According to our client surveys, 7 out of 10 of parents admit to feeling overwhelmed when planning their child's party. We've been in the party planning business for a while, and we've seen it all - the good, the bad, and the downright chaotic! Let us share the biggest party planning pitfalls and realistic ways to avoid them.
1. The Silent Disco
Music makes the party! We can't tell you how many times we've walked into parties with zero background tunes. No music = awkward silence.
Pro tips: Have playlists set up ahead of time. You can curate your own using Spotify, Apple Music or even YouTube (ideally, you’ll have access to a premium account so you don’t have to endure ads). If you don’t have the time/patience to set up your own playlist, there are a TON of great ones - try searching “kids party mix” or “clean top 40”
2. The Age-Range Avalanche
Breaking your back to entertain both 3-year-olds and 12-year-olds with the same activities is a huge no-no. A recipe for disaster. Instead, focus on your child's age group and plan age-appropriate activities that will keep their attention. If you have the extra time or budget, set up free play areas to engage different age groups.
Toddlers: Parachute, balls, toys, bubbles
Preschool: (same as above), colouring sheets, crafts, play-doh, balloon animals, glitter tattoos
School Age: (same as above), face painting, lego, active games & challenges
Tween: paint party, music, video games, photo booth/instax cameras, DIY
3. Just “Winging It”
Poor planning is the ultimate party pooper. There have been multiple parties where the parents simply forgot to order a cake or have candles onsite! Create a timeline, make lists, and double-check everything. We have a few party planning resources that are a hit:
4. The Overthinker
Pinterest-perfect parties are overrated. Your six-year-old doesn't need hand-calligraphed place cards! Create a list of “must-haves”, “nice-to-haves”, and “not at all necessary”, and then prioritize where your time and money goes. Focus on the fun, not the frills - don’t major in minor things.
5. Back to Back Activities
Scheduling every minute is a mistake. Kids need free play time! We LOVE structure and totally believe in having sections of the party enveloped with a plan. But don’t forget to leave room for natural fun to unfold - you’d be surprised at the fun that kids can get up to when left to their own devices.
6. The Food: Type and Timing
Pizza can be seen as being sooo beta, but honestly it’s easy, affordable and pretty safe - so go for it if you want to. If you have adults coming to your party, you might want to order a sandwich platter or something a little lighter. Serving the main course too early or cake too late can lead to hangry guests. Time your food service strategically - usually about 1-1.5 hour into the party works best.
7. The Helper Drought
Trying to do everything yourself? Big mistake! Delegate tasks to family members or hire help for larger parties. If you insist on overseeing the party set up, see if there’s a family member who can watch/take care of the kids so it’s one less thing off your plate.
Overall…
Keep it simple. Focus on three main elements: good food, engaging activities, and a good vibe. Try to be present and enjoy the celebration! The best parties aren't perfect - they're full of laughter, a little bit of mess.
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