I’m in awe of those who can plan a truly fabulous party. If party-planning doesn’t come naturally to you, I’ve collected some quick tips to help you plan amazing parties (and save money doing it). But first, the inspiration for this post, Shelley’s Sweet Shoppe party over at How Does She – her adorable twins had the best.first.birthday.ever with this amazing sugary pink party. All photos by Kara Jo Photography. [check out this adorable pink party at How Does She?]
Quick Tip: Make ruffled streamers and hang them in sweet stripes as a background for your party
Choose a theme… and stick to it
One thing I’ve noticed in the party posts we all drool over is that the planners choose a theme and do not deviate. In order to make maximum impact, every detail of the party must serve the theme.
Saving Money: a theme helps you save money because it eliminates excess components that don’t fit in your theme. It gives you direction for where to spend your money, and what items to include in the party.
Now, being the social/squishy person I am, I have to remind you that the MAIN theme of any party is the person it’s being planned for. In your quest to create the perfect party, please don’t forget the guest of honor (and the rest of your guests). Make sure the experience is great for everyone by focusing on the guests, including yourself, on the day of the party. Nobody likes a partyzilla. Which brings us to my next point:
10 Comments
Sarah
Loved this post!!
Jen M
Great post, and thanks for the link-up! :) It’s so funny because I’m working on the munchkin’s first birthday party now and despite all my “heck no!” rhetoric, I’m still finding myself going crazy making cute party favors. Oh well, at least they’re dollar-store friendly. :) Stay tuned.
Cheryl
Can I just say THANK YOU!!!! My baby girl’s first birthday is next month & I wanted to make a stylish, themed party like the gorgeous one you showed here, but my skills at throwing together party decor are a bit pathetic and I’ve been overwhelmed/intimidated by all the blog party phenoms out there. Thanks to your tips I’ve got some good & cheap ideas that aren’t going to take years or boost the stress level. Yay!!
Alison@howdoesshe
YAY!!! Thanks for posting this. I will show Shelley and she will be so excited to be featured here. I went to the party and her girls had a blast. They were loving all the attention. Thanks again!!!
Shelley@howdoesshe
Yes I am totally honored to be featured here!!! :) Thanks for showing off my girls! ;)
Sophia
I am currently planning my son’s 2nd birthday party. Here are a few of the projects I have going:
It’s Dr. Seuss themed. I have been collecting Dr.Seuss books and stuffed animals (Kohl’s had cute one’s for $5 each a few months ago), plus Dr.Seuss anything will never go out of style in my house. (I’m a big fan myself) The books and stuffed animals will be part of the party decor. For party favors- I found a pack of 50 bookmarks on ebay for $3. Pencils, erasers, and stickers (all Dr.Seuss) found in a $1 section at a certain big box store. A great online source also- oriental trading company. I found enough Cat in the Hat wearable paper hats for all the party guests for just $12. They also have great prices on whimsical candy. I did purchase a few Seuss party items online, but am supplementing with primary colored streamers, balloons, etc (from the Dollar Store!)Making my own cake (but that’s what I do anyway =)) And making cupcakes too. Red cupcake liners, blue frosting (for Thing 1 & Thing 2) The party is in our backyard, and we have a large sliding glass door that I will be decorating with my own Seuss artwork using Crayola Window crayons. I downloaded a Dr. Seuss font, so I will make my own party banner, gift tags and labels, keeping with the theme. Oh, and the food I am making- snacks and drinks from the Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham cookbook!
heather
@Sophia: Fun ideas!!
I saw some Dr. Seuss stuff at Target’s dollar spot recently. Maybe you will find some good things there. Also, I did a Dr. Seuss craft roundup at my other blog: http://croqzine.com/?p=1290
Thanks for the great comment!
Kim
Great post! It’s so try to stay focused, plan & remember to have fun! Another great tip is to look for things around your house to incorporate, don’t just buy more!
hugs! Kim @ Love you better
Lora Anne M
There are some great ideas on this party tutorial! Looking forward to planning my son’s first birthday. I was sent over from mycraftchannelblog.
Mindy
Great ideas!
Wondering where I can get those fonts that you used on the bunting?? Do you know, by chance?
Thanks so much!
Mindy