The girls’s birthdays are coming up in December and with the Holiday and this new baby on the way, it is a very busy time of year for us! I can not believe how big Aria and Ella are getting and turning 3 & 4 are such big and special birthdays! I want to throw them a really fun birthday party this year. On my Instagram page I got an overwhelming response requesting that I share the planning process, and so today I am sharing the first steps I take in party planning. I know the date will approach fast, so getting started now will help make the process fo smoothly.
Above is the process I follow when getting a party planned out. Starting with a set budget, date, and time helps make the whole process so much easier. Each step allows a decision for the following step to be easier. I do it this way to avoid letting myself get sidetracked or become indecisive! It is so easy to get carried away with ideas! It is fun to plan a party! But to make the stress of deciding on details low, this has proven to be an affective process for me!
After choosing my budget, date and time, I can create my guest list keeping in mind the time of day guests are available and for how long, and how many I can afford to invite. Prioritizing then becomes easy. Knowing the amount of guests and the type of guest (children, babies, moms, adults…etc) helps me easily choose a location next and even more-so a theme! Knowing the location also helps to narrow down a theme!
The fun part is picking party decor, which you can’t do until you have a theme! Logistics includes the set up, how many tables and chairs will you need? Are you going to need garbage cans, a bathroom, electricity…is all that available at your location…etc. After knowing all that you can determine what you do need and order up your party supply rentals!
Next up is entertainment, and based on the type of party your planning, the guest list, and the space; this is much easier to decide on! Book that right away since entertainment usually books out whether it is a band or a face painter!
Now you can have fun choosing a cake (size for the amount of guests you will have), treats, and/or food. If your party hours go through a regular meal time consider providing for for your guests! If you will or will not be eating a meal, you can then decide if you need to fill time with an activity. Sometimes a craft is a wonderful activity for a kids birthday party! It can double as their party favor too!
Finally you are ready to make or order your invitation and send them out! After that part is done the rest starts to fall into place. I always can breathe a breath of relief at this point and feel in control of the party planning!
I hope these tips are helpful! If you want a follow up post to what I do next leave a comment below!