SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE

Book Uncle Brian ....
Are you having an entertainer at the venue eg a magician.
Telephone and check on availability for date and time of party.
Are they available, what can they do, how long does their act last, how much do they charge
Do they need you to provide anything eg power points. Confirm all details in writing

Party theme (see childrens parties for ideas)
Do you need to choose a theme - or a themed venue ?

Party venue
Check on availability of venue - visit it - then always book early to avoid disappointment.
Consider .....

• Cost per child,
• minimum number of children,
• maximum number of children
• What the venue / party includes eg food,
• What you have to provide, do you have to take anything with you.
• Will you need adults to supervise, how many,
• How long will the party last - Access and departure times
• Can you decorate the venue.
• Get all details confirmed

Party guests
Confirm with the Birthday child names of guests to invite,(where possible find out surnames).

• Send out invitations.
• Ask on invite whether there any special dietary needs or requirements 
• Put on RSVP to……… tel………..by date
• Keep a list of names addresses, telephone numbers of party guests - and responses!. ………..

Party catering
Do you want to book an outside caterer ? If so book early

• Phone up and get quotes, have a list of food that you want or see what they suggest.
• Do they deliver
• Do they serve the food, do they tidy up after
• Do they want a deposit for crockery, glasses etc, how much do they charge.
• Decide if you want a sit down or buffet style Birthday tea.
• Do you need tablecloths, plates, serviettes, cups
• Book - and get details confirmed

If you are catering yourself -

• Consult the birthday child as to what they would like to eat.
• Plan and write Write down your menu.
• Check out pack sizes at the supermarket and work out how much you need to buy.
• Decide how you are going to get the food to the venue. - if you are taking 3 children in your car , will there be enough room for food, drink party accessories, prizes, balloons as well, or do you need to enlist help.
• Do you need cutlery for eating or serving food, serving plates or trays
• Candles for the cake, matches, cake knife,
• Extra cloths (for mopping up), bin bags (for tidying up),
• Streamers balloons,

Party Cake ...
Do you want a special Birthday Cake made or are you going to buy one.
If you are having a cake made contact cake makers, they should be able to show you samples or pictures of the cakes they supply, do specify the date you need the cake for, order early as for some cakes the icing will need time to set.

Party Plan

• Prizes for any games or activities, party loot bags, contents for loot bags.
• Are you going to have music at your Kids Party if so do you need CD or cassette player
• Consult the Birthday child as to the music to be played
• Locate power points and someone designated to “look after” the music.
• Plan your activities and games with the Birthday child, write down the list of activities and games.
• Will you need any props for the games
• Select suitable Prizes for the games
• Do you need any extra adult help with games.

Other considerations -

• Do you have a digital camera for photos or video - if not borrow (or even hire one - check local stores for costs, availability, length of hire) - or get a friend or even a professional to do it
• Balloons - how many do you need - Don’t forget Uncle Brian may be balloon modelling too
• How long will it take you to blow them up, do you wish to hire a helium gas bottle usually available from balloon suppliers, will they deliver or do you have to collect.

Plan a day to do the Party shopping, take your list with you.

ONE WEEK BEFORE

Check

• the guest list and follow up on non receipts of RSVP’s to get a final count.
• Prepare a final list of the menu items,
• Shop for non food items needed, eg plates serviettes tablecloths etc.
• Do the food shopping either go to the supermarket or shop on line - they deliver to your door

Confirm with
entertainer

• Finalise any games or activities to be played before after the entertainment ,
• and prizes to be given,
• Contents of loot bags
• music to be played.
• make a loot bag for each guest
• Wrap presents, prizes, parcels for any games and activity.

caterers, cake makers. People to help

• time of arrival,
• time of collection
• time of delivery etc

Decide what the Birthday child and you are going to wear at the party, get it ready

CHILDRENS PARTY DAY!

• Prepare food and drink.
• Organise your helpers.
• Decorate venue, blow up balloons, streamers etc
• Make sure you eat something before the party
• Make your way to the venue, give yourself plenty of time.
• Set out table and lay out food

Let Uncle Brian do the rest - Enjoy your party !