Party Planning Blog by Announce It!

A milestone birthday is any birthday of significance, whether it is 16, 21, 25 or any number ending in a zero. The most important consideration is the milestone age. A 16 year old will not want the same birthday party as someone turning 80! It is also a good idea to make sure that the birthday boy or girl wants a party. Are they accepting this new age gracefully?

A milestone birthday is a time to celebrate. As we age, each birthday becomes seemingly less important. Nothing can rival our birthdays as children. We may not have a party for every birthday, but those milestone birthdays are the time to celebrate!

A milestone birthday party is usually going to be a big event. Friends and family should all be invited to share in such a special occasion. This means that the party should be held in a large space which usually means holding the party in a hall or reception site. This can be costly, but is usually worth it in order to not have to clean up after a party!
Consider doing something special for the birthday boy or girl. Perhaps a slideshow of their life or a collage that showcases the most important events will make a special statement. If you really want everyone to remember such a special occasion, then order party favors to give out. These can be personalized with the name of the birthday boy or girl and a special message!

Remember to handle all of the standard party planning such as food, drink, decorations, and music. A large party will need a caterer or if money is tight then consider a potluck!
Are you planning a milestone birthday party or have you attended one recently? What made it a special occasion? What made it different than other birthday parties? Do you have any advice on planning one of these events? Give us the scoop so that we can all throw parties to remember!

The very first consideration when choosing a theme for your party is whom the party is for! Is it for a toddler, child, teenager, adult, retirement, house warming, anniversary, or one of the many other reasons to celebrate???

Themes for children 12 and under

The best way to choose a theme for a party where all of the children will be under the age of 12 is to look at what your child and his or her friends enjoy.

Think:

Music such as top 40 or country

Television shows such as Dora, Blue’s Clues, and even American Idol

Movies such as Finding Nemo, Spiderman, Superman, and Cars

Activities such as sports, dance, crafts, and cooking

Other general themes could include princesses, superheroes, circus, and animals

The most important factor is choosing a theme that your child will enjoy so ask your child if he has a specific theme in mind for his party.

Themes for Teens

First things first, your teen may not want a theme. Themes may be very uncool at this time in their lives. So ask first. Use the same guidelines as above if your teen gives you the ok. Also consider something as simple as a color scheme so that you can at least decorate and make the party space look festive.

Themes for Adults

The best way to choose a theme for an adult party is to consider the personality of the person or people that the party is for. Would they enjoy a Hawaiian luau or a karaoke party? Is an “Over the Hill” theme appropriate? The best place to go to get ideas is a party store or party web site. They offer decorations and favors in all sorts of themes!

What You Need for Your Themed Party

All of these items should be within the chosen theme or something complementary such as a coordinating color.

Decorations

Balloons

Banners

Table Centerpiece

Streamers

Serving Items

Dinner Plates

Cake Plates

Cups

Napkins

Cutlery

Tablecloth

Don’t forget about party favors. Children’s parties should include goodie bags that include small toys and candy. These favors are a special thank you to guests for attending the party. Try to keep in the theme of the party and the favor will be a special memory for years to come!

This timeline is designed to keep you on track while planning a birthday party. This way nothing is forgotten, everything gets accomplished, and there is no last minute running around. This is as stress-free as it gets. Now if only cleaning up after the party was so easy….

6 to 8 weeks before the big day!

• Choose the date and time of the party.
• Check with all important guests that they have the date available.
• Create the guest list.
• Book the location of the party and make a deposit or hire any entertainers for a party at home.
• Choose the theme of the party and start thinking of cute ways to incorporate this theme.
• If you are ordering anything personalized, such as invitations, banners, or napkins, then place the order now so that everything arrives in time for the party.

4 to 6 weeks before the festivities!

• Address the invitations and mail out. Specify an RSVP date.
• Start shopping for your party supplies and favors. Try to stick with the theme!
• It is a good idea to keep the guest list handy to record responses when people call.

2 to 4 weeks before the celebration!

• Plan all activities including crafts, games, and other entertainment.
• Purchase all necessary supplies for all activities.
• Create a few CD’s for background music during the party.
• Decide on the menu. This should be based on the time of day the party will be held.
• Place an order for any catering and/or birthday cake.

The week before!

• Start cleaning your house now. Nobody likes to rush around at the last minute!
• Call any guests that have not yet responded.
• Test out all activities with your child to make sure they are doable and fun!

The day before the big party!

• Confirm any entertainers, caterer, and birthday cake.
• Prepare any food that can be made ahead of time.
• Put together goodie bags for the kids.
• Set up any of the activities that will be out of the way until the next day.
• Charge camera and video camera batteries.
• Finish up last minute cleaning.

The day of the party!

• Finish setting up all possible activities.
• Pick up the birthday cake.
• Purchase balloons and hang some on the mailbox for guests to see.
• Hang decorations and set out plates, napkins, cups, and silverware for food.
• Prepare a spot for gifts.
• Place the candles and matches near the cake and paper and pen near the gifts.
• Make sure your birthday boy or girl is all ready as well as any siblings.
• Set up the food.

Lastly, have a great time!

Remember how important turning 16 was? It was a turning point for the majority of us. Finally we are able to drive and gain some independence. In older days we could now be married and have children! Instead, we throw our children a Sweet 16 party.

My Super Sweet 16, for those of you that are Mtv challenged, is a reality television show that spotlights rich kids whose parents spare no expense in order to give their child the best Super Sweet 16 Party ever! These children make huge demands. They fly to Paris to get a special dress and have to have famous music artists perform. They tend to be rude, spoiled, rich kids that feel entitled to this rite of passage. However, they have shown a few children that are genuinely grateful to their parents for everything they are doing in order to give them the perfect party.

Now that your angel is about to turn 16, the pressure is on. Your child has likely seen this television show and although she may be realistic that you cannot spend $100,000+ on her Sweet 16, she may expect something similar to what we expect to see at a wedding. She will likely still want to have a better party than all of her friends. We all know just how demanding, selfish, self-important, and manipulative teenagers can be. We were all one once and we knew everything then too. As a parent, it is now your choice.

Tell us how you feel about your child’s Super Sweet 16. Will you do everything in your power and spend your last dime to give your child the most memorable party of the year? Will you set limits? Is your child demanding a party that will rival those she sees on television? How are you going to celebrate your child’s Sweet 16?

If you aren’t familiar with MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 Click Here

Birthdays are a milestone at any age, some people love having them, some hate them. If you are planning a birthday party, recently went to a party or just plain love your birthday, this is the venue for you. Please feel free to share photos of your party, planning tips, ideas and more. Was your party a flop? Tell us about it. Was your party outrageous? We want to hear the good, the bad and the ugly!