Create an unforgettable experience the birthday boy orgirl and your guests will remember forever!

Use this planner to decide first what kind of party you will plan and then the weeklychecklists to keep you on track before, during, and after your big event.

Examples include: Elmo, Dora the Explorer, a tea-party, or ateal/chocolate brown color theme.Will you rent a location, borrow a space, or be at home? Howlarge is the space, is it kid-friendly, are there restrictions or fees,and do you have a plan for inclement weather?What is your overall budget and how do you prefer to allocate it?Will you cater or rent a location and how will you decorate?Is this time compatible with nap and eating schedules? Is this timeconvenient for those traveling to and from your party?Will you cater or prepare the menu yourself? Do guests have foodallergies or dietary restrictions? Be sure to plan a menu thatdoesn't keep you in the kitchen.Will you contact a baker or bake the cake yourself? Whatdecorations or special ingredients you will need, does your childhave a favorite flavor?Who would you like to invite? What is the maximum number of guests your budget and space can accommodate?Will you plan to do craft projects, play games, or have plannedentertainment? Are the activities age appropriate?

Draw up a comprehensive budgetthat includes:

event plannersite rental and feescatering/food and beveragessound/lighting equipmentinvitations/thank-yous and postageentertainmentparty favorsdecorations (balloons, helium,streamers, banners & tabledecorations)paper products & table coveringscake and cake standpresentsphotography or videographybirthday outfit

Select a theme: Considercharacter themes, color themes,or cultural elements.Decide upon a guest list: Nothurting anyone’s feelings issometimes tough, so bethoughtful but also consider yourbudget.Contract an event planner.Reserve a location: If you plan torent one, consider inclementweather and fees like securitydeposit, gratuity, cleaning fees.Also note the venue’s maximumcapacity and available amenitieslike a kitchen prep area and abathroom.Order printed invitations:Remember to include the date,location, beginning and endingtimes, by when to RSVP and towhom, and spell out what eachchild should bring, such as aswimsuit and a towel. Alsomention activities that will takeplace and indicate if you’ll beserving lunch or dinner. Alsochoose coordinated thank-younotes at this time if you wouldlike these to match.Photography: Consider hiring aprofessional photographer orvideographer or “booking” afriend to take photographs andvideo so you can greet yourguests and lead activities.Create a menu: If you choose tocater your event make areservation and deposit now. If you are catering your own affairchoose a menu that is easy toprepare ahead of time, doesn’trequire a lot of kitchen prep theday-of, and is easy to eat andclean up.Decide on a cake: If you plan toorder from a bakery, put down anorder deposit now. If you plan tobake your own, start looking forinspiration and compose a list of items you need. (Purchase anymail-order cake items now. Checksources below.)Purchase party supplies andfavors: Check out sources below.Purchase party decorations:Choose items guests can takewith them like plastic tumblers orhelium balloons, or, choose itemsyou might use again like a silkflower arrangement.

Write out invitations and gathermailing addresses and stamps.Decide on activities and games:Create a list of items you need toobtain.Mail InvitationsStart Homemade Decorationsand Favors: Small gifts like apackage of crayons and acoloring book or a small set of play-dough make great favors.Plan an Outfit for the BirthdayBoy or Girl: Purchase items youneed such as hair clips or belts.Draw up a Schedule of Activities:Have an activity ready for earlyarrivals and remember guests'age group when planningappropriate games. Obtainsupplies you need and storethem in one box away from view.Contact guests who have not yetRSVPed.If you are preparing your ownmenu, buy necessary groceriesand cake decorating supplies.If you are snapping your ownphotos, purchase film andbatteries.Make the cake.Vaccuum and decorate yourhome and pick up any lastminute items.Prepare make-ahead foods.Set up last minute items 1-2hours prior, like: decorations,activity items, food items, trashreceptacles, guest bathroomsupplies, and have cash on handfor tipping catering/entertainer.20 minutes before guests arrive:set out food/beverages, the cake,and put pets in the other room.Greet guests.Enjoy your party!Review your budget, make notes,and assess how you did.Upload/develop photos andcreate thank-you cards or photobooks for relatives who couldn'tattend.Send thank-you notes andencourage your birthday boy orgirl to creat their own.