Arranging your first child’s birthday party can be a daunting experience. With such an array of activities, decorations, themes, entertainers and packages on offer, it can often be difficult to know where to start. Long gone are the days where a quick game of ‘pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey/ Dad’ and a pass the parcel wrapped in newspaper are enough to capture the children’s imaginations.
The children’s party industry is a varied and ever expanding beast, which upon first glance, can seem impossible to tame. So we have put together our top 5 tips, to ensure a successful, enjoyable party experience for you and your family!
1) I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date!
Do not underestimate the magnitude of the job in hand! Arranging a party involves a fair amount of planning and you want to be sure that you allow yourself enough time to do justice to your wonderful ideas. At least 12 weeks before the party, start your research. Start exploring themes, venues, entertainers, or party planners if you would prefer. Even if you would like a party planner to arrange and deliver the party for you, please contact them as early as possible to ensure the most comprehensive service. Booking of venues and entertainers is recommended at least 8 weeks before your party date, particularly during busy times such as summer, Easter and Christmas.
2) Choosing the right entertainer.
The success of your party will largely hinge upon the entertainer. A great entertainer will enthral the children from start to finish, allowing you to chat to the parents, arrange the lunch and possibly even enjoy the party yourself too! Make sure that all entertainers you speak to have their own Public Liability Insurance and an up to date CRB check. They should also speak confidently on the telephone and be able to answer any questions that you may have about the show. Do ask them any questions you may have about their professional background too. Ask what the company/ individuals rules are on breaks, start times, finish times and when they will arrive on the day of the party. Also be clear on their policies for cancellations, deposits and how to confirm your booking. If you are booking through an agency, or a company who employs multiple entertainers, do check the employers knowledge of the entertainer that they are sending to you. Has the entertainer been trained in-house and if not, how well does the agency know the act? The agency should be able to speak in detail about their act and reassure you about the level of show you should expect to receive. Sometimes, a picture speaks a thousand words, so do check the gallery pages on each company’s websites, as well we any managerial biographies they may have.
3) Choosing the right venue.
Venues, much like entertainers, do book up in advance. So make sure that you enquire early to ensure success. When booking, make sure that you allow at least one hour before and after the party for your set up and break down and be clear upon who is responsible for cleaning the room after the party. Also check if there is an extra charge to use the kitchen and outdoor areas. Popular party venues are church halls, social clubs, community halls, hotels, arts centres, nurseries, school halls and theatres. For more illustrious venue options, do ask your party planner.
4) RSVP
The modern parent is so super busy, that getting all of your RSVP’s back in good time can often be challenging. This is particularly tricky when your children are very young and you are not familiar with all of the Mummies and Daddies at the nursery. To best overcome this, send out your invitations in plenty of time and make sure that you include a range of contact details (telephone/ mobile/ email/ twitter). If you can hand out invitations face-to-face, this is also great, as you can collect each parent’s return details on the spot. It is also fine to state a date to respond before, say, two weeks prior to the party. Many top party planners will also manage your RSVP list for you, simply state that you would be interested in this service upon enquiry.
5) Added extras!
Bespoke details will really add the ‘wow’ factor to any party. Below is a list of popular party extras that you may like to consider when organising your party:
* Birthday cake
* Party bags
* Table favours
* Centre pieces
* Face painting
* Personalised party invitations
* Decorations
* Table wear
* ‘Parents’ area (food/ canapés/ drinks/ a safe haven!)
* Cake and present tables
* Soft play/ area for very young children
* Costume for the birthday child!
* Photographer/ videographer
Finally, make sure that you bring the following with you on the day (because when there are 30 children running around, you can never be too prepared!):
* Candles
* Matches/ lighter
* A Pen
* Blue-tack
* Sticky tape
* Board pins
* Extra cutlery/ napkins
* Balloon pump
* Sharpe knife for cutting cake and extra plates
* First aid kit
* Baby wipes
* Emergency contact numbers for each child
* Money in appropriate format for all entertainers/ caterers etc
* Mobile telephone
* Emergency venue contact details
Above all else, enjoy this party planning period! You will be amazed at how creative you can be and there are always dedicated professionals, such as Bedazzled Parties who are on hand to advise you at any stage.
I hope that this was useful for you! Remember, if this still all seems like a minefield, there is always our Party Planning service on offer to you.
Thank you for reading and have a dazzling day! 
Love and sparkles,
Charlotte xxx
