What day & time for a birthday party

[Lionstar]

DD is going to be 3 next month. Am probably just going to organise one of those soft-play parties, but am not sure whether Saturday or Sunday is better.

Also what time of day is best, we have the option of 10.30am, 1pm or 3pm. Party will include either a hot meal or cold spread.

What would you prefer?

Morning better.

Went to an afternoon 3rd birthday one this month and it was dreadful, extremely busy, children all a bit overwrought and tired... Morning bit better and has the option of an nap in the car on the way home without messing up bedtime

Not sure the day will make much difference from my point of view.

Thanks NC, good point about tiredness. Do you think odd serving food that early though?

Anyone else?

I'd prefer either 10:30am or 3pm, definitely not 1pm.

I wouldn't care which day either except that if you had it on sunday morning and some of her friends go to church that might be awkward?

The 10:30 sesh would be good for an early lunch, which is what they'd all want and 3pm would be good for teat time. Parents can always give them more later at home if they're still hungry.

I'd go for 10.30. Is it a 2 hour slot? Lunch at 11.30. All the small children I know all seem to be quite happy to have lunch early, especially if they've been running around lots.

It also means that the rest of the day is free.

I find 3pm parties hard work - DC are always tired and you're hanging around after lunch waiting to go.

I would have thought the playcentre would be slightly quieter in the morning too.

All good advice ladies. Seems like 10.30 is a popular idea, and come to think of it nursery lunch is 11.30 - so most of the kiddies will be used to eating a meal then.

Anyone got any strong feelings on Sat or Sun? (trying to settle an argument between me and DP)

mmmm

Sunday is better in that saturdays are better for family days out / getting stuff done as things open early.

Other than the church consideration, I would say go for your preference!

I always like morning parties best, esp for age 3 or younger as lots of children still nap at lunch or have quiet time etc. Mine are at their best in the morning before they get overtired so I have gone for the 10am slot for DS1's parties so far.

They don't get food until 11:30ish at ours and all the children definitely seem hungry by then! Mine eat by midday anyway on a normal day. If mine were invited to a 1pm party I would have had to feed them before we went or they would be hideous!

BTW I prefer Saturdays as we tend to be more likely to go out as a family on a Sunday but that's just us. I wouldn't turn down a Sunday party for that reason!

I like afternoon parties best as I hate rushing about in the morning.

That's why DS 2nd birthday party is at 1.30 on Saturday - and we are providing a buffet - 70's style partyfood - love it! No-one has complained about the time - but we have booked a room at our local countryside centre all afternoon so they can drop in later if they like, there is nothing set in stone and none of the Mum's I Know are going to get stressed out about the time. We're a pretty laid back bunch.

Would anyone actually say if they were stressed about the time

I think that a party that's over nap time, is destined for disaster.

my ds napped through the first part of his birthday but he woke up refreshed and really up for it - most of his friends either napped for a shorter time or no longer napped. sunday pm was the prefect time for it 2.30 ish - everyone was fed and watered in the comfort of their own homes beforehand; yet had room for finger food and cake. if you are planning on serving lunch then obviously 11.30 is the right time for that age group, but it is a tall order unless you know their preferences/allergies etc really well

the earlier you start, the longer it could drag on ...
sorry, just saw that it is at soft play . good luck

Thanks for all your feedback ladies. I'm thinking a 10.30 start on Saturday is the way forward. MrsT I hadn't thought about the church angle (confirmed aethists) so thanks for the heads up on that.

Fortunately the soft play offer and serve different menu options (hence easy option for slackers like me). I will have to get menu selections in advance so hopefully that will ensure a consistent turnout. The other advantage of having it at soft play is that older siblings can come along as well, just not be catered for in the party IYSWIM.

Mrs T - If my friends had a problem with the time and wanted to bring their kids later, then yes, they would tell me. The kids that are invited are all offspring of good friends, who would have no qualms about telling me if there was a problem.
We did exactly the same thing last year and it wasn't a disaster at all - and I'd invited far too many people as well.

I have never given my lo lunch at 11.30 - is that a common thing?

Have done all of DD's parties on a Saturday afternoon, to coincidewith evening tea tie, so 3-5pm generally.

Has always worked really well. Never had problems with tired children,, etc.

I tend to avoid Sat morning as many classes take place then, esp dancing ad swimming, even for little ones. And I chose Saturday as this mans than family and/or non local friends are able to get.

The reason lots of kids that age eat lunch at 11.30 is that is when nurseries often feed them so they expect it or turn into horrific hungry monsters...

Mine goes 2 days a week but doesn't seem bothered about the change? Anyway, sorry, bit o/t.