Party Planning Tips
1. Before making arrangements, decide on the maximum number of children you are willing to have at a party. This will help you decide whether you should hold the party at home or somewhere else.
2. Check the calendar to make sure the day you have chosen for your party doesn't fall on a holiday weekend. Holiday weekends such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter, etc., tend to be holidays when people visit family or have family functions.
3. Get the birthday child involved (if old enough, usually 4 or older). Let them help decide on the theme, invitations, decorations, and games. Give them as much say as possible. After all, this is their party and their friends. Children know what they like and it is always easier if you know what they want. They are also not disappointed that way.
4. Beyond the standard information you need to put on an invitation add an additional line requesting to be notified of any food allergies a child may have. Nothing is more disappointing (or dangerous)to a child that has an allergy to chocolate than attending a party that has all chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream. If there are food allergies keep this in mind if you are making party bags that have food or candy in them. Children, especially young ones, don't always think about allergies and a child with a peanut allergy might not think about it before eating that peanut butter cup in their party bag.
5. When you're ready to make up the party bags make sure to take the birthday child with you. If the guests are roughly the same age as the birthday child, he/she will know what they like. As adults we are just guessing what a child might have fun with. Sometimes the most fun thing to a child is the one thing we as adults overlook. If you have a child who is older and can understand a maximum price be sure to establish it before shopping. This is not something you want to try to work out while you're standing in the aisle.
6. Send out your invitations approximately 2 1/2 weeks prior to your party. This provides time for people to check their calendars, go shopping, and RSVP. There is nothing more aggravating than receiving an invitation for a party 4 days before the party and you need to RSVP by tomorrow plus find time in your schedule to go shopping. Short notice tends to make people decline your invitation.
7. Be sure to follow up on RSVP's when possible. Nothing is more frustrating than finding out the day before your party that you now need to make up 4 more party bags.
8. Unlike years ago when children found ways to amuse themselves, children today tend to just turn on the television or a video game. Make their party something memorable. Talk to your child about live entertainment. Most children love face painters, balloon twisters, or magicians but don't think they could have this type of entertainment at their party. Children usually don't realize it isn't as hard to get one of these entertainers for their party as they think.
9. Remember most standard games can be modified to fit your specific theme. For example: everyone knows pin the tail on the donkey and it gets boring. Modify it to be pin the nose on the clown, or pin the wand on the magician (this is great for magic party themes).
10. When in doubt, ask for help. If you aren't sure if something is a good idea for children in the age group you are working with, ask friends, family, co-workers, or you can even drop me a line. One thing you can always count on with adults is that they love to voice their opinion.
I hope you find this information helpful and HAPPY PLANNING!!!
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