Things You'll Need:
- Budget
- Location
- Helpers
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Step 1
Everyone wants cake!Budget. Always have a budget for any major project and a Birthday Party is definitely a project. I recommend dividing the budget into sections:
- Location (if necessary)
- Decorations (invitations, streamers, balloons, goodie bags, etc.)
- Food and Utensils (meal/snacks, drinks, plates, napkins, plastic ware)
- Cake (since this is the next main attraction, next to the child)
- Gifts (how much are you going to spend on your little one?)
- Misc (any extras you may have forgotten such as a bouncy castle, etc.) -
Step 2
Location. Are you going to have the party at your home or away. There are positive and negative to both. In house is FREE, but you have to prepare before and clean-up after. Partying away usually means someone else is doing most of the prep, but can be costly.
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Step 3
Who, What, When, Where & R.S.V.P. Date!Invitations. You can buy and fill them in or you can order online from a photo or print website. It's a personal preference and depends on how much you want to spend. Send them out 3-4 weeks in advance and ask for RSVPs at least 1 week prior to party.
Don't forget to include stamps in your budget. -
Step 4
Prepare. Do as much as you can in the days prior to the party. Order/buy the food and cake. Fill goodie bags. Buy the decorations/order balloons. The night before, set out any toys or extras needed.
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Step 5
Helper. Have a family member or friend be your "right hand" person at the party. Ask them to come early and help with last minute details. Ask them to keep you on task and watch the time at the party.
**This gives you a chance to enjoy your child's birthday party as much as they are.
Comments
FrazzledNanny said
on 3/3/2009 Well written and nicely detailed. Thanks for the article. 5*
healthymomof5 said
on 2/11/2009 Great ideas!5*