Party People! Expert advice for planning your child’s next birthday BY EMILEY BAINBRIDGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
What’s the secret to planning kid birthday parties without also experiencing (your own) glitter-covered meltdown? We asked three local party planners for their top tips. Thanks to contributors: Chelsey Flint with Chelsey Flint Events, Pilar Esparza Garcia with Balandra Events and Marisa Hastings with Marisa Made. Where does a busy parent begin? What's the best first step? Chelsey: Picking a theme is the best starting point. Figure out what your child likes and wants. It doesn’t have to be cheesy! Pilar: You need a date and a plan. What’s the theme? What’s your budget? How many people are you expecting? Once you have decided on the theme, budget and number of guests, then you look for where to host the party. If you have a big yard, I would suggest having the party at home, that way you can save some money on the venue. However, living in Oklahoma, the weather is so unpredictable that, if it’s possible and in the budget, GET A VENUE! Marisa: Step one has to be deciding on your theme! Whether that’s a color scheme, character, pop star, etc. I always like to remind my parents of toddlers: they won’t have much to say at this age, so you choose! When they get older, they will have so much to say! How can I involve my child in planning their party? Chelsey: I think it’s important to see what they want to do. Do they want a bounce house? Do they want to go swimming? What kind of cake? Kids love that kind of stuff! Pilar: I would ask my kid what theme they would like their party to be (if he or she can talk. If the child is very young, I would pay attention to the things he or she likes and choose a
MARISA HASTINGS, OWNER OF MARISA MADE, SETS UP FOR A PARTY. PHOTO BY C.DRESEL PHOTOGRAPHY.
related theme.) They can also participate when giving options regarding the cake, balloons or even games to play at the party. Marisa: Easy! Study them for a while and see what they are in to. Then, choose three options for them to choose from. Once the theme is decided, take them décor, food, cake and party favor (window) shopping.
KIDS CAN GET INVOLVED IN PARTY PLANNING BY HELPING CHOOSE THE THEME, COLORS, CAKE FLAVORS AND ACTIVITIES. PHOTO BY CHELSEY FLINT EVENTS.
52 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JULY-AUGUST 2023
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