposits in the memory bank of your child
3. Determine the location and guest list
These two go hand in hand. A location can limit how many guests you can invite. Some parties may be for friends only, others may be a family party or a blend between the two.
The first decision is to decide if you want a party at home or at a venue. There are many benefits to throwing a party at home. It can sometimes save money (other times more once you add it all up) and give the host more flexibility with weather considerations. Choosing a venue can include things like entertainment, set up and clean up, which can save a lot of time and stress. Some families may choose a venue to ensure that the host can enjoy the celebrations and be in the moment with their child.
Things to consider when choosing a venue are:
- Season and weather
- Capacity
- Packages that suit your needs
4. Planning the Menu
While food seems like a simple decision, some parents forget to consider allergies or dietary restrictions of guests. Make sure to check in with guests so you can plan for these instances.
5. Planning Decor & Party Favors
Next, you need to decide if you will make or purchase decorations and favors. If you’ve chosen a venue, some packages may include these services and save you the time of prep and set-up. But if you choose to DIY it, here are some options to consider.
Buy decorations/party favors
- Balloons
- Tablecloths
- Centerpieces
- Birthday banner/sign
- Party hats
- Confetti
- Streamers
- Other DIY decorations
Making decorations can be a fun creative outlet for some and save you some money. If making isn’t an option for you, buying is easy but a bit more costly.
6. Choose Entertainment
Entertainment or activities really helps to structure a party. Whether your birthday party is at a venue or at your house, your guests will appreciate the fun games and activities they are offered.
If choosing entertainment for a home party, you can hire a vendor or organize your own. When organizing your own, make sure the games and activities are for groups so no one is left out. Striving for age appropriate and simple also alleviates the stress of set-up for the host.
If you’re choosing a venue for your party, they will likely offer some form of entertainment or have options to add onto your rental.
7. Create a Checklist for the Day Of the Party
It’s so easy to forget small details and tasks on the day of the party. Download our checklist for easy planning. If you aren’t a checklist king of person, making sure you cover off on these 5 things will help set you up for a great party!
- Confirm food and cake delivery/pick-up
- Decorations are set up
- Games are set up
- Party favors are ready
- Music is ready
These seven steps are intended to help guide you in your planning process. It’s important that you make sure to do what works best for you and seek help if you need it.
To learn more about party planning, visit House Of Playful Soul’s birthday party page.
House Of Playful Soul (HOPS) is a unique and dynamic indoor learning and development playcenter located in Forest Hills, NY. HOPS provides families play with purpose all across Queens and the greater New York City area through custom designed classes, camps, events and birthdays.