Organising a birthday party

[Watfo]

Never done this already finding it stressful. Weve found the venue soft play and booked its a whole class party plus extra friends and cousins roughly about 45 kids going to be invited
Whats do we need to do now?? do you invite siblings of the kids invited that I know off.
Its in the morning for 2 hours so I don't think food is needed possibly just some snacks is that stingy?
Party bags do people still do them ?..
Do we get anything else in like a magician or ballon artist ect

Do we decorate the place up or not bother

Good will be expected, plus it gives them some time to sit together. Definitely don't let siblings come, that's bonkers, 45 is a bit crazy as it is.

And you don't need a Magician or Balloon Artist, just make sure they eat, have a slice of cake to take home and a small party bag, Donets have to be fancy

If it's soft play, you don't need anything extra.

45 kids is a lot though, so you do need to state on the invitation that parents are expected to stay. You could also say that 'unfortunately we cannot accommodate siblings, although parents are welcome to pay separately if they want to bring siblings along' (or something along those lines).

I've found that it's important to be really specific with these things as sadly people take the piss and you'll get someone wanting to drop off not just the invitee but their 2 siblings also whilst they go off shopping (real life experience-not an exaggeration!)

I'd also say that food is expected however if there is no kitchen at the place, I'd also add that onto the invitation 'only snacks & juice will be provided as there is no kitchen at XXsoftplay'

Have fun! I don't miss the days of whole class parties!

Do you have exclusive hire or is it a public session? Not all parents will stay, especial those with siblings to look after.

45 is a lot of children! People will expect food, if you are not doing it I would it make it very clear on the invite.

Party bags are also usually expected but you could do a book and slice of cake or a sweet cone and balloon instead.

Wow. Cheeky parents!!

Its not private no its open to others . Just want to clear up some confusion I've invited about 45 but I don't expect them all to come

We’ve gone for a softplay party for the exact reason it’s minimal effort. No need to do anything but take a cake! Ours has food included & for extra, do the party bags! 🥳

If you don’t get food, I probably would cater? I always expect food a kids party. Even the awkwardly timed 2-4pm ones do party food at 3pm usually! Do the softplay have a party room where all the kids can sit & eat? Just plates of sandwiches, bowls of crisps & loads of cheap biscuits!

Do sweet cones instead of party bags maybe? Easier to do! And a slice of cake!

Weve said siblings are welcome but they will have to be paid in & there may not be enough food for them as well..

parents will need to stay surely? You cant supervise 45 kids.

Yes to food and party bags, no to siblings. What's the venue capacity?

Even if 'only' 30 come that is a lot of 6 year olds to supervise if parents haven't stayed. That is still a massive soft play party.

It'll just make your life so much easier if the parents are around (and you won't be anxiously counting children every 10 minutes worrying that someone has escaped onto the high street).