Birthday Party Planning Tips and Suppliers Directory

birthdays should always be fun and memorable events.  so it's best to be armed with the right information and suppliers that will help you plan the best party your loved one will surely never forget. 

are you ready?

LET'S PARTY!


first things first.  remember these tips before doing any shopping spree and inviting those very eager guests:
1.  decide on a budget... and always remind yourself to stick to it.  you may be tempted to go all out along the way (you'll think.. it's for my son's 1st bday, he has to get the whole shebang..), but think about all the other stuffs in your household's list of monthly expenses that you and hubby have to pay for (like insurances, tuition fees, emergency fund, mortgage/rent, etc) before taking the plunge.
together with the budget is your party checklist.  include there the important details of the party, like:  date, time, venue, number of guests, caterer, decorator, theme, budget, entertainment, games and prizes, photographers, videographer, and others.
2.  take note of the celebrator's age when deciding on your party's timeslot.  if it's for your child's 1st birthday, check his nap time.  make sure it won't coincide with the party time.  otherwise, you'll have a very sleepy, grouchy celebrator.
3.  ask hubby's help in creating an initial guest list.  this way, you'll know beforehand how many will be from his and from your side.  and if the party is for an older person like your tweener, includer him/her when making your guest list.  
moreover, the number of guests you will generate here can help you decide where (and not to mention how big) to hold the party.  do take note of where 60% of your guests will be coming from.  example, if most will come from quezon city and caloocan, don't plan a late afternoon party in alabang.  unless you are sure all are willing to take the very long drive to and from the party.
4.  if possible, follow a theme.  this will tie up the whole event -- invites, costumes/attire, food, entertainment, games, decor, etc.  remember that the party theme is something the celebrator (not you, unless it's your party) personally likes.  your 7-year-old barbie-fan daughter will definitely give a fuss once she peeps inside her highschool musical themed party.  and you wouldn't want that.
5. book your suppliers early.  take this seriously especially if your party will fall on peak months like december, january or february which are also the peak months for weddings and reunions.  and remember, when you book suppliers early, you get more freebies and lower rates.
6.  if any of your siblings, parents, or bestfriends volunteers to "donate", welcome them as they will help you get more things done and booked without spending a penny more.  but please don't forget to thank and acknowledge them before the party ends.  they may just be more generous on your next party. *wink*
7.  always remember who you're planning the party for -- your son, daughter, husband, father, mother, and so forth.  sometimes, we tend to get carried away while planning the party.  we tend to infuse things we want, then force the idea upon the celebrator hoping he or she will love the idea too.  or oftentimes, we plan the whole party with the guests in mind -- just for the show, if you know what i mean -- and forget it's for our one-year old baby who will never even remember he had three main photographers and two back-ups taking photos of his every whimper and smile.  please restrain yourself from doing these.


now, i hope i have listed everything you might want to know before party-planning.  take the above tips to heart because you'll surely need them along the way.  you may share them to your friends or amigas.

for the list of suppliers, you may check the following websites:
http://www.partypreppies.com/2008/05/suppliers-directory.html
http://partypreppies.multiply.com/journal/item/3/Suppliers_Corner
http://www.weddingsatwork.com/2008beta/wp-content/themes/WeddingsAtWork/suppliersdirectory.php
http://www.eventspilipinas.com/
http://kiddieparty.ph/
http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/home-living/party-planning/Children-s-Party-Needs-Directory/page/1

if you're one of those people who swear they're not creative, but still wish to DIY some of the party stuffs to help minimize the budget, here are some helpful sites for you:
http://www.diynetwork.com/topics/crafting/index.html
http://www.doityourself.com/scat/craftsandhobbies
http://kidsparties.about.com/od/diyideas/Do_It_Yourself_Decorations_Invitations_and_other_Party_Supplies.htm
http://www.celebrating-birthdays.com/crafts/
http://www.do-it-yourself-invitations.com/Make-birthday-invitations.html

these are just a few of the sites i frequent when looking for party craft ideas.  there are still other sites out there where you can learn from, like you tube and martha stewart, to name a few.

i hope this post has been very helpful for you.  my only request is for you to share what you learned to others.  pay it forward.

TIME TO PARTY!