Here are some tips to make your Birthday Party Magic Show goes great!
Must Know Birthday Party Secret Tips
Wow, putting on a birthday party magic show in Southern California with a group of kids regardless of their ages takes planning, time, sometimes aspirin and let’s face it, guts!
Some might have a talent for party planning and seem to handle it easily while for others it is a roller coaster white knuckle experience! Those that appear to handle any size children’s birthday party easily do so with a plan. Whether it is the first party or the tenth, working from a plan gives you confidence and calmness!
So here are the tips for you that will have your next party running smoothly and allow you to relax and even enjoy it!
Tip One: Involving Your Child
Involve your child in the planning process. Unless it is a surprise party keep them involved in the planning and prep stages.
This will get them excited and makes it a much more memorable event for them. And isn’t that the reason you are doing the party? To create family memories?
Of course, getting their input is great but it should be age appropriate. The younger your child the simpler the input. Get their general ideas of what they think a kids birthday party is all about. Then try to use some of their ideas to fulfill those dreams. Allowing them input on the theme, menu, games, guests and decorations. Older children can help fill out invitations and decorate. In Southern California we have good weather year round. But keep in mind, it does rain and the wind kicks up sometimes so keep that in mind when planning you child’s birthday party!
Tip Two: The Guest List
The frightening guest list. This is where you might have to draw the line. For younger children it is easier to invite their classmates and a few playmates. Older children seem to want to invite their entire school. Ask, how many rowdy kids can you handle yourself? If you are hiring a professional children’s entertainer then they will handle the kids for you during their show, giving you a much needed break and time to relax.
Give a ballpark number to your child. Shoot low first. They will always come up with added guests later. Negotiate by knowing you want to keep the list number to 20. Offer to invite 15 friends. When the list rises to 20 you will be stress free knowing you haven’t been begged to go over your limit.
The ages of the kids invited is important to keep in mind for your own sanity during the party. Will they be dropped off or will an adult be with them? If the party is for toddlers request an adult stay at the party with them. This keeps you from having to be the fun police who watches and patrols the children all the time!
An old school “rule of thumb” for toddlers is to take the age of the birthday child and add one to it and that is the number of guests to invite. For a four year old you would invite five other toddlers to the party. But these days the party is about inviting friends and relatives to celebrate together. Especially for celebrating the first birthday of a child at their One Year Celebration. This is where a children’s entertainer can save your sanity by entertaining the kids for a while and give you a break from running everything!
Of course, if you are having the party outside your home the types of entertainment, games and activities you can do may change. If you are planning to use the park for the party, do you have to reserve a spot or will someone have to get their extra early to get your spot? What is your plan if it rains?
Tip Three: How Long?
Do you really want an all day party? How long do you want it to go on? Here is what to do to get things to wind down and get your house back!
The younger the children the easier it is to put a time limit on it. Little ones tire quickly and other parents might have their child on a routine with naps at a certain time. When a child misses nap time and loads up on foods that they are not used to trouble is just around the corner!
In general, for toddlers a two hour party is more than enough time for games, entertainment of some type, cake and singing Happy Birthday. Kindergarten to 3rd graders can go three hours especially when your entertainer covers an hour of that for you.
Keep in mind your limitations. Your older child is going to think they want their party to go on all day and night! And if it is a sleep over, it will! Some professional entertainment will really help here to give you a break from an all nighter.
So this is where you keep the option of making a shorter call and then negotiate up letting them think they are getting more then they thought. (When they become adults you can pass this secret on to them!)
I hope you found these tips helpful. Have a great party! =)
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