I’ve always enjoyed planning parties, and now that I have a baby, I finally have the perfect excuse to go all out. That being said, I wish I had more time! For Alisia’s 1st birthday, I planned an Alice in ONEderland theme. Her birthday is just a few days before my favorite holiday—you guessed it—Halloween! This gave me the perfect excuse to do a costume party. Guests could come dressed up and not feel weird about it because it was also Halloween.
This year, I’m planning TWO wild, a safari theme, since Alisia is now fascinated by jungle animals. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes!
Since I’ve learned a lot from planning these parties, I thought I’d share my checklist for moms who, like me, love organizing but sometimes wish they had a bit more time
Get the printable checklist PDF for free.
Detailed party checklist
One month before the party
- Choose a theme: Find a theme based on your child’s interests (animals, cartoon characters, superheroes).
- Set a date and time: Make sure to pick a date that works for family and friends, especially those you want to be there.
- Set a budget: Consider how much you’re willing to spend on the venue, decorations, food, entertainment, and party favors.
- Book a venue (if needed): If you’re hosting the party outside of your home, it’s best to reserve the location early.
- Create a guest list: Write down all the people you and your child want to invite, keeping in mind the size of your venue and budget.
- Send out invitations: You can either go the traditional paper route or send digital invitations.
- Plan activities: Think about the games and activities that will entertain the kids.
Three weeks before the party
- Order or make party favors: These are small gifts for the guests to take home. Some examples include small toys, stickers, or themed trinkets.
- Order cake or cupcakes: If you’re getting the cake from a bakery, place your order now. If you’re making it yourself, gather your supplies.
- Plan the menu: Make a list of all the snacks, meals, and drinks you’ll serve at the party.
- Buy or make decorations: Whether you’re ordering online or DIY-ing, make sure to gather things like banners, balloons, backdrops, and props.
- Buy party supplies: This includes essentials like tablecloths, plates, cups, napkins, utensils, platters, and garbage bags.
- Confirm entertainers or activities: If you’re having entertainment like a clown, magician, or bounce house, confirm the booking now.
- Order games or activity materials: You may want to provide items for games like bubbles, bean bag toss, or scavenger hunts.
Three days before the party
- Prepare decorations: Start setting up or organizing the decorations you’ll need.
- Confirm supplies: Double-check that you have everything for the party, from food to party favors.
- Confirm the weather: If your party is outdoors, make sure to check the weather forecast and have a backup plan.
- Confirm the guest list: Reach out to any invitees who haven’t responded yet.
- Confirm help (photographer, music, entertainers, etc.): Ensure all helpers or hired professionals are ready to go.
- Plan activities: Organize the games and activities you’ll be hosting.
- Plan for seating and tables: If you need extra chairs or tables, now’s the time to set them up.
One to two days before the party
- Set up decorations: If you’re hosting the party at home or can access the venue early, start setting up the decorations.
- Pick up the cake: Or bake the cake if you’re doing it yourself.
- Buy or prepare food: If you’re serving homemade food, start prepping it now. If you’re ordering, make sure to arrange pickup or delivery.
- Check the guest list: Review the guest list again and prepare any last-minute changes.
The morning of the party
- Finish decorating: Add final touches, like inflating balloons, arranging party favors, and setting up props.
- Set up food and drink station: Make sure snacks, meals, and drinks are ready to go.
- Set up activities and games: Organize all the materials for games or crafts.
- Set up tables and seating: Ensure there’s enough space for kids and parents to sit comfortably.
After the party
- Send thank you notes: A small thank you card or message is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for your guests.
Other notes
When creating the invitations, I used Greetings Island because it’s free, offers beautiful designs, and lets you track RSVPs, which is super handy. I’ve also heard great things about Paperless Post if you’re looking for more premium designs, but I personally loved the simplicity of Greetings Island.
Comment below if you want a product list for any of the themes I’ve done.
