Party Planning Tips

The first thing you need to decide on is a date and time. Most people want to have their birthday party on a weekend. This is a good time for a party, but many times it interferes with other activities such as children enrichment programs, tuition, family outings, other birthday parties, etc. Also, the best entertainers usually fill their weekend schedules first. If you want to have the party on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, plan as far in advance as you can.

Saturday mornings are becoming more popular because that time interferes with fewer activities, and when the party is over, the rest of the day is free. Weekdays, however, are becoming the most popular party days. Weekday parties are not only a great way to break up the week, but also leave your weekends free for other activities.

Plan a few dates that you would like to have the party. Check your child's activity schedule to be sure it doesn't interfere with the party. Also make sure most of your child's friends can make it to the party. Call the entertainer you want at the party and check their schedule and decide on a date and time (see Entertainment below).

The typical birthday party lasts 3 hours. If you plan on 45 Mins at the beginning of the party for late arrivals and 30 Mins for Cake Cutting and eating, that leaves 1Hr - 1hr 30Mins you must fill with other activities and entertainment.

You don't need a theme, but it will often help make planning easier. If your daughter's favorite things at the moment are Dalmatians, theme the party around them. If your son's passion is Harry Potter, you have your theme. Others use baseball, soccer, football, ballet, dino, princess, and many other ideas.

As far as themes go, don't worry that absolutely everything at the party must fit the theme. A few decorations are fine, a cake is great, but there is no need to stress-out because you can't find an entertainer that does a Star Wars show to fit your theme. Remember that a party should be fun for everyone, including the planner.

This is a place where your theme should begin. Dalmatian invitations will let everyone know the theme before they even get to the party. Make sure you get the invitations out a minimum of three weeks before the party to give parents time to plan. We will send you Free Invitation Cards for you if you book our party packages. In addition, they are available for downloads online in our website.

When it comes to decorating, all you need to find are Dalmatian party items. You don't need to have everything "Dalmatian" either. A few major items are fine; the rest of the decorations can be black and white to match the Dalmatian's colors.

There are several party stores around that carry many different themes, call and ask if they have items that will fit your theme. And remember you don't need to go overboard. A few strategically placed decorations are often better than every square foot covered in color.

Serving food to your guests is essential. You can cook the food ourselves with the help of some family members. Alternatively, you can order the food from professional catering company. Note: Please do not over order. The children want to get back to the party activities as soon as possible; so pizza, chicken wings, sandwiches or nuggets and are usually perfect.

Here is an area where you have lots of options.

3D Birthday Cakes, Cupcakes, Ice Cream Cakes or DIY Cake.

There used to be a day when the birthday child was the only one who received gifts, but those days are long gone. These days goodie bags are a must.

The bags may carry the theme, but they don't need to. Goodie bags are something the children take home to remind them how much fun they had at the party. You don't need to overdo it either; a few items are often better than a bag full of expensive gifts. Remember that the party is for the birthday child, not the guests.

You will almost always need to plan some activities for the kids. You can always engage a professional entertainer to assist you.

Don't deluge the kids with activities, but make sure there is enough for them to do so they aren't just running around the house.

I left entertainment for last, but if you decide to hire entertainment for your party, do that first! The best entertainers are booked far in advance, so if you send out the invitations and then call the entertainers, you may not be able to get them on the date and time you need.

The one way to find a quality entertainer is to ask around. Talk to friends, other parents, your child's school or childcare center, etc. If your child comes home from a party raving about how funny the performer was, find out who it was. Ask your child if they want that performer to come to their birthday party.

When calling, there are several things you need ask.

• What age group is their show most suited for?
• What do they do in their show?
• What does their package include?
• Do they do balloon art?
• How long is their performance?
• How much experience do they have?
• Do they have references?
• What do they charge?
• What are the payment arrangements?

The answers to these questions will help you decide which entertainer is right for you.

The following is a timeline to get you started. Feel free to tweak it to fit the unique personality of the guest of honor!

6 to 9 Weeks Before the Party

1. Select a date, time and location for the party.
2. Decide on the number of guests and develop a guest list.
3. Call to book the entertainer for the party/
4. Develop a theme for the party with your child

4 to 6 Weeks Before the Party

1. Prepare invitations and mail or hand-deliver them.
2. Put your guest list near the phone so you can easily record responses as invitees call to RSVP.
3. Shop for party supplies.
4. Ask a favorite babysitter, friend or relative to help out at the party.

2 to 3 Weeks Before the Party

1. Select activities to entertain children at the party.
2. Purchase any supplies needed for the activities you selected.
3. If serving a meal, decide on the menu.
4. Order or bake a cake

1 Week Ahead of the Party

1. Call any invitees who have not responded.
2. Decide on the agenda for the party,
   • including the order of your selected activities,
   • what time you want to serve food and/or cake,
3. Try any games or activities with which you are unfamiliar.

2 to 3 Days Ahead

1. Purchase groceries or any food you plan to serve.
2. Put the goodie bags together.
3. Charge your video camera
4. Put batteries in your digital camera.

The Day Before the of the Party

1. Clean the party area.
2. Put away items that may be dangerous or distracting.
3. Bake or pick up the cake.
4. If ordering food such as pizza, call to arrange a delivery time.
5. Confirm with the clown and your helpers who you've asked to attend.
6. Sit down with your child and discuss their expectations for the next day.

4 to 5 Hours Ahead

1. Set the table and decorate.
2. If you are planning a birthday party, put the candles on the cake and place matches nearby.
3. Get balloons filled/pick up pre-filled latex or Mylar balloons.
4. If you're having the party at home, tie some balloons to the mailbox or the front porch to help mark the party location.
5. Place crafts and prizes near the activity location(s).
6. Locate paper and a pencil for recording gifts (for thank-you notes).

1 to 2 Hours Ahead

1. Put your dog or cat in an area away from guests.
2. Get the birthday boy or girl and all siblings dressed for the party.
3. Set up the first activity, letting your child help as much as possible.
4. Set up the food.
5. Instruct any hired and volunteer help
6. Relax and enjoy the party yourself

Have a Great Party

1. Get the birthday boy or girl and all siblings dressed for the party.
2. Set up the first activity, letting your child help as much as possible.
3. Set up the food.