Your child's party is a special event and with proper planning you can help to make it a really memorable occasion without too much stress.
As a busy mum, the planning and execution of a great party can be a challenge. You'll want to be around for their party so you can enjoy it too; after all, if you're running around making sure everything goes to plan, you'll miss all the excitement. So, how do you plan for your child's birthday party when you are busy? Here are some tips for Birthday Entertainment.
Set the right location
Ideally choose a location that's not too far from your home because if you need to do the decorations yourself, you can get there quickly without worrying about getting stuck in traffic. If you really want to save time, it might be worth asking if the venue can decorate for a fee. It's also worth remembering that if you do forget anything, you'll be able to quickly swoop back home and get it, before anyone notices.
Think about the practicalities such as whether it has kitchen facilities for food preparation, chairs and tables, toilets, games etc.
Send invitations in time
Send the invitations ahead of time and encourage the parents to reply with an attendance confirmation. This can help you organise and budget for the party.
You have to be spot on when it comes to food and drinks; the children will be very excited and very active! Hence plenty of refreshments should be on standby. Cater for the amount of children you have coming and add a few extras to be on the safe side. Some parents might be bringing younger siblings, or may fancy a nibble themselves - no one can resist a cocktail sausage!
Arrange for the cake and gifts early in advance
A children’s party is never complete without the cake. You can hire someone to bake a customized cake, but arrange it a few months in advance as the popular bakers get booked up quickly. If you're making the cake yourself, plan in time accordingly. Take care of the gifts early on so, it's one less thing to worry about nearer the time.
Throw in some music
Music can really help set the atmosphere and children love dancing. Have some background music playing to get them in the party spirit. Choose fun pop songs which they are likely to know and dance to - you could even do a little dance off competition for the best moves.
Make an inclusive party
Consider having an extended party to accommodate grown-ups and siblings too - the more the merrier. Parents may want catch up with one another and the more adults that are around, the more help you have too! Enlist support for the party food, games and cleaning up afterwards.
Goodies
Kids love surprises and often look forward to their party bag at the end of the event. Think about how to make your bag ethical and fun. You might want to consider non-plastic items and a healthier alternative to the usual sweets.
After the party
It's polite to encourage your child to write (or sign if they are too little) thank you notes to those who came to the party and/or brought gifts.
The bottom line
Party planning should and can be fun, but if you know you're going to find it a challenge to fit in into your schedule, you might want to consider hiring an entertainment specialist to take care of things for you.
Delegate some of the planning to family members if possible and don't over-complicate things. As long as your child has you present and engaged, along with his/her best friends and family, they will have a lovely, memorable time, whatever your budget.
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