Photo courtesy of Plindberg on flickr
It doesn’t matter how you say it…Happy Birthday, Ifeliz compleanos, Joyeux Anniversaire, Buon compleanno or 生日快乐. Everyone loves a birthday party!
And now it’s your job to plan it. So the question is, beyond pin the tail on the donkey or spin the bottle, how do you plan a birthday party and make your party stand out from the rest?
Birthday Party Planning– What Kind of Party Do You Want to Have?
No matter the reason for planning a birthday party, whether planning a 40th birthday party, planning a surprise birthday party or just looking to plan a flat out good old birthday fun time, when birthday party planning, the first thing you need to determine is the type of party you want to throw. Should it be a backyard barbeque or a formal dinner party? A dozen guests or everyone you know? Although you’re planning the party, it’s not about what you want. It’s really about the birthday boy/girl and what they would prefer. Determine what’s best for them and go from there.
Birthday Party Planning – To Theme or Not to Theme
For many “Birthday Bash o’ Fun” is theme enough. But a little creativity can go a long way in helping to create a mood and encourage general merriment.
Pick a sport or movie to center the party around. Casino night, karaoke or over the hill, the possibilities are endless. I’ve even seen a princess party for adults (ladies night taken to the next level).
My favorite theme for birthdays is a celebration of the honoree’s year of birth. The internet has simplified this kind of party and made it a lot easier to research. Pick a few categories, movies, music, cost of living, scandals, and just Google it! By creating posters related to the year of birth you not only create decorations, but also wonderful conversation pieces that can be placed throughout the party. Thepeoplehistory.com is a great web site to get you started.
Birthday Party Planning – What Kind of Invitations Should You Send?
When planning a birthday party, there are so many fantastic, cost effective options available.
When considering birthday party ideas and party supplies, store bought invites have come a long way. They’re no longer the tacky relics from our childhood with a rainbow and puppy (not that there’s anything wrong with puppies or rainbows). And many stationary and party discount stores have limited, or discontinued runs available at a great price.
If you’re more of a DIY’er, who shudders at the thought of store bought invitations, there are literally hundreds of web sites with free birthday party invitation templates. Create your own invites with just your computer and printer!
Personally, I’m a fan of the cheesy, homemade poem. “Because it’s his birthday, come and say to our friend, We hope it’s the best, may the fun never end!” A few original verses can go a long way to set the tone.
Birthday Party Planning – It’s All in the Details
Photo courtesy of nhanusek on flickr
As the saying goes, success is in the details. So be sure to work off a birthday party planning checklist to ensure you will remember all the birthday party supplies and needs.
Unless you’re having a dinner party a full meal isn’t required. Place appetizers around the party and let your guests help themselves.
Have disposable cameras available for your guests to use. It’s amazing what you’ll see when the pictures are developed!
There are a variety of birthday party games for adults (not just of the drinking variety) which can be great ice breakers.
Music can make or break a party. Creating a playlist on your iPod or making a few mixed discs will allow you to choose the music without hovering over the stereo all night.
Accept any offers of assistance. Even Martha Stewart needs some help now and then.
Remember – always keep the birthday boy/girl in mind. No matter how great our birthday party ideas, or what we like as hosts, it should be about the guest of honor and what they would enjoy.
When birthday party planning, the most important thing to remember is to have fun. A fun atmosphere, good music and great friends will really bring it all together and make your party a huge success.
Related articles
- Party Planning Checklist – Party Planner’s Map To A Fun, Worry-Free Bash (plananevent.org)
- Planning A Party? Spruce Up Your Party With A Bit of Decor (plananevent.org)
- 8 Summer Party Planning Tips To Shield Your Pocket From Hangover (plananevent.org)
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