Kids Birthday Party Planning Timeline

Kids Birthday Party Planning Timeline

Everyone loves birthday celebrations and hostesses and party planners know that proper planning is the key to success at a wonderful event. Thinking ahead and writing down a simple timeline to follow will ease planning stress and keep the party organized and guests happy. This calendar is a guideline and a great checklist of things to do — make adjustments where needed. Be sure to enlist help and get the birthday child involved, too.

6 To 8 Weeks Before The Party:

• Choose a party theme and get the birthday boy or girl's input, if possible.
• Pick a date and time of day for the celebration.
• Decide on a venue — will the party be held at home or another location? Call and book a venue, if needed.
• Create a guest list and gather addresses, if necessary.
• Book entertainment or equipment.
• Enlist a family member or friend to help on that day.

4 To 5 Weeks Before The Party:

• Order invitations, decorations, favors and thank you notes from our selection of boys birthday party supplies and girls birthday party supplies.
• Plan how you will decorate the room or venue.
• Plan a simple menu.
• Plan activities and games for the event.

3 Weeks Before The Party:

• Fill out, address, and mail invitations.
• Order a birthday cake, if you are not making your own.
• Purchase items for any crafts, DIY projects, or activities.
• Collect prizes, treats, and favors for the party.

2 Weeks Before The Party:

• Use this week to finalize a menu and make a shopping list for foods.
• Create an itinerary for the day to keep activities moving. Have one extra activity planned for keeping kids busy so they don’t get bored.

1 Week Before The Party:

• Check guest list and follow up with people who have not RSVP’d.
• Purchase non'perishable foods, candies, and other items.
• Try out games if you have not played them.
• Make a sample of a craft project and prepare supplies.
• Confirm reservations for venues, orders for cake, or help from friends.

2-3 Days Before The Party:

• Start cleaning the house and putting away unnecessary, dangerous, or distracting items.
• Purchase perishable foods and begin baking or preparing items in advance.
• Put together favor bags for guests and fill pinata if there is one.
• Make sure camera and video recorders are charged or that you have extra batteries.
• Wrap birthday gifts.

1 Day Before The Party:

• Bake and decorate the birthday cake, if making it yourself.
• Prepare make-ahead appetizers and snack items.
• If ordering pizza, place order and arrange pick up or delivery.
• Check with entertainers or helpers, if necessary.
• Decorate a home party space or organize decorations for an away venue.

Party Day!

• Pick up any last-minute foods and cake, if needed.
• Pick up helium balloons — tie one to the mailbox or birthday yard sign.
• Finish or check decorations and put on any finishing touches.
• Set up the food for the party.
• Make sure you have something to light the birthday candles.
• Have a notepad available to write down any gifts received.
• Set out cameras or video recorders.
• Make sure the birthday star is dressed and ready.
• Have the first activity set up and ready to go.
• Now it's time to have fun!

After the celebration, within the next week, help your child write thank-you notes to party guests. Think about including a photo of the party in the thank you card.