Anyway, first and foremost - - you absolutely CANNOT ask people to pay for your birthday party -- frankly, you cannot ask or expect them to bring presents either. The simple fact that they may be willing to take time out of their incredibly busy lives to come to a party for one or several hours -- should be gift enough for you.
First, decide on your budget. Be realistic...don't plan on renting a room at the Ritz if you can only afford a suite at the Comfort Inn. The budget depends on you.
Your budget should include (at least): Site rental Food cost Beverage cost parking/valet costs (you can certainly expect your guests to pay their own fees here -- but you'll want to include the rate information in your invitation packet so they are not suprised) Gratuities and taxes Favors (what goodies will your guests take home to remember this special event) Cake or specialty food costs Cake cutting fee (some caterers charge this, some don't) Service costs Rental fees (some caterers will charge for chairs, tables, table cloths/napkins, silverware, glasses and dishes) Centerpieces Decorations Security fees (some places will charge you a security deposit that is returned as long as you leave the venue in the same condition you found it)
You ought to count on the cost of your outfit from your hair to your nails to your shoes.
Now, let's think about a THEME that works for you. What's your goal -- fancy or laid back bar-BBQ? Do you have flexibility on the day of the week and the time? A brunch or luncheon on a Sunday will be less expensive than a Friday night or Saturday dinner. Your theme can be anything from a Favorite TV show to a color. But just pick one and use it from the invites to the favors to the centerpieces.
After the theme, think about places that 'work' then start calling them. Speak to their sales or catering director and let them know your plans. They will likely have lots of good ideas to help you build on your theme.
Make sure your catering manager is aware of your budget before you get started so they can work with you to get the most 'bang for your buck.' Also, if your budget is lower than what they can work with -- a reputable caterer will let you know up front and will recommend some other venues that would be more in your range.
Don't feel bad if your budget is a little tight -- you're life is just beginning and you're not expected to have elaborate things just yet. You can still have a magnificent and fun party without going over budget...just PLEASE do not ask anyone to subsidize your party.
If you want you can always have a smaller gathering where you take your most favorite people to a fancy restaurant for dinner and drinks. and then have a larger party in a more laid back atmosphere.
Keeping a group of kids entertained for a couple of hours is not always an easy task either.
Many parents opt for moving the party outside of their home where they know the kids will have a lot of fun and they won't have to worry about doing any of the work thing. Best of all, there will be no mess to clean up after the party.
Make sure you pick a place that is in a controlled environment with staff on hand to take care of everything. Here are some popular places for hosting children's parties:
Local Pizza Restaurant
Kids love pizza - and, well, so do most adults. This is a simple party that would probably include pizza, soda, and cake. You might even be able to get the owner to let you and the kids go back into the kitchen to watch as they make the pizza; kind of a private tour. Some national pizza chains have this option as part of a party plan.
Roller Skating Party
A roller skating party includes a party room, skate rental, food like pizza, popcorn and soda and usually lasts for approximately two hours. If you supply music on CD the DJ usually will play your child's favorite song and dedicate it to your child for their own special skate.
Baseball Game Party
Many baseball stadiums have birthday party packages that include a party room, entrance into the game, food, cake and ice cream and may include a special dedication over the loudspeaker for your child or even a chance to come on the field and meet some players or the mascot.
Zoo or Aquarium Party
This type of party would probably include zoo or aquarium admission, tours, maybe a private session with a trainer, and of course, cake and ice cream.
Bowling Party
Depending on the age of the child, bowling can be a lot of fun. Many bowling alleys have party plans and with electronic scoring and light-weight bowling balls everyone can join in. This type of party would probably include food, cake, video games, and bowling. Most bowling alleys have party plan packages.
Chuck E. Cheese's Restaurants
At Chuck E. Cheese's the kids love the food, the characters, and they are lots of fun games to play when they aren't chowing down on pizza and cake. The children even get to sing and dance with Chuck E. Cheese.
A tip they suggest: "Birthday parties reserved Monday - Thursday are a great option to avoid some of the crowd, plus we provide unlimited time at your table and extra tokens."
Thanks to the Internet, booking a party at places like Chuck E. Cheese's has never been easier. Visit their website, select your location, pick a party package, how many kids you plan to invite, and choose a date and time for the party. Their system will let you know what is available so there is no chance of double booking.
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