Planning a party can be an overwhelming task. To help ensure you have everything you need, here is the ultimate checklist for how to plan a kids party hire.

1. Choose a venue and time

Select a suitable venue and time for your event. Consider these key things when finding the perfect venue:

• Date and time of your event.
• Number of guests.
• The size of the space and facilities available.
• How easy is it for attendees to get to.

Make sure to also ask about any restrictions on noise levels or alcohol consumption. Finally, be sure to book the venue early to ensure it is available on the date of your event.

Find the perfect kids party venue with Sharesy!

2. Create a guest list

Creating a guest list for an event can be an important and time-consuming task. Before you can create a comprehensive list, you need to determine the size of the event and the budget for the event.

Once you have determined these details, you can begin creating your guest list.

3. Decide on your theme

Decide on a theme for your kids party hire: Consider the age and interests of the guests. I am sure your littlies will already have some ideas on this already. In our household we have had what seems like all the themes! A personal favourite for our kids was the 'under the sea' theme.

Your theme, once you've decided is then the lynch pin that pulls everything else together. Your invites, decorations, entertainment, food and favours.

Here are some other themes that are popular:

• Superheroes & Princesses.
• Animals (safari, jungle, dinosaurs, reptiles, farm, etc)
• Crafting Parties.
• Sporty parties.
• Pirates & Mermaids.
  

4. Book your entertainment

If you decide to book an entertainer, it is better to do it sooner rather than later. Really popular entertainers can get booked up months in advance, so to avoid disappointment do this as soon as you can.

Whether you're looking for an actor dressed up as your child's favourite character, a magician to delight your guests, or a DJ to get the party started, the entertainment options are endless. Many entertainers have websites with reviews so you can get a flavour of what they are like.

We also like word of mouth recommendations from our friends and family too! I also like to call a few days before the party to double check the entertainer has all the information they need to ensure they arrive on time and get their on the day contact number! The last thing you want on the day is a hall full of children, a late entertainer and no way of contacting them!

Check out our Sharesy Directory (coming soon) for our party supplier list!

5. Send out invitations

Once you have booked your venue, decided on your theme, booked your entertainer and compiled your list of potential guests, now is the time to send out those invites!

There are obviously many ways to invite people to a party but the simplest way these days is to create a WhatsApp group for your party. That way you can target all of your invitees in one go.

However, if you need to send out an actual invitation there are some alternatives to a WhatsApp group:

• Send online invitations. Here are just two of many that are out there. We think the invites at Greenvelope and Paperless Post are fab!
• Send paper invitations. Check out the cute dinosaur designs by Zazzle

6. Get your party supplies

Get the necessary supplies to make your party a success. Stock up on plates, cups, utensils, napkins and any other items you might need to serve your guests. Don't forget the decorations! You can add a special touch to your event with some festive decorations.

From tablecloths to decorative centrepieces, adding some flair to your tables can make the party even more memorable. Make sure you have enough supplies for everyone attending. It's always good to have a few extra items on hand just in case you get the unexpected extra guest or two.

We recommend checking out Etsy for cute themed party supplies. The best thing about this is that you are also supporting small business owners too!

Remember to check with your kids party hire to make sure they're okay with everything.

7. Plan the kids party catering

Planning the food menu is essential for a successful event. Check out our top tips for party food blog here!

Remember, party planning can be daunting so keep the food simple and prep as much as you can a day or two before so you don't have to worry about it all on the day! And if in doubt, order pizza to be delivered right to your doorstep!

8. Order or make your cake

Birthday cakes are a staple of any birthday celebration. From simple sheet cakes to elaborate tiered creations, birthday cakes come in all shapes and sizes.

No matter what type of cake you choose, it’s sure to be the highlight of any birthday celebration. With a little creativity and some delicious ingredients, you can create the perfect birthday cake for your loved one! Or, if like me, you don't have a baking bone in your body, you can always outsource the cake baking to a local supplier.

Check out the Sharesy Directory for some ideas.

9. On the Day

If you have the option, book the hall for an extra half an hour for set up, it always seems to take a bit longer than expected!

• Set up your decorations, this seems to take the longest time. Hang up streamers, blow up balloons, and arrange any other fun items you plan to use.
• Lay out all of your pre-prepare food. If you did your prep the night before this should be a quick and easy job.
• If you have booked an entertainer, let them get set up and organised.
• Greet guests: Welcome your guests as they arrive and make sure they feel comfortable. It is good to have a table where guests can drop off gifts.
• Take pictures: Don’t forget to take lots of pictures to document the event!
• Give out party bags and birthday cake: If you plan on giving out party bags, have them ready to hand out as people are leaving.‍

‍10. Have a cleanup plan

Having a cleanup plan is extremely useful!

Most venues will expect the space to be left clean and as it was before the party started. They will likely have a broom for you to use to sweep the floor after the party too!

Using environmentally friendly disposable plates, cups and napkins, are great because it makes the clean up job a lot easier as it minimises the amount of washing up you need to do.

Top tips:

• Bring lots of bin bags for your waste
• Kitchen roll or wipes to wipe down surfaces
• Ask a few friends to help pack away chairs and tables if the venues requested this. It will halve your clean up time.
• Leave the venue as it was before you arrived that way the venue will be super happy too!

Check out our perfect party venues here.