As a result of that fact, many graduation parties will be lengthy, expensive, and attended by dozens or hundreds of people. However, it can still be a small and intimate affair, but the nature of a high school environment is such that everyone will want to attend the best party.
There are many websites dedicated to giving advice to those planning a graduation party , but most of the tips translate to regular celebrations, as well.
If you know someone else in your child's circle of friends has a similar birthday, why not discuss having a joint party? Remember to check that your child is still friends with the other child and that as parents you have similar planning styles or this won't work!
This is a good way to cut your budget in half as well. Deciding how long the party should last can be difficult, and will be dependent on the age of children and the activities planned but as a guide, parties should last about 2 hours. This is long enough for the kids to have fun and not run out of steam or get bored. As kids get older and they want to do something more adventurous like have a sleep over, remember you have a lot more hours to fill, so plan your activities accordingly.
Not everyone needs to be entertained all the time, but you'll be amazed at how much more smoothly your party runs if you have enough planned to keep everyone occupied!
Depending on the age of your child, some schools have rules that the whole class needs to be invited up to a certain age. Check into this before you start to plan so that you don't get a big surprise at the end! It's also good to include all the children so no one feels left out.
Decide if you are expecting parents to stay or drop and run! This will make a difference to the amount of food you need to prepare, and the number of extra hands you might need. As a rule, you can assume if a child is under 5 their parents will stay, over 5 it becomes less clear, so make sure you ask OR make a note on your invitations that states either way. Siblings is a sticky matter.
Strictly speaking the invitation is for the one child, unless specified, but you will have some parents who ask if they can bring brothers and sisters. While a little cheeky, expect this and plan on a few extra children for whatever activity you are planning, for the amount of food you prepare and always have a few extra party bags on hand. Make sure you have enough adult helpers to make things run smoothly. An extra pair of hands never goes astray! Whether you're posting, hand delivering or emailing invitations, make sure to include the following details:.
Make sure if it's fancy dress you let people know on the invitation. It's never fun to be the child who doesn't show up in costume! A theme is an easy way to start your planning, and to help you make your list.
Having a theme will help you decide what decorations you need, what activities you can adapt and what entertainment is needed, if any. Party themes can be anything from a garden party to a full on pirate invasion. As children get older they may be influenced by a TV show or film they have seen. Try to avoid doing something just because someone else in their class or their best friend did it as you'll either surpass it or it won't measure up.
Either way someone is going to feel pretty lousy! Other themes have been dictated by the locations we've booked and while this can be an added cost, it can also take a load of stress off you on the day, as there are usually staff on hand to help and the majority of the party is taken up by the activity.
If you need to find some local venues and entertainment options why not use netmums or mumsnetlocal? They are great resources for everything in your local area. In the images throughout this article you'll see an example of how far you can take a theme! Combining homemade elements and store bought accessories, Janine prepared a construction themed party for her son Easton's 2nd Birthday party.
As you can see, it's only your imagination and time that will stop you! The food you need to organise will depend on the time of day you hold the party. Although every party needs some level of party food! Of course you'll have a cake, or cupcakes to finish things off, but when it comes to the main course, keep it simple and balanced. Finger foods are simple and they usually go down well, just make sure you have a healthy option to go with it.
Not every child will be content with crisps and pizza, although most of them will! Based on the sugar they are likely to consume, it's important to get some savoury items into them first - if you want to limit the insanity later!
It's a good idea to ask on the invitation if there are any allergies. It's not worth the risk! If you haven't asked be on the safe side, and leave anything with nuts or seafood i. Make sure you have enough food, running out is not an option! An extra bag of crisps or cheese strings could be a life saver on the day!
When it comes to drinks, some parents are dead set against their children having fizzy drinks, some object to juice. So it's good to think about options. One to two weeks before is when you should purchase crafts supplies and favors, draw up a schedule of activities, make samples of planned crafts , and call guests who have not yet responded. You'll have to do a few things the week of, too.
Three days before the party, plan to buy the food. One to two days before, you'll want to bake the cake , decorate your home or be sure off-site supplies are gathered, and prepare make-ahead foods. Make sure your child's best friend is free before you set the date. When including classmates, think "all"-all the kids, all the boys, or all the girls-if you want to avoid hurt feelings. If you're not inviting lots of classmates, the rule of thumb is to ask as many kids as your child's age plus one.
But take into account the activities you're planning. A larger, even number of kids-at least eight or may be best for team games at a 5-year-old's party , but you may want just three guests for a 7-year-old's sleepover.
Mail invitations three weeks before the party. Even if your child's school permits distribution of invitations on the premises many don't unless the whole class is included , it's better not to. That way, children who aren't invited are less likely to feel slighted.
Include the date, location with directions , drop-off and pick-up times, and R. Spell out anything to bring, such as a swimsuit and towel. Say if you'll be serving lunch or dinner. Mention specific entertainment, such as a movie. Call parents who have not responded the week before the party; after all, invitations do get lost.
You can't greet guests while supervising a game or cut the cake while pouring drinks, so figure on having one helper for every four to six children. Ask other parents ahead of time, or hire a babysitter or older sibling to help.
At an at-home party, the birthday child's on his own turf, and you know where to find everything. To keep kids from wandering around, define the party area with balloons and streamers, and close doors to other rooms. Parks are great for warm-weather parties ; just be sure to have a backup plan in case of rain.
Suspend streamers or paper festooning between trees or along a fence. Spread colorful sheets or blankets on the ground. Mark the party's boundaries and blanket corners with clusters of bright balloons tied to thin wooden dowels stuck in the ground. Draping fabric over a tall fence or over a clothesline provides an attractive backdrop for party photos. Considering your local community centers, YMCA, or church? Book at least six weeks in advance, and get the name of a contact person. You may only have a short time to decorate a rented space, so use portable decorations and plan for another adult or two to help you.
Have all the balloons already blown up and strung together in bunches before you arrive at the site. Hang decorations with supplies that won't mar the walls, such as low-tack tape, string, and removable self-adhesive hooks.
Make a large room friendlier: Use streamers to define the party area. You can also outline the space with balloons tied to anchors. Schedule parties for young children when they will be at their best, neither too sleepy nor too hungry. After nap time works well for toddlers; lunchtime is good for preschoolers. Users of alcohol-endorsed Evite designs must be of legal drinking age. Privacy Policy Terms of Service. We are working on adding the ability for your my. Share This Post.
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