Planning your child's birthday party is never an easy task; there are just too many things to keep track of. Use this simple checklist to help you begin planning.
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4-6 weeks before your party
If you are planning entertainers, face-painters, bouncy castle hire etc, check out a list of local suppliers and contact to find out how much notice they will need. This may vary depending on the area in which you live, and the time of year you are choosing to have your party. Be prepared to book very early.
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3-4 weeks before your party
Pick the party date and time. Parties usually range from one and a half hours to three hours.
Book any outside services you require, such as entertainers, face-painters, bouncy castle etc, if you have not done so already.
Choose your party theme. Your child should enjoy doing this with you. If they have a particular favorite character this may be an obvious choice. Otherwise, your child could help choose by browsing the partyware themes pages with you.
Create the guest list. Let your child pick out the friends he or she wishes to invite. If you want to restrict the party to a particular number of friends, make sure that your child narrows down the list to this number. In any case, it may be advisable to review your child\'s list to ensure that no child would feel unreasonable excluded (for example, if all the boys in your child\'s class are invited, except one).
Order your party supplies, decorations, party favors, prizes for games etc. Be sure to order enough tableware for adults that will be attending too, and additional party bags and fillers for siblings of guests who may arrive.
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2-3 weeks before your party
Send the invitations. It is best to ask guests to RSVP to estimate how many children you may expect.
Decide on activities and games for the party.
Plan your menu. Are their any special dietary requirements? For a kids party, we recommend staying away from nuts all together.
Arrange for extra help on the day of the party from relatives or friends.
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1 week before the party
Order your cake from a supermarket or cake decorator if you are not baking your own.
Let brothers or sisters invite a special friend over for the day of the party.
Confirm booking of any entertainers or outside services.