Planning the almost perfect birthday party

As a parent I love going to birthday parties but hosting them or putting one together for my kids……nope can’t do it. It’s a headache and I avoid it as much as possible by only doing a birthday party every few years. On Saturday I had my sons party at Main Event here in Atlanta. It was awesome and of course, some folks RSVP and some didn’t but we won’t get into all that lol. I didn’t have it at my house and that is all that matters. I had my sons party at my house when he was 4 years old invited 23 people and over 60 showed up. Never again…I have been burned and will always have a party somewhere else. So how do I plan the almost perfect birthday party? Here are some tips…….

Planning the Almost Perfect Birthday Party

1. Write out a plan– Get your calendar out and write down what you need to do and when you need to do it. Use Evernote to jot down ideas and then erase them as they get done. 

2. Pick a location– Make sure you pick a good location that the majority of people can get to. Don’t pick something out of the way for all party goers be mindful that if you pick someplace in the middle more people will come. Please do not pick the mouse (chucky cheese)……that is one place I refuse to go to for any birthday party. I will not come especially on the weekend……….

3. Pick a date– I find that Sunday’s are great days. People have a lot to do on Saturdays with children classes, art, ballet, football, etc. I find that more people are free on Sunday’s than on Saturdays. Pick around 2 or 3 that way people will stop by after church get your food and go home…..(this may or may not be true *side eye*) 

4. Pick a theme– Themes are my favorite part of planning the almost perfect birthday party. Make sure you pick a theme that represents your child and have the colors matching. People will talk about your party for days and months if your theme was on point. Try to pick a theme that most people wouldn’t do. The more unique you are the better. 

5. Make your invitations– People don’t send invitations by mail anymore put that invitation online and send it to their email. If they prefer a paper invitation call them….it’s easier and saves you time. You can also invite people via social media on Facebook. A lot of people have been doing that lately. RSVP….no comment on that.

6. Make your goody bags-I make these first once I know how many kids are coming always make 10 extra just in case you get more kids that did not rsvp like the neighbors……

7. Get someone to take event pictures – I know this is a shameless plug for my business but make sure you get someone to take pictures. I go to so many parties and the host is hosting and taking pictures with her camera phone. Capture the memories right and hire someone to do that for you. I charge under $75 bucks to take a birthday party and if you give me cake I will take 10 bucks off. Seriously you want to capture the party and the guests it’s a nice keepsake for your child and for you to have to look back over in the future. If you live in the Atlanta area call me I even travel sometimes. Email me at kita@itsreallykita.com

8. Food – Get it catered if you can. Or just have simple things hot dogs, some chicken, corn or some type of veggies these picky kids will eat and call it a day. No need to have a feast these are just kids. If you want a feast leave that for the adult only table

Overall have fun and don’t stress get people to help you and take some of the load off of you.

How do you plan the almost perfect birthday party?