8 Cost-Efficient & Time-Saving Tips Every Kiddie Party Planner Should Remember

Organizing a birthday party can be time-consuming. As a busy mom or dad, you must split your time efficiently juggling with work and being a kiddie party planner. Not to mention, birthday parties can break the bank if you’re not careful with your spending.

So how can you save time and money when planning a birthday party? These tips should show you how.

• Send online invitations. Cut cost on paper invitations with digital invites. You can even personalize your e-invitations to match the theme, include your baby’s pictures and follow up on RSVPs.
• Keep the party short. Children have a very short attention span. Likewise, the adults may be busy with work and other activities to hold your party for only about two to three hours. The younger the kids are, the shorter your party should be and the cheaper the cost you’ll have.
• Hunt party supplies early. A smart kiddie party planner is always on the lookout for sale throughout the year. This lets you compare prices and get the best deals. Plus, you won’t have to do some last-minute shopping and end up with overpriced supplies.
• Finger food is key. You don’t have to worry about preparing the party food for hours. Pies, pizza, tacos, chips—kids love finger foods so make a quick call for pizza, chicken, or friend and have your menu delivered for less hassle.
• Go for a pre-made cake. Kids would love frosting, sprinkling, and be decorating a birthday cake. No need to worry about customizing the cake because you can order pre-made ones and let your little guests do the rest.
• Use your connections. Got a friend who owns a pool? How about asking him to let you rent the place at a discounted price? Tap your personal networks for entertainment! You can even invite the local police and ask them to come over in a uniform like what this child did on his birthday:

• Celebrate with a friend. If your kid has a close buddy who is also celebrating his birthday, why not throw a double celebration for them? You get to split the cost and the responsibility while your guests enjoy the party so it’s a win-win for all.
• Ask the kids to help. Save time cleaning up by enlisting the kids to help. Tell them where the garbage bag is and ask them to throw their used paper plates and disposables after finishing up their meal. Plus, you get to teach them some good habits.

Birthdays should be celebrated, but if you’re on a tight schedule and budget, it wouldn’t hurt to take some advice to save up. If you opt to be the party planner yourself, remember these tips to pull off a time-saving and cost-effective party for your kids.