Organizing a kids party can be a daunting task for parents. With the length of the guest list often being a priority, it can be hard to make sure that the event is successful without over-inviting. How can you find the right balance between inviting enough people to keep everyone entertained and having too many guests which can lead to overwhelmed parents and children? Read on to learn the tips and tricks for creating the perfect atmosphere for your party with the perfect number of guests.
Benefits of Small Parties
Having an intimate gathering is beneficial for both parents and guests. With a smaller number of attendees, parents are able to monitor activities with ease and young children may have more opportunity to engage with their peers and make connections. Parents may also find it easier to stay in budget, as fewer guests mean fewer presents to buy or activities to plan. Hosts are also able to talk to each and every one of their guests, giving everyone a chance to shine.
Planning Ahead to Avoid Overcrowding
Before sending out invitations, make sure that the space available for the party is big enough for all the guests. Think about how attendees will be distributed around the venue, and decide whether the size of the party is appropriate for the space. Some parents opt for two (or more) smaller parties – one for each age group – if they have multiple children, or don’t want too many people in each room.
Controlling Numbers at the Party
Limiting the number of attendees is an important part of keeping everyone happy. When sending out invitations, make sure that adults and children alike all have a specific number of invitations they can distribute. It might be helpful to ask all guests to RSVP before the event so that you can have an accurate count of who will be attending.
Ideas for a Smaller Party
If throwing an intimate gathering is the best option, there are still plenty of ways to make the event special. From hiring an entertainer such as a magician or face painter who can engage all the guests, to reserving a space in an indoor playground or setting up an outdoor tent for a movie night – there are plenty of options for smaller gatherings that can still be fun for all involved.
Keeping Kids Engaged in a Smaller Group
When attending a smaller party, it can be beneficial to prepare activities that will help keep all the children engaged. This might involve setting up a craft station or game stations where kids are encouraged to work together. Pre-planned and pre-organized activities may help keep both kids and adults entertained and on task.
Setting Up an RSVP System
For larger groups where there may be more guests than activities available, it’s important to set up an RSVP system in order to monitor numbers. This should include details such as names and contact information, as well as requests if applicable. Consider also setting up a nutrition and allergy questionnaire in order to ensure that everyone attends with food options that are suitable for them.
Making Sure Parents are Involved Too
For parents attending a smaller party, it’s important to involve them in some way – even if it’s just supervising activities or helping to serve food. Recruiting other adults to help out with activities or provide help with any unexpected needs during the event can help alleviate some of the stress from the main host.
Financial Implications of Having a Bigger Party
When deciding on how many guests to invite, make sure that you consider relevant financial implications. Some items will need to be purchased in advance, like food and craft supplies, so consider if it is more cost-effective to have a larger gathering or keep the numbers small. Consider budgeting wisely so that you don’t overspend while still ensuring the event is enjoyable for all.
Setting an Age Limit for Guests
If you’re having a smaller celebration for a specific age group like a teenage birthday party or a milestone birthday party for grown-ups, consider setting an age limit for your guest list. It’s important to keep in mind that age limits will probably affect guest turnout – some people may not attend due to not meeting the requirements – but it may also create a more focused event with activities tailored specifically to the age range.
Dealing With Uninvited Guests
No host wants uninvited guests at their party, so it’s important to manage any potential gatecrashers. Make sure that party details are only shared among family members and those invited by you. It’s also helpful to make sure guests RSVP with accurate numbers so that you don’t end up having uninvited plus-ones showing up at your door on the day of the event.
Delegating Duties to Help Manage the Crowd
If there are too many people at a party and you find yourself overwhelmed by managing everything by yourself, look for ways to delegate some tasks to willing volunteers. This could mean asking one or two friends to help out with supervising any active games or craft activities, or asking older siblings or other responsible adults to chaperone the younger kids if needed.
It’s easy to get caught up in planning every small detail when organizing a kids party, and although it’s important to have a good time, it should not come at the expense of everyone getting overwhelmed. By taking the time to plan ahead and ensure that everyone involved is enjoying themselves, parents can ensure that their child’s special day is all they expect without overcrowding.
