Children's parties - heaven or hell?

[abigailalldis]

Hello, I'm, going to be planning my first ever child's birthday party this year and don't have a clue what to expect. Does anyone have any advice on what the top tips or biggest mistakes are please? All help appreciated!
Abigail

How old is the child? how many guests? Boys/girls/mixture? Any particular theme? Are you doing the entertainment yourself? I have done parties for 3-30 guests, little ones and junior school age. I do my own catering and entertainment and I really enjoy it but I think it is the marmite of the social world - you either love it or hate it. Have a look on the parties and celebration board it's in fun and games section.

What age is your child and what time of year is your party?

Your two main options are buy in a party eg go to soft play, bowling etc or do a home party.

Over the years and from speaking to friends unless you are very clever with money or your child is very young, there isn't always the price difference you would expect!

It's in March, a little boy and he'll be six. I became a stepmum a few months ago so I really have no idea what goes into childrens parties. Is it a bit like wedding planning? You come up with a budget and then work around that I guess?

I think it depends on who is coming and what your dss likes. What is the age range of the guest list and how many children does he want to come? Do you or dp feel comfortable organising games/ treasure hunts/ craft or do you want someone to come in and do it? Entertainers cost up to £200 so add considerably to the cost. I found that at 6 mine had fairly clear ideas about who they wanted to come and what they want to do. Each year they choose a theme - e.g. spies, egyptians, jungle, fairies etc and we work out the party from there. What sort of theme would he like? If you are happy to bake a cake it is easy as you could have any theme, if you plan to buy a cake from a supermarket then take him to the cake isle to choose his cake then take the theme from there. Or you could get a plain cake and put bought figures on - I am doing this for a scooby doo cake. My dc tend to provide the inspiration and I provide the perspiration!

Ohh... a party! Depends on lots really. Are you inviting all of DSS's class... or just the boys? I've done parties for up to 35 children age 4-5/5-6. Booked a village hall, got an entertainer in, and made all the food myself (bit of help from M&S etc). Depends on what you/he wants really. And budget! They're very keen on the party bags at that age!

Ohh... should have said... mainly hell.... but a happy sort of hell. Huge relief when over and gone well(isn)! Or maybe that's just me!

Thanks for your advice guys - I think I'm going to book an entertainer as the idea of having 15 bored children on my hands for three hours fills me with dread! I've heard some real horror stories of things going wrong from some other mums

I've heard that it can get a bit competitive between parents too, seeing who can throw the most elaborate party - is this true?

I would consider trimming it to two hours. 15min running around at the start, an hour with entertainer, birthday tea then a few simple games until parents come. Three hours is fairly long unless you know the children well and they are a bit older, I have done 3 hrs before but with older and fewer dc. Wouldn't recommend it for your first time.