Selecting a Date for your Child's Party

It would be a perfect world if every child could have their birthday party actually on their birth day. However, today's world consists of holidays, schedules, and other factors. First look at the child's actual birth date and work from there. It is not a good idea to schedule your child's party on a holiday, because some businesses are closed and guests often have traditions of being at certain family events. If you are having a home birthday party that is at a holiday time like Christmas or Halloween, then unless you are planning on having those decorations as your theme, you may want to schedule two weeks ahead or behind those holidays. If the birthday falls on or near a holiday, for attendance purposes, you may want to have the party at least a week before or after the holiday. Remember the most important person to attend the birthday party is the birthday child. Check your birthday child's calendar schedule of upcoming events. Then, look at your schedule for possible conflicts. Sunday afternoon parties allow for preparation and higher guest attendance. Sunday is typically a morning religious school day. Starting the party at 12:30 pm, you will need to provide a lunch as is the typical custom. If the party is only to last two hours and begins at 2pm, then you can get away with just cake and ice-cream. If the party starts anytime after 4pm, then plan on serving dinner.

Once you have picked a date and time using the above you will need to check it against your desired party location for possible conflicts and to obtain reservations if required.

Things to Consider when Inviting Guests

Not everyone will be able to attend. So, do not feel guilty! It is your child's celebration. Your child will be happy knowing you are there along with other family/friends. Generally close family and friends try to attend, however age differences and activities may negatively affect attendance. Neighbors, old friends, current friends, religious school friends, general school friends, as well as special friends from sports and social clubs can all be seen as possible guests to be invited.

I have found the following to hold true based on my parties and those of family and friends, 1/3 to 2/3 of all children invited can attend. So, do invite more than you want to be present or your child may have a lonely party. Do not concern yourself about changing the date to suit a particular friend. After all, children have been known not to show due to an illness or a last minute accident. Tell your child this from the beginning so he/she will be accepting of those who are attending.

Only send birthday invitations to children who you know their complete mailing address and phone number, unless they are neighbors living close by on your street. This allows you to follow-up with people whom you do not receive an RSVP. Sometimes invitations become lost in the mail or become misplaced. It is easy to knock on a neighbor's door for a verbal RSVP or to make a phone call to verify the invitation was received. You never know if an invitation has been received if you do not call. Never assume the worst or best. If you do not receive an RSVP by a week before the party, then call to get an accurate party attendance number.