Do
you need to choose a theme or is it a themed venue eg Deep Sea Den.
Check
on availability of venue (book early to avoid disappointment).
If
you have not been to the venue yourself plan a visit to see it.
Contact venue and arrange date and time.
Have
a list of questions ready to ask.
Cost
per child, minimum number of children, maximum number of children
What
the party includes eg food, what you have to provide, do you have
to take anything with you,
how
many adults do you need to supervise,
how
long will the party last, can you decorate the venue.
Get
a contact name at the venue. Confirm all details in writing to the
venue.
Confirm
with the Birthday child names of guests to invite, (where ever possible
find out surnames there’s nothing worse than having 3 Johns in a
class and giving the invitation to the one your child dislikes).
Send
out invitations. Keep a list of names addresses and telephone numbers
of party guests. Put on RSVP to……… tel………..by date………..
Are
you having an entertainer at the venue eg a magician. Telephone
and check on availability for date and time of party.
Have
a list of questions ready to ask.
Are
they available, how long does their act last, how much do they charge
Do
they need you to provide anything eg power points. Confirm all details
in writing
Plan
your menu, consult the birthday child as to what they would like
to eat.
Write
down your menu.
If
you are catering yourself check out pack sizes at the supermarket
and work out how much you need to buy.
Check
on selection of Birthday cakes.
Decide
how you are going to get the food to the venue, if you are taking
3 children in your car , will there be enough room for food, drink
party accessories, prizes, balloons as well, or do you need to enlist
help.
If
you are getting caterers in to do the food phone up and get quotes,
have a list of food that you want or see what they suggest.
Do
they deliver
Do
they serve the food, do they tidy up after
Do
they want a deposit for crockery, glasses etc, how much do they
charge.
Decide
if you want a sit down or buffet style Birthday tea.
Do
you need tablecloths, plates, serviettes, cups
Do
you need cutlery for eating or serving food, serving plates or trays,
Candles
for the cake, matches, cake knife,
Extra
cloths (for mopping up), bin bags (for tidying up),
Streamers
balloons,
Prizes
for any games or activities, party loot bags, contents for loot
bags.
Do
you want a special Birthday Cake made or are you going to buy one.
If you are having a cake made contact cake makers, they should be
able to show you samples or pictures of the cakes they supply, do
specify the date you need the cake for, order early as for some
cakes the icing will need time to set.
Give
them the correct spelling of your child’s name to avoid mistakes.
Are
you going to have music at your Kids Party if so do you need CD
or cassette player
Consult
the Birthday child as to the music to be played
Locate
power points and someone designated to “look after” the music.
Plan
your activities and games with the Birthday child, write down the
list of activities and games.
Will
you need any props for the games
Select
suitable Prizes for the games
Do
you need any extra adult help with games.
Plan
to have help at your Kids Party, other Mums, Dads to help etc. You
can’t be everywhere.
List
out specific tasks you wish each person to do for you eg, Arwen
to take coats, Edward to check guests off on the list and issue
name badges, Jane to set out food, Shaun to hand out loot bags etc.
Are
you going to video the party
Do
you have a camcorder, if not can you hire one, check out the local
stores for costs, availability, length of hire
Balloons,
every Kids Party needs balloons . How many do you need
How
long will it take you to blow them up, do you wish to hire a helium
gas bottle usually available from balloon suppliers, will they deliver
or do you have to collect.
Make
sure you have found your camera and have extra film, do you need
new batteries.
Kids
are always photogenic, opportunities not to be missed. (especially
when shown again on their 18th birthday).
Decorations,
can you gain access to the venue beforehand to decorate, if so how
much time will you be allowed,
Do
you need someone to help you, confirm with the venue.
Plan
a day to do the Party shopping, take your list with you.
ONE
WEEK BEFORE
Check
the guest list and follow up on non receipts of RSVP’s to get a
final count.
Prepare
a final list of the menu items,
Finalise
the games or activities to be played,
and
prizes to be given,
Contents
of loot bags
music
to be played.
Shop
for non food items needed, eg plates serviettes tablecloths etc.
Do
the food shopping either go to the supermarket (sounds like hard
work) or shop on line and they deliver to your door like Iceland
do ,(heaven), they really are wonderful people.
Confirm
with venue,
entertainer,
caterers,
cake
makers
People
to help
time
of arrival,
time
of collection
time
of delivery etc
Wrap
presents, prizes, parcels for any games and activity.
Make
up loot bags for each guest.
Write
a “to do” list for the Party day
Decide
what the Birthday child and you are going to wear at the party,
get it ready
KIDS PARTY DAY
Happy
Birthday to the Birthday Child.
Open
presents and cards.
Prepare
food and drink.
Organise
your helpers.
Blow
up balloons
Make
sure you eat something before the party.
Make
your way to the venue, give yourself plenty of time.
Set
out table and lay out food
Start
music.
Welcome
guests as they arrive.
Tell
the guests what is going to happen eg games followed by birthday
tea then the magician.
LET
THE PARTY BEGIN
to
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