How to Start a Childrens' Party Planning Business

If you enjoy organizing events and overseeing activities, consider becoming a childrens' party planner. Starting a childrens' party planning business requires a capital investment of $500 to $1,000. Some party planners charge up to $200 for planning parties. Additional money is charged for party supplies and food. This small business has the potential to generate $35,000 per year or more.

Instructions

1. Work with and enjoy being around children. Children can be talkative and inquisitive. Listen intently and answer their questions. Address their concerns. Let the children know that you really care about them and you want to make the party a success. Remember, if guests like your service, you may book several parties because of it.

2. Create themes. Determine the age range of your target market. Stay abreast of popular childrens' topics. Watch childrens' television shows. Observe parents and children in toy stores. Knowing the current toy craze will allow you to create themes for all occasions. Expect requests for birthday parties, Valentine's Day, Halloween and Christmas.

3. Get party details. Create a form that requests information, including the number of children invited and ages. Inquire about special requests. Sometimes children already have a theme in mind. Keep in mind that the children, regardless of how small they are, are actually the customer. Also remember that the customer is always right. Find out if you will be serving parents of invited guests.

4. Purchase party supplies including decorations. The items you purchase should support the theme of the party.

5. Purchase food and determine event menu. Prepare grocery lists prior to shopping and pinpoint all items needed, as well as the number needed.

6. Arrange entertainment without exceeding your budget. Play popular music, but make sure music it is suitable for age group attending the party. Purchase games, but don't forget the classics, such as piñata and pin the tail. Have a variety of activities planned.

7. Serve food. You'll be in charge of cutting the cake, preparing and distributing plates and drinks. Depending on the size of the party, consider hiring someone to assist you.

8. Create a business brochure. Take pictures of decorated party scenes, cakes and food arrangements. Use a computer to create marketing material. Do not use pictures of children or parents unless you have written permission to do so.

9. Promote your business by placing an ad in yellow pages. Seek free publicity from local newspaper. Provide editors with photos of recent events and details about your business. Distribute brochures at restaurants, day care centers, sporting events and dance studios.

10. Allow for time constraints. Most childrens' parties will be held on the weekend. This will directly affect your ability to take care of personal obligations. Expect to clean the party area when the event is over.

References

• A Touch of Business.com: Starting a Kids Party Planning Business
• Topic Plaza: How to Choose a Business to Start