How to Plan a Girls' Slumber Party

Colorful slumber party moments have been captured on Hollywood’s big and small screens. Girls have anxiously watched and waited for their turn to host a playful bash. Since hosting a successful slumber party can help a girl solidify social status, it’s important that the party lives up to the hype. Planning a girls’ slumber party involves finding a balance between movie time fun and reality.

Instructions

1. Make a budget. Consider each area of the slumber party such as entertainment, decorations and food. Determine a spending allotment based on available cash and slumber party needs. Allow for wiggle room to accommodate any must-have items. For example, recently released music or movies may be a top priority to ensure the happiness of your guests. Resist the urge to buy every balloon and snack that’s for sale.

2. Select a date. Examine the calendar to determine the best date and time for the slumber party. Understand that a girls’ slumber party may not involve much sleeping. This may not be the ideal day to bring extra work home from the office. Clear your schedule to accommodate the arrivals and departures of the guests. Consider finding alternative activities for other household children not involved in the slumber party. Notify the guests of the party date as soon as possible to make adjustments for scheduling conflicts.

3. Consult the girls. It’s important to find out what the girls actually want from the slumber party. Even the youngest girls can have firm opinions about the types of music, food and games they find suitable. Sit down with a few of the girls to get a better understanding of their idea of fun. Take care not to impose your ideals on them.

4. Purchase the supplies. Start early to shop around for the best deals on party supplies and equipment. Take advantage of store sales and bulk purchase discounts. Use a combination of in-store and online vendors for the best product savings and selection. Consider bringing one of the girls with you to have a second opinion readily available.

5. Insert classic fun. Although it’s important that the slumber party is created for the girls’ enjoyment, it’s always nice to pay homage to past fun. Games such as "Truth or Dare" and pillow fights never go out of style and can provide low-cost entertainment. Make suggestions for fun events to help the girls experience a well-rounded slumber party.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a balance between healthy supervision and smothering the party fun.

• Limit the number of party guests to avoid overspending.

• Never allow the girls to have free reign over the house. Perform periodic checks to ensure that the party guests don’t get too out of control.

Resources

• Get slumber party games.