Planning a memorable birthday event can be the highlight of your child’s year, if you maximize the fun and minimize the stress. The best way to increase the magic and decrease the madness is to use a handy checklist so you can start early and get ready gradually. Or if you want to plan your party in one fell swoop a few weeks ahead, this checklist will help you do that, too.

I have been planning and hosting birthday parties for over a decade, and these steps will get you from vision to fruition. Follow these timing tips, and you’ll be able to keep a smile on your face from the day you start planning until the moment the final guest is picked up or dropped off.

10. Choose A Theme

Always have a theme. Having a focus will help you plan and execute your party without a hitch. Several months before your party date, brainstorm themes with your guest of honor.

9. Make Reservations

If there is one thing I have learned about popular party venues, it’s that they fill up early. Once you have your theme and know you will need a location away from home, get your reservations nailed down two to three months in advance.

8. Find Supplies Online

Shop local when you can to support your local economy, but for those hard-to-locate items, don’t burn up time searching for what you can easily find online. Generally speaking, one-stop party stores are not as prevalent as they used to be and you”ll likely be delighted by the variety you can find online. Just make sure to place your orders at least a month early to allow for shipping time and returns if anything is not what you”d expected.

7. Send Out Invitations

Evite wins hands-down for quick and easy party invites. Just visit evite.com, select a theme, add in your guests” e-mail addresses and send your invitations. Two weeks notice is usually just the right amount of time. But if it’s a busy time of year, add another week or two.

6. Order The Cake

Cakes and cupcakes can get expensive when you make them from scratch. Besides, the kids will probably like the local big-box or grocery store sheet cakes just as much as homemade. Order one week ahead for pickup up on party day for the freshest results.

5. Tackle Your Local Shopping List

Despite ordering ahead online, you probably still have a few items you need to pick up locally. Be sure to pick them up at least a week ahead in case you can’t find something and need to order it online after all.

4. Recruit helpers

Why try to do everything yourself when you can have so much more fun at your party with plenty of helping hands standing by? See page 36 for suggestions on finding helpers.

3. Curry Favors

Favors don’t have to be expensive or intricate. For a home party, go simple, fun and inexpensive. Be as eco-friendly as possible by offering favors in a reusable container. If hosting a party elsewhere, consider letting the party be favor enough or simply offering a small treat to guests on the way out like a lollipop or a candy necklace.

2. Set Up A Day Ahead

If you are ordering any large food deliveries like pizza, place your order a day ahead. Don’t forget to check online for any discounts or coupons. Then go ahead and tackle as much prep work as you can. Decorations? Food preparation? Party favors? Activity prep? Everything will go smoother on party day if you take care of as much as you can the day before.

1. Party Down!

Get a good night’s sleep. Allow at least two hours prior for set up and one hour afterwards for clean up. Then enjoy every memorable moment. Designate a party photographer, if your hands will be full, to document the day.

Who Can Help?

  • Both parents need to contribute. Don’t forget to factor in Dad’s strengths before, during and after the festivities.
  • Babysitters or neighbor teens make great party helpers. I pay our sitter to attend because I always need extra help, and I also want her to share in making memories.
  • Exchange party help with a friend. You help with her child’s party and then ask for the favor back for your child’s party.
  • Just ask! You never know when a guest’s parent might enjoy helping and you might make a new mom friend this way. Once you have the final attendance list, use evite.com to inquire if anyone is available to pitch in.
  • Some people make better ‘special guests” than helpers. Siblings of yours or the guest of honor may fall into this category, as may elderly grandparents or visiting relatives. For peace of mind during the party, only invite those you know in advance will be gracious helpers.

50 Local Places for a Blowout Birthday Party

If the kids are looking for a new birthday party spot, here are 50 fresh ideas for away-from-home parties in the Denver area. Bonus: You don’t have to clean the house before or after the party!

Active/Sports

Creative

Animals/Farms

STEM

History/Museum

Imagination/Cosplay

Cooking/Food

Amusement/Play Spaces

This article was originally published in July 2016.
Christina Katz

Christina Katz is a veteran journalist, author, and coach with over a decade and a half of experience making the world a more expressive place.