Children’s party checklist

Are you planning a birthday party for your child? It’s amazing how much there is to consider and arrange! Whether or not you choose MAD Academy to help you create a memorable day, we have put together this party checklist to ensure your day runs like clockwork!

Date

Decide when to hold your party well in advance so guests don’t get booked up. Remember to check your date doesn’t clash with any other events such as school productions, village fetes or important football matches!

Guest list

Try to get a clear guest list from your child early on as this will determine the type of party you will need to arrange. If they only want 4 special friends to come, then going out to a farm or restaurant is a possibility. However, if they have their heart set on 16 guests, it’s probably more economical to book a hall and bring the entertainment to them.

Top Tip – if another child has a birthday close by, consider holding a joint party and halving the costs. After all, the guest list will probably be the same!

Style

There are now so many types of children’s parties, the choice can be overwhelming! Do you want to go out and let someone else take the strain? Sports centres, farms, cinemas and play centres all provide great activities for parties, while their party leaders will supervise the fun, leaving you to sit back, watch and capture everything on film! However, these types of events do tend to be expensive.

Or you could buy the entertainment in. There is a huge range of children’s entertainers, from traditional magicians and clowns, to experts offering art, makeovers, science activities or music and dance parties, such as those offered by MAD Academy. These are good value for money and tailor the party to your child’s interests.

Top Tip – if possible, book someone that has been recommended to you. If they have already been tried and tested, you are more likely to be booking someone who will be a success at your party!

Alternatively you could organise a range a traditional party games yourself. These parties take much more effort on your part, but can be really rewarding. Choose a mix of high energy and quieter games suitable for the relevant age group of your guests. For ideas, why not visit our games pages. Make a list of all the equipment you will need, including prizes and make sure it is all to hand on the day – children don’t take kindly to waiting around between games for them to be set up!

Theme

Many children today like to theme their parties, basing them on characters they love or particular interests they have. If you are stuck for theme ideas, there are a wealth of options on the internet, and it is very easy to tie your games, party food, music and decorations to your theme. Napkins, paper plates and cups, hats and party bags on different children’s themes are also easily available.

Venue

If you are hosting the party yourself, you need to decide where to have it. Think about the number of children attending and the activities and games you intend to organise as this will determine the space you need. If you have a big enough room at home, make sure you remove any breakables before the party. Consider using your garden, although you need to have a contingency in case it rains! Or you could hire a village hall or room. These are quite reasonably priced and you don’t have to worry about food on the carpet or breakages. Also they tend to be large, allowing lots of room for dancing, games and running about! Remember to allow time for setting up and clearing away when you book your time and mention if food will be served.

Top Tip – On the day, put some balloons or a banner outside the venue to make it clear to those bringing your guests where the party will be.

Invitations

Send out invitations in good time. Include a map to the venue and ask for a RSVP. Ask people to write their home and mobile phone numbers on the invites so you have them on the day, should you need them. It might be a good idea to ask about food allergies and let the parents know if they will be expected to stay. Remember, MAD Academy have FREE MAD Academy invitations you can download.

Food

If you don’t want to serve food, have your party mid-afternoon. If you do, keep it simple. Rather than laying out a buffet, which can be rather messy and overwhelming for children, consider preparing individual plates or boxes of food in advance and then just give out to the children once they are seated – it’s much quicker and there’s less to clear away at the end!

Cake

It’s great if the cake can reflect the theme of the party, or your child’s interests. It can be really fun to make and decorate a cake yourself, but be realistic about the time available. You can buy a wide range of fantastic cakes from your local supermarket or even get one specially made, however children are often just as impressed with a home made cake, even if you own abilities are less than professional!

Adult help

Find friends and family to help on the day as you will be surprised at how much needs to be done during the party. The more adults there to assist, the more you will be able to enjoy the day with your child. And family and friends will be glad to be involved in the special day!