Birthday Party Planning Timeline

If you’re going to party like its 1999 with your special birthday child and her friends, here is a suggested birthday party planning timeline for you to prepare so you stay stress-free and it’s easy on the time you have to plan your party.
Six Weeks Before:

• Choose a party theme with your child
• Draw up the guest list
• Reserve your entertainer or party venue, if outside of your home.

Four Weeks Before:

• Prepare your invitations or prepare
• Ask for an updated class list from your child’s teacher (if necessary)
• Determine games, activities, and food that will be in line with your theme
• If ordering a cake, place your order at this time.

    

Three Weeks Before:

• Mail invitations
• Purchase party supplies, especially if ordering on-line
• Arrange for extra help, if needed.

One to Two Weeks Before:                 

• Purchase crafts supplies and favors,
• Call families who have not yet responded.  This is important in case the guests did not receive your invitation.
• Draw up a schedule of activities

Three Days Before:

• Buy food, as well as film and batteries for your camera
• Charge your video camera
• Call your entertainer, if one has been hired, and confirm his appearance and what he will be doing during his allotted time.
• Assemble favors.

One to Two Days Before:

• Bake the cake or pick up your pre-ordered cake
• Confirm your help if you have asked parents or someone else to play this role
• Decorate your home or be sure decorations have been gathered for your outside venue
• Prepare food if possible

One Week After the Party

• Send thank you notes

Have a great time planning…you’ve got plenty of time!
Submitted by Lisa Kothari
Lisa Kothari is the Founder and President of Peppers and Pollywogs, a kids’ party planning company.  Visit our experts page to read more about Lisa Kothari and our party planning experts.