2 to 6 Months Before the Big Day:

• Decide the guest list so you know how big or small a party you’re having
• Book Venue (most ask for a headcount)
• Book Entertainment at http://www.MoonOnTheWater.com
• Book Photographers, Photo-Booth, or Photo-Ops
• If party is outdoors, come up with a contingency plan for rain or inclement weather
• Decide Party theme/colors-important if you want balloon decorating
• Book Balloon Decorators at http://www.MoonOntheWater.com
• Buy themed items & disposables (Sterno, plates, tablecloths, napkins, utensils… Eco friendly versions reduce your carbon footprint)
• Order banners, backdrops, & props
• Order the cake & cupcakes
• Buy non-perishable items like stuff for goody bags
• Send those invitations! Children’s parties tend to overlap weekend dates, so get your invites out early to all your guests and be sure to check your calendar for school & local events if you’re inviting classmates. Save the date magnets and goodies are perfect for weddings, Bat/bah Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s & Quinceaneras

2 Weeks to 1 Month before

• Email/Social Media reminders to your guests and include directions/ GPS location
• Check in with and pay balances due on: entertainers, photographers, caterers, cake, flowers…
• Do the big clean up to get ready for your guests & create ample space. Put away easily broken items like glass vases or art until after the party
• Set up party area as much as possible (tables & chairs), so you have just light tidying to do before the party (Leave crepe paper and balloons for the day of the party)
• If you are cooking, this is the time to make dishes you can freeze and reheat in the oven or on the stove(cabbage rolls, stuffed peppers, latkes, pasteles, tamales, lumpia, eggrolls…)
• Buy beverages. Make sure to have plenty of water on hand and some sugar free options like flavored waters, unsweetened iced tea, or seltzer
• Create decorations & Goody bags (this is when I get out my Cricut for those personalized decor items, goody bags, and custom t-shirts)
• Make sure you have ample garbage cans, recycle bins, and plenty of grabage bags on hand

2 Days Before

• Make your shopping list and start buying your perishable items
• Food prep-get all that washing and chopping done
• Verify everything is all set with the entertainers, caterers, photographers…

1 Day Before

• Pick up fresh flowers
• Last minute cooking. This is the perfect time to make veggie trays, dips, fruit trays, cookies, & cupcakes.
• Double check you have enough garbage bags/bins, utensils, plates, & goody bags-always a good idea to have extras in case of surprise guests
• Set up cake table decor (save balloons for the day of the party)
• Charge cellphones, camera, camcorder…
• Put cash in envelopes for gratuity for photographer, entertainer, decorator…
• Also a great time to make sangria or punch

Day of the Party

• Buy ice
• Pick Up Cake
• Set out covered food (ensure safe food handling/temperature)
• Secure pets and ensure their needs are met
• Greet Guests!
• Enjoy your special day!