Guides
The children's
party.
Designed for a child, judged entirely by adults — on whether it answers four practical questions.
How do you plan a children's birthday party?
Book two to three months ahead for a venue, and send invitations two to three weeks before — earlier is forgotten, later and weekends are gone. The invitation must answer four things: what time it ends, whether to stay or drop off, whether food is provided, and who to contact.
01
The timeline.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 2–3 months before | Venue, if you are using one — good ones book early |
| 4 weeks before | Design and print |
| 2–3 weeks before | Send |
| 1 week before | Chase; ask about allergies with the reply |
| 3 days before | Final numbers to the venue or the caterer |
02
The pieces.
- The invitation — with the parent block on it. That block is the whole job.
- Table pieces and favour tags — a small amount goes a long way, and children genuinely notice their own name on something.
- A welcome sign — helps arriving parents find the right room, which is a real problem at venues.
- Thank-you cards — a good exercise for the child, and remembered by the other parents.
Ask about allergies on the invitation, not at the table. One line — "please let us know about any allergies when you reply" — prevents the most stressful moment of a children's party.
04
Common questions
Drop-off or stay?
Say it explicitly, in those words. Ambiguity produces either a room full of unexpected adults or a parent who left when they should not have.
Whole class or a few friends?
Either is fine; what causes upset is inviting most of a class. If you are not inviting everyone, send invitations outside school.
Can we say no presents?
Yes, and it is increasingly common. Expect a few anyway.
Designed properly, even at six.
A children's party is still an event with an identity — invitation, table pieces, favour tags and signage that belong together.
See kids' birthday design