 Party Planning Checklist
Planning any party can be a source of stress and frustration. Let Small Miracles Entertainment help. The suggestions in this simple guide will help you make your child's party not only a memorable and fun event for the children, but a celebration of parenting joy for you, too.
Party Planning Checklist
3-4 weeks before your party
- Think about possible themes for the party. All children have dreams of unique adventures or lifestyles. Whether your child loves the idea of driving in NASCAR, flying with Super Heroes, conversing with Princesses, exploring in spaceships, or anything else their imaginations create, choosing the appropriate theme will not only make the party more personal and special for your child, but will make your job much easier. Most party supply stores carry complete themed packages of decorations and/or games and activities for just about any theme your child would enjoy.
- Decide who to invite. This is a great activity to involve your child. Creating the guest list not only helps you plan ahead for the size of the party, but helps remind your child of the blessing of the people in his or her life. Because of this, don't forget to include listing the "obvious" guests like grand parents and other close relatives in addition to their school and neighborhood friends.
- Set a time limit and specific date for the party. Most children's parties last between 2 and 3 hours. By looking at this now, you will best be able to make sure all the activities, entertainment and playtime occur at a relaxed and fun pace.
- Shop for party supplies. By shopping early, you will be able to explore all of your options. In addition to local stores, the internet can be a great place to shop for supplies in just about any theme imaginable.
- Contact entertainment for your party. If you are thinking of adding the excitement of a magician, clown, or face painter to your child's party, book early. Not only does this assure you will be able to schedule their time for your party, many entertainers are happy to help with creative ideas and options to make your child's party the best it can be.
2-3 weeks before your party
- Send the invitations and ask for an RSVP. This will allow you plenty of time to adjust your plans if the number of guests differs from what you initially expected.
- Decides on specific games and activities to enjoy at the party. If you have guest of various ages attending, consider special activities for the very young or older children. As a rule of thumb, it is always a good idea to plan more activities than you need. Finally, don't forget the adults. Even if it just setting up an area where the adults can relax and comfortably watch the children while they talk, the other parents will appreciate the extra thought.
- Now is time to plan your menu.
- Recruit a team. It is always a good idea to ask close friends or relatives for extra help. Now is a good time to anticipate the help you may need on the party day and involve those you love to help out.
1 week before the party
- Begin preparing the food. Now is a good time to prepare anything that can be frozen ahead of time for the party. This includes the cake! Save the decorating for later, but a cake that has been frozen will taste as fresh the day of the party as if you baked it that morning.
- Confirm that any special orders you made for supplies or food are on schedule to arrive on time. If you booked entertainment with Small Miracles Entertainment, expect a phone call to discuss any details that will help make your job easier.
- Shop for inexpensive party favors for your guests. Helium balloons, crayons and coloring books, or small toys are all great things to give your guests as a thank you for attending. Your local Dollar Store is a great resource for these types of items.
2-3 days before the party
- Check your supplies. Now is the time to buy any remaining food for the party. Also, don't forget to make sure you have film, videotape, and enough fully charged batteries!
- Follow up on any guests who haven't yet sent an RSVP and get an exact guest count.
1 day before the party
- Decorate the cake. Since you froze the cake earlier, frosting and decorations will go on much easier.
- Pick up any supplies you have not yet gathered. Don't forget the candles and plenty of matches.
- Spend some time making sure the party area is safe for the children attending.
- Decorate the indoor party areas (Decorate outside tomorrow.)
- Prepare any additional food that can be made ahead.
Party day
- Decorate any outdoor areas.
- Set out food and drinks.
- Gather your camera and plenty of film tapes and batteries.
- RELAX AND ENJOY!
Remember, Small Miracles Entertainment is here to help you make any party as magical as possible. If you would like to include the fun and excitement of live magic at your child's party, please use our easy Party Planning Guide and we will contact you right away.
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