Plan a kiddie party in 6 steps
Nothing is more fun and exciting than planning a party for your child. Deciding on a theme, decorations, and entertainment is often equally enjoyable as the event itself. Planning is the necessary journey before the party destination, whether you’re throwing a small party at home or a grand event in a hotel ballroom.
Shall we now plan your child’s birthday party?
Step 1 (8 weeks before the party)
Make a checklist of everything you need to do, and settle on a budget. Canvass for suppliers and supplies. Decide how involved you will be in the preparations: do you want a DIY kind of party, or would you rather leave it to the professionals to put the party together?
Here’s a tip: You could have a professionally planned DIY party. Make the things that you and your child enjoy doing (do you like to craft cards as invitations? Do you enjoy hosting?). And then leave the rest for the party planner to do.
Step 2 (7 weeks before the party)
Prepare your guest list, and stick to it. Or, if you foresee that you’ll probably be adding names to the list later on, give an allowance of about 10 slots.
Select your venue, menu, and activities. Make the necessary reservations with your suppliers, and have just one point person per supplier. Give down payments, if you want, to make sure that no one cancels your reservation at the last minute.
Step 3 (6 weeks before the party)
With your child, select a theme and color scheme. The more involved your child is, the greater his or her anticipation is. Planning his or her party together will add to both your party memories. If you don’t have the time or the patience to source and execute, hire a professional. While crafting and DIY is all the rage these days, working moms just don’t have the time to do it.
Step 4 (4 weeks before the party)
Make your invitations. This could be as simple as a well-composed text or email message or an elaborate, professionally printed invitation. Send out the invitations 2 to 3 weeks before your party. Remind guests 3 days before the day, as well.
Step 5 (2 weeks before the party)
Purchase craft supplies, party goods, game prizes, and loot bags and assemble them early. Some party suppliers include these in their packages. If they do, align your final guest list with the number of giveaways in your supplier’s party package. This will give you time to run out and buy more goods if need be.
Step 6 (1 week before the party)
Make a checklist of things to do on the big day itself so you can stay on top of things. Include in the list each person in charge of each activity or errand to make it easier for you to manage the party. See to it that everything is ready days before the party so you and your family are stress-free and rested enough to enjoy the party. Because that’s the whole point of throwing a great party!
Barbie Pardo is a Manila-based event stylist, interior and furniture design consultant, and associate editor for MetroHome magazine.
