Party Planning Tips

16 Helpful Party Planning Tips

1) Begin planning a kid's party 6 to 8 weeks prior to the party. 8 Weeks if you plan to have live entertainment (entertainment books up fast in some cities) and 6 weeks if not. This will give you plenty of time to plan the party without being rushed which equals less stress.

2) Send invitations out around 4 weeks prior to the party.

3) The best time to have a kid's party is the afternoon between 1pm and 4pm. Kids are cranky at night and hyper in the morning.

4) Another helpful kids Party Planning Tip is to always pick a Theme. A theme serves as a blueprint to planning your party. Once you have the theme you know what direction to go, what types of items to seek and the overall tone of your party. Without a theme the party will be a miss-mash of disjointed ideas. ALWAYS PICK A THEME! Then decide on your party decorations for kids.

5) Another party planning tip is when using a theme (which you should always do) don't go overboard. A great way to incorporate a theme at a children's party is through the 100's of products made specifically for children's themes such as dinosaur party products, Jungle themed products, Barney products, Barbie, and the list goes on. You should absolutely incorporate some of these items into your party decor through plates, cups or napkins, but using to many of these products can be overwhelming. We suggest if you're using themed plates, cups and napkins then use a solid color tablecloth that matches your theme. For instance Barbie is about bright pink so a pink tablecloth would be perfect.

6) Remember to always get your child’s input when it comes to planning the party. After all it is about him. Giving your child an opportunity to have some input makes him feel involved and proud when his ideas are incorporated into the party.

7) Don't go overboard on food at a kids party. Children are more interested in the games and activities then the food. Easy food items are best such as sandwiches, hotdogs and pizza. Adding a touch of the theme is always a fun surprise such as dinosaur nuggets at a dinosaur party!

8) Have plenty of activities. There is nothing worse then a party full of kids and nothing to do. Kids won't sit still so if you don't provide something to do they will and it probably will not be what you want them doing. So, plan activities. Crafts are always a good choice that take up a good chunk of time. Story time is always good as long as the story is based around your theme. And if you are having an outdoor party physical activity is great. Kids want to be running around so organize a treasure hunt or relay race while keeping your theme in mind.

9) Another party decorations tip is a great way to make your party look festive without spending tons of money is balloons! Balloons are the best decoration for kids parties. If you're on a budget, buy balloons. Balloons make everything look festive.

10) When having win or lose party games remember no child should go home empty handed. Make sure you have some games where everyone wins. Like a treasure hunt where each child keeps what they find. Or a piñata where all the kids get something.

11) Kids love the goodie bag, but it's not necessary to spend alot of money on favors. Just like I said kids love THE goodie bag. It really doesn't matter what is in it. Kids just love the idea of getting something. So, add some candy and a few items that reflect your theme.

12) Don't think you have to be the most original party planner in the neighborhood. It is OK to repeat games you saw played at parties your kids attended. The party is for the kids and if they enjoyed the game at a friends party they'll enjoy it at yours. As you think of activities think about games you've seen played at other parties.

13) Have plenty of help. An active kids party can be alot for one person to monitor so enlist the help of others. This way your helper can conduct an activity while you get the cake cut. Also have enough people so that the children are monitored at all times. Remember you can't be in two places at once so get help.

14) When planning live entertainment keep in mind your age group. Don't plan a 45 minute puppet show for toddlers because their attention span will not allow them to sit still that long. For toddlers plan several shorter activities such as sing alongs and crafts.

15) After age 5 you may want to consider all boy or all girl parties. After about 5 girls are going to want to do different activities than boys. If you choose not to have a all boy or girl party then choose activities that both will like such as magic shows, relay races and treasurer hunts.

16) A great kids Party Planning Tip is to stay organized. The only way to avoid stress when planning an event is to be organized. Keep a checklist of what you have completed and what needs to be completed. This will keep you sane. Check out our comprehensive and easy to use kids party checklist below:

Hope you enjoyed thes helpful Party Planning Tips! Kids Party Checklist

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Great Party Tips

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