Did you know that around 78% of parents feel pressure to give their kids a good birthday party? Throwing a birthday party allows you to celebrate your child, bring family and friends together, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
There are several benefits to hosting a birthday party, but the planning process can be stressful. Keep in mind that regardless of your budget and time constraints, you can plan a successful party.
Are you looking for the best birthday party planning tips? If so, keep reading to learn everything you need to know to host a birthday party to remember.
Pick a Date and Time
One of the first steps to planning a perfect birthday party is choosing the date and time. Ideally, the birthday party will be on your child’s birthday, but if that falls in the middle of the week, it could be better to wait until the weekend.
If the birthday party is on a weekday, friends and family may not be able to attend. It also will be harder for you to set up and clean up.
In addition to the date, you also should consider the time. While older kids and teenagers may prefer birthday parties in the evening, lunchtime may be a better time for young kids.
You should choose a time when your child is alert and avoid naptimes. If your child is under five, try to limit the party to an hour or two. If they are older, the party can be longer.
Choose a Party Theme
The most exciting thing about planning a birthday party is choosing the theme. Before you pick the theme, ask your child what they want. Kids like birthday parties themed around movies, animals, video games, and toys.
The theme will influence the venue, dress code, decorations, and food. You also should decide if the party will be formal or informal and consider the time of year.
Set a Budget
Once you choose a theme, the next step is to establish a budget. You can throw an amazing birthday party, even on a limited budget. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on a party.
After setting your budget, you can determine how much you want to spend on the venue, food, activities, and party favors. You can save money by hosting the party at your house, cooking the food, and getting crafty with decorations.
Create a Guest List
One of the most important parts of planning a birthday party is the guest list. The guest list includes everyone you and your child want to invite to the party.
This can include their friends, your friends, family members, and neighbors. Keep in mind that having a big guest list will cost more money because you will need more food and party favors.
You also should create a guest list that is appropriate for your venue. If you are hosting the party in your small house, it may be unrealistic to invite 50 people.
After you create the guest list, you need to send out invitations. You and your child can get creative with the invitations and match the party theme. Include an RSVP so you know how many people will be at the party.
Find the Perfect Venue
Once you figure out how many people are attending, you can choose a birthday party venue. If you are on a tight budget, consider having the birthday party at your house, a local park, or a swimming pool.
If you have more money, you can rent out an event space, take the kids to a trampoline park, go bowling, or go to an amusement park. If your child has a favorite place, consider hosting their party there.
Many kid-friendly locations, such as waterparks and ice skating rinks, have private spaces you can rent. You also can ask about catering and decorations.
Plan Activities
One of the most important parts of any birthday party is the activities. If you don’t plan any, you will have a difficult time keeping the children and adults entertained.
Some typical birthday party activities include singing the happy birthday song, blowing out candles, and opening presents. You can organize games everyone knows, such as tag or musical chairs.
If you host a birthday at a park or swimming pool, you can give the kids plenty of time to play.
Choose Food to Serve
When planning a birthday, you need to consider what type of food you will serve. One of the best ways to determine the food is to ask your child.
If they have a favorite meal, dessert, or snack, try to have it at the birthday party. You can serve a full meal, or you can stick to finger foods and a birthday cake.
You can cook the food, have a potluck, or hire birthday party catering. If you plan a summer birthday party, an ice cream truck rental is a fun idea.
Consider Hiring an Entertainer
If you have the budget, you should consider hiring an entertainer for your child’s birthday party. Hiring an entertainer will keep the children busy and create fun memories.
Some different types of entertainers include clowns, face painters, and mobile petting zoos. If you are creative, you can learn to paint faces, apply temporary tattoos, or teach crafts to save money.
Try These Birthday Party Planning Tips
Planning a birthday party allows you to honor your child, spend time with family, and create memories. Some of the best birthday party planning tips include choosing a theme, setting a budget, choosing the perfect venue, and planning fun activities.
Did you find these party ideas helpful? If so, check out our blog to learn more helpful tips.
