Avoid the Crowd and Save Money on your Next Party

In the party industry, Saturday is the busiest day and 12pm to 4pm is prime real estate. Planning your party for "off peak" days and hours can save you a lot of money.

Vendors are much less likely to offer discounts or special pricing during the busiest times. Look for companies that offer incentives to have a party on a Sunday or weekday. Don't be afraid to ask for a deal.

If your Birthday Child is not yet in school, plan an outdoor party on a weekday morning with your playgroup or Mom's group. Host your party at the neighborhood park when it is still cool early in the day. Have Mom or Dad come home from work for a long lunch to share in the celebration.

Consider having an "after school" party. Not only can you save on entertainment but many schools require you invite the whole class if you wish to bring invitations to school. That policy can grow your party to expensive proportions. An "after school party" will ensure a more manageable number of guests. Don't worry, good friends and relatives will make an effort to be there.

Do you have money saving ideas to share? Please offer your suggestions or your experiences so others can benefit on their next party. If we find one we can't live without, we will bring a free pony to your party!

Share the Costs and Save your Cash

Do you have two kids with Birthdays close together? Combining Birthdays and sharing expenses can save you money or allow you to throw a bigger event than you thought you could. Your prospects for sharing are expanded when you consider:

* Siblings
* Cousins
* Friends (theirs or yours)
* Classmates
* Kids from the Neighborhood
* Coworkers

Not only will you save on the cost by combining parties, you will save time, energy and efforts by sharing responsibilities planning and hosting your party.

Remember, the Birthday Boys or Girls do not have to be turning the same age or share the exact date. Teens and toddlers may not be the best combination unless it's family, but a few years separation in age is fine. Be sure you plan entertainment and activities that are age appropriate or will appeal to all ages.

Don't forget the Sprinklers!

Everything was perfect. Every detail handled. The cake was picked up fresh and was smelling so sweet it was inviting the first bite in the car ride to the park. The urge to taste the icing was overcome by the knowledge that a perfect Birthday Party was about to begin. One that they would never forget.

The Phoenix Party rental company was already at the Ramada when mom arrived with the decorations, snacks and cake. They collaborated on where to set up the Spiderman Bounce and orient it so the parents could gather around the picnic tables to eat and chat while still keeping an eye on their little ones.

With the bounce spiked down it was time to go over the safety check list. After all the party could be a disappointment if anything went wrong.

"Adult supervision"...check

"Take off Shoes"...yep

"No flips, tumbling or wrestling"...of course

"No silly string or food inside"...fair enough

"Take down in high winds"...makes sense

"Turn off the sprinklers"...???

Mom hesitated. When she reserved the Ramada the Park Officials asked for the times they would be there. The Park obviously knew where and what they were setting up. After all it cost $50.00 to "book" the facility. One would have to believe that the Park people knew what they were doing, surely they wouldn't need to water on an Arizona Friday night during a little boy's birthday party...

Sprinklers? No problem.

When the party company arrived later that evening to tear down Spiderman he was already deflated. Just like the party mom who sat on top of the picnic table surrounded by wet crepe paper streamers and sagging helium balloons. The guests had left early and never got to enjoy the delicious cake that had smelled so good.

Spiderman weighed quite a bit more wet than he ever did dry. Mom took a deep breath apologized for the bounce getting wet and proclaimed the party a disaster. The birthday boy seemed unfazed, after all he did get to see his friends, get some really neat gifts and got to play in the mud. All in all not a bad day for an eight year old.

Certainly a party he will never forget.

Party Planning 101 - Booking Your Party Entertainment

As this is the first post, I thought we should start at the beginning; booking your entertainment. When the inspiration hits you that it is time for a party, that's the time to get moving. Your motivation may be your child's birthday, a company picnic, a special event or even a block party; but the process originates from that seed.



There are several steps in the early stages that are inter-dependant. Primarily date, times and entertainment. They must be balanced against each other before you plow ahead with decisions that are difficult to change. I have had many party moms call me after they have set dates and times, mailed out invitations and purchased matching plates, table cloths and napkins for their "Pony Party" only to find out that there is no one available to give pony rides at their kid's birthday party!



The best piece of advice I can give you right now is...."BEFORE you mail out invitations, book your entertainment!"



You may feel a false sense of security because lots of party businesses show up when you google "child birthday party" "petting zoo" or "pony rides". A lot of what pops up are "link farms", basically websites comprised of the same lists of clowns, magicians, inflatable companies and other entertainers that may or may not still be around and are used primarily to generate page hits to sell advertising. I have been in the children's party planning industry for almost 20 years and have seen many businesses come and go in the Phoenix, Arizona market. Some folks seem to think that doing kids parties is easy money and soon learn that it takes a professional commitment and requires working EVERY Saturday, Sunday and Holiday FOREVER! I have no doubt you have seen a proliferation of inflatable bounce companies in your area as well. Despite the number of businesses serving your area, there a few things to keep in mind.



1) Most are very small "Mom and Pop" operations that rent moon jumps on the side.

2) They may be slow to respond to your inquiries because they have "real jobs" during the week.

3) Many go out of business in the first year or two.

4) Most have limited inventories and popular items book first.

5) Some unscrupulous businesses will take a "better" job over yours if they have the chance.

5) Even when equipment is available, there are constraints on delivery schedules.

6) Remember every one else in your town is planning their party on the same day as you!



So, once you have a date or two in mind; contact your local professional children's entertainment company and determine what type of entertainment is available for your preferred times. Once you have decided what you want, reserve it. Now you can work on your invitations!