Birthday Party Planning Check list
At Paper Style, we know that it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re in the midst of planning a birthday party (or any party, for that matter). Birthday parties for children can be especially daunting because there are usually more things to keep track of, and sometimes the smaller things slip through the cracks until you realize just before the party, Oh no, WHERE’S THE ICE!? So, in an effort to alleviate some of the stress, we’ve created this handy-dandy printable checklist to keep on hand. This checklist can be applied to parties for people of any age.
❒ Set your date, time, and venue
❒ Choose a theme (or less specifically, a general idea of what kind of party this is going to be)
❒ Draw up a guest list
❒ Order invitations (the quickest option for high quality, personalized birthday invitations is to order digitally printed invites online)
❒ Contact outside help (if necessary)
● Caterer (if you’re not supplying food yourself)
● Entertainment (like characters for children’s parties, or a jazz band for a milestone birthday)
❒ Send invitations (the ideal time frame for sending out birthday invitations is 3–4 weeks before the party)
❒ Choose a list of activities for the guests (particularly for children’s parties: making crafts, swimming time, decorating cupcakes, etc.)
❒ Buy party supplies
● Tablecloths, plates, cups, napkins, plastic silverware
● Coolers or tubs for drinks
●Streamers/banners
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● Balloons
●Decorations related to your theme
●Supplies for your activities
❒ Contact guests who haven’t RSVP’d and find out if they’re planning to attend
❒ Purchase party favors
❒ Make a list of the foods & drinks you want to serve and head to the store! (if you’re not using a caterer)
❒ Assemble party favors/goody bags
❒ Buy/make the cake (don’t forget the candles!)
❒ Prepare the food (depending on the food, you can do this the night before or the morning of)
❒ Put up all the decorations you bought!
❒ Set up any activity areas
❒ Put the drinks on ice; set up the food tables
❒ Make sure your camera is charged!
❒ Enjoy yourself!
It may seem daunting when you think about all the things you need to do, but take it one step at a time, make sure you have your checklist, and you’ll be just fine. The most important thing is that the guest of honor has a good time; the fact that you’re throwing them a party at all will likely be the very best present they get. It’s the thought that counts, after all!
