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Birthday Party Planning Tips
Extra Cameras
If possible have two or three people taking pictures with different cameras just in case the film doesnīt develop right or you put the film in wrong.
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CelebrateExpress.com Tip: Birthday Party Supplies on a Budget
In a tight economy, buying birthday party supplies can really be a challenge, especially for the expensive theme parties. However, this doesn't mean that someone who is on a tight budget can't afford to throw a nice party with the particular theme the birthday boy or girl has requested. To get the most for your money when you shop for a party, you should:
Buy a few lower-cost items with the character on them. For example, party hats and cups are often a bit cheaper than candles and banners. They are also items that the guests use often during the party, which makes them important for the overall feel of the day.
Shop for the rest of your basic supplies in a coordinating solid color. Most guests won't even notice they aren't the more expensive character-themed supplies. After all, tablecloths get covered in plates, napkins, cups and serving dishes; plates get covered in food; and napkins are scrunched up as they are used to wipe little fingers and mouths.
Make sure you shop for goodie bags with the theme on them. This is another item that is going to be in the limelight during the party, because the kids really look forward to their take-home treats.
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Guest List
Sit down and make a guest list at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This will help you make most of the other decisions.
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CelebrateExpress.com Tip: Birthday Party Supply Ideas for Leftover Items
You bought enough of every birthday party supply to be sure you wouldn't run out, and now you have a whole stack of leftover items to use up. Unfortunately, you know your little guy is not going to want the same theme next year, so all those supplies will go to waste, won't they? Actually, there are some great uses for the leftover items. To use up your supplies, you can:
Use plates, cups and napkins for special lunches or dinners. Your child may not want to use them for his or her next birthday, but right now, the character is still a big deal. You may even want to use them as part of a reward system. When you ask the child to do a simple chore, mention that he or she will get to use a character plate for lunch.
Carefully cut character images out of plates or party hats and turn them into puppets by gluing them onto Popsicle sticks. They are great for taking on trips, since losing them or getting them dirty is not the end of the world.
Use the character images on napkins to decoupage a tray or light switch. Simply cut the image out, glue it in place and use school glue that has been watered down a bit to apply several protective coats over it.
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Invitations
You noted the start as well as the ending times on the invitations. Donīt let your party drag on and wear you out. Kidsī parties are generally 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours long. Everyone knows when they are supposed to go home. Help them get their coats.
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How Much Money?
How much money you spend depends on your budget. Remember to include in your estimate all food, including cake, ice cream, snacks, as well as utensils and paper goods, decorations, invitations, thank you cards, entertainment and party favors.
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Itīs never too early to plan
"Itīs never too early to begin planning for a party. You know all year long that your childīs 8th birthday or your husbandīs 40th falls on a certain date that lands on a Saturday. Begin putting together the game plan for that party one year in advance." by Kay Chirichigno
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During the Party
Parties can sometimes be stressful! Ask a friend, family member or neighbor to help with the party. Often neighborhood teens would love to help when offered a few dollars for their time.
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New Camera
If you are using a new camera to film the party make sure to develop at least one roll of film before the big event. This allows you to iron out any kinks that you may experience as you use the camera for the first time.
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Simplicity
Keep it simple. Donīt put too much pressure on yourself. No matter what works and what doesnīt ... there will always be next year!
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Planning Around Meals
If your budget canīt include a meal, simply plan around meal times: 1-3pm or 2-4pm, or even 10-11:30am for small children.
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Birthday Partys: Registering for Gifts
Brides have been doing it for decades: registering for gifts at their local department and specialty stores so that interested friends and family members could purchase gifts that the newlyweds really wanted. So, is this practice practical and appropriate for other occasions, like birthdays? Absolutely! As people get busier and busier -- and gifts for every occasion bet more and more expensive -- partygoers appreciate knowing what the birthday boy or girl wants and where to get it. The best way to communicate your wishes is in the party invitiation itself. After you list the traditional date, place, time, etc., simply note that the birthday person would appreciate gift cards to (retailer name here) for video games for his/her nifty new Nintendo! The partygoers still have the option to bring other gifts, but they know what your child would really like...and where to get it.
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Camcorders
If you are using a camcorder always make sure that it is not filming when it is not supposed to be. No one likes watching a wall for two hours, and you might run out of tape when the birthday candles are about to be blown out!
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Including Children
Be sure to include your child in the party preparation. As an example, older children can address invitations, while younger children might like to affix stamps.
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Teen Parties
"Why not pick a theme and plan the food, activities and decorations around that? If your grandson likes sports, do a baseball, football, or even an Olympics party. If heīs into computers, you could turn your house into a computer game. Or ask your guests to bring a piece of sportsī equipment that begins with the same letter as his or her name, and see what kind of games they can play!"
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Deciding
With your child, go through several catalogues and websites and decide on a theme that best suits your child.
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Siblings
Let siblings invite a special friend over for the day so they wonīt feel left out. They can either play apart from the party or they can be helpers.
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Child Involvement
Get the birthday child involved in the party planning. They will appreciate being asked, after all, itīs their party. And they will put in a tremendous amount of energy into such a joint effort.
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Be Prepared
Birthday parties are historic and special! Always remember to make sure the camera and/or camcorder is working before the party. Buy extra film and/or videotape before the party. And, check batteries for the camera and/or camcorder (maybe have some extras on hand).
