As seasoned experts in children's parties and events, we've seen it all - from backyard bashes to extravagant venue celebrations, so today, we’re diving into the age-old debate: should you host your child's party at home or at a venue?
Buckle up baby, because we're about to explore the pros, the cons and everything in between.
Hosting at Home aka “House Par-tay”
PRO: Budget-Friendly
Save those pennies for extra party favours, food, gifts, or party entertainment services like face painting, balloon animals, crafts and activities (shameless plug)!
PRO: Familiar Environment
Kids feel at ease in their own space. Plus you can use their toys, outdoor equipment and craft supplies to keep all of the kids busy! Messes, spills, change of clothes? No problem!
PRO: Flexibility
Party until the cows come home (or bedtime, whichever comes first). With kids, managing time can be incredibly tough and unpredictable. Hosting your party at home gives you the option to set up the night before, freeing up time on the event day to prepare food, get the kids ready, get yourself ready and do any other last minute tasks.
PRO: Personalization
Decorate to your heart's content! We’ve seen venues with extremely strict rules when it comes to decor, materials you can and cannot use, and areas that need to remain clear/accessible.
PRO: Peace of Mind
You do what you want, not what you’re told! Designated space for adults, backyard/basement for kids, provide alcohol if you’d like - you call the shots. Less stress about children trailing off or having to accompany them to a public washroom.
CON: Clean-up Duty
Prepare for the glitter apocalypse. Unlike most venues who have a designated custodian… well… YOU are the custodian now.
CON: Space Limitations
Sorry, but Uncle Bob might have to sit on the dog bed.
Every home has a different layout and its own set of restrictions, but we implore you to get creative with the space by moving bigger, unnecessary pieces of furniture (and breakable decor) into another room the night before. Space constraints might also mean limitations on numbers.
CON: Weather Woes
Rain could put a damper on outdoor/backyard plans - so we always recommend keeping an eye on the weather and having the inside of your home ready to be crashed by the party.
CON: Stress Factor
Hosting can be kinda nerve-wracking!
What if someone sees that I only have SUPER absorbent tampons?
How will I get my house spotless in time?
Our advice: do like everyone else - move the mess, clutter and embarrassing items into one room for the duration of the party, lol. Just worry about tidying up the necessary/visible areas because you’re going to have to do a deep clean anyways once all of the kids leave. Swiffer is your bff.
Venue Vibes 😎
PRO: Professional Setup
Leave the balloon-blowing to the experts. Some venues will come equipped with preferred/suggested vendors (so you don’t have to do the work). Get the most instagrammable, photo-friendly results with your choice of space, decor, and colour palettes.
PRO: Built-in Entertainment
Many venues offer activities, play areas for kids, or at the very least a large enough space for you to bring something in (ball pits, magic show, DIY Slime Station etc). We LOVE a community centre and open space for our Active Games and Challenges package, it’s like a gym class and birthday party all in one.
PRO: Mess-free Guarantee
Say goodbye to finding cake in your couch cushions! After the party, simply pack up and head home. You might have to do a once-over of the larger areas, but leave the cleaning to the professionals!
PRO: “Please leave by 8”
With venues, there’s a hard exit time, when everyone MUST be out. You don’t have to worry about lingering guests or having to awkwardly ask people to leave your home.
CON: Potentially Pricier
Your wallet might feel a bit lighter. The cost to rent out a venue can range from $50/hr (local community centres) to upwards of $250/hr with minimum time bookings. Let’s not even talk about the added expenses when it comes to insurance and liquor licenses if you’ll be serving up adult-fun.
CON: Time Constraints
Most venues will give a 30-60 minute “set up” period before the event begins. FYI: 30-60 minutes is never enough time. Be prepared to pay for additional hours allowing for you to set up and clean up without going nuts!
CON: Less Control
You're at the mercy of the venue's rules and regulations. Read the fine print very carefully! There might be restrictions around types of food/drink allowed in the space, shoe finishes, number of guests, music and noise.
So, what's the verdict? Both options have their benefits, and “the best” choice depends on your situation. No matter where you host, the key ingredient to any successful party is adequate planning and prioritizing FUN!
Check out our party planning checklist for a good place to begin.
Where do YOU prefer to host?
0%At my home
0%At a venue
0%Outdoor/Park
0%Other
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