A birthday is a big deal in a child’s life, whether it’s their first birthday or their 18th. One way to make the day memorable is to throw a party. The idea of planning a party; however, may seem intimidating. Here is a guide to throwing the ultimate birthday celebration for your child.
Decide on the Theme
The theme will set the mood for the celebration. It will also help to determine the venue, food, decorations, cake, and activities. If you are stuck on a theme, consider asking your child. What are they into right now? Are they young and into trucks or Squishmallows? Do they run around the house in a Batman costume all day? Whatever their interest or hobbies, as long as you choose something they enjoy, you will have a theme they will enjoy.
Pick a Venue
Now that you have chosen a theme, it is time to pick the venue. There are several options to consider when it comes to choosing a venue. Your home could be the venue, especially if you have a backyard. The park, a kid’s theme restaurant, the church hall, a pirate boat, and a kid’s gym are options for venue. If your theme is arts and crafts or cooking, check out places offering kids cooking or crafting classes.
Establish the Date and Time
Weekends are usually the most popular days to hold a birthday party. As for time, consider the age of your child. If your child is young enough to require a nap, do not plan it for that time. If they are involved in weekend activities, plan around those times. Plan for the party to last approximately two hours.
When picking the date, plan to give yourself several weeks to plan the party. Also, consider enough time for the guests to get the invitations and adjust their schedules. Remember, everyone tends to be busier around the holidays and summer months.
Plan the Party Food
First, decide whether you are making the food yourself or calling a caterer. Next, consider the guests’ ages. Young kids will require different food and snacks compared to teen ages. Depending on the venue, you may want to inquire about their catering services.
Remember to keep it simple. Pizza, chips, and popcorn for a group of teenagers would be just fine. Younger kids may appreciate fruit and veggie trays with dip. As a courtesy, check with parents regarding allergies. Keep it fun, easy, and not too messy.
Make a Guest List and Send Invitations
Now that you have decided on the venue and the food, it is time to make your guest list and send out the invitations. Do not forget about the parents when determining the number of guests.
Once the guest list is complete, it is time to get the invitations. Finding invitations that fit the theme is always a great choice. However, you can easily design your own.
Don’t Forget the Entertainment
Do not forget about the entertainment. Whether you plan to show movies for a teenage party or have a magician for a kid’s party, make sure there are some organized activities. Setting up an arts and crafts table or planning games will help to keep everyone busy and having fun.
