Party Tips

Hiring Entertainment

This cannot be stressed enough…Make sure that you have your entertainment solidly booked BEFORE you mail out your invitations. Many people call to book a specific entertainer after they have mailed out the invitations, to find out that the person is already scheduled for someone else’s event.

If you change the location or time of your party from the originally scheduled plan, don’t forget to inform your entertainment company. People may remember to inform their guests, but forget to update the entertainer.

Choosing A Time For Your Party

When choosing a time for your party, there are many things to consider.

For toddler parties, be sure to take into account nap times. Plan the party after naps, so your toddler is refreshed and not grouchy.

If you are planning a party (starting time anywhere between 11:30 and 1:00) your guests will assume that there will be a lunch or finger foods available. Plan for this – anywhere from a few bowls of chips and pickles to pizza slices, or a fully catered event.

If you are starting your party at 11:30, feed first and entertain second. Guests with growling stomachs won’t enjoy games or entertainment quite as much, when their mind is elsewhere (thinking about lunch).

If you are planning your party between 12:00 and 3:00, and the party is outside, be sure that your guests are shaded. The beating sun sure can take the punch out of a party.

If your guests are early risers, a 10:00 am (birthday) party is nice. A morning party leaves the rest of your day open.

Most children’s birthday parties are planned to start between 1:30 and 3:30. If you find a lot of other friends having parties, and find conflicts – try to avoid this “hot” time zone.

Evening parties are a nice change – and like the morning parties, may be a bit more relaxed. Again, be sure to keep in mind that the younger children get tired easier. Evening birthday parties tend to work better with the 6+ age group.