Planning Parties – The Guest List
by Carly Lloyd
This can be something that comes naturally to some and others not so much. Planning children’s parties is something that many people would be easier, compared to other parties. I tend to disagree.
With any party, setting up a checklist is a great start. Usually, checklists work best if you have a category then sub-categories, especially when planning parties.
Specifically we will be looking at the ‘Guest List’, which you may have broken into:
Guest List:
Create a list
Get invitations
Write and send/email/hand out invites
RSVP list
These will ensure that everything to do with the ‘Guest List’ is catered for.
Keep in mind that some families may not be considerate enough to RSVP and show up unannounced and if it is for children under 8 years, some children’s parents may also stay. If your child and guests are less than 5 years old then you may actually want the parents of guests to stay! But from 5+ years you probably will want it guests only. Therefore, it's wise to put a note on the invite saying “This is a drop off party”. This is a nice way of suggesting to parents of guests that they do not need to stay.
Creating a table or excel spreadsheet, whichever is easiest for you to use is great for compiling your list and RSVP list. Using headings such as Child’s Name, Attending, Parent Attending will enable you to quickly view who is and isn’t attending and makes you more aware to ask parents if they will be staying for the duration of the party.
Overall, the most important thing when planning the Guest List is to ensure that they are who your child wants at the party. By asking the child who they want or their teacher who they play with at the setting they attend, you are able to compile a list of people who your child will really want there.
Have fun!
Carly Lloyd is founder of soon to be launched boutique design agency - Carly Lloyd Designs which provides graphic design services. She is also a blogger at Early Childhood Resources. She holds a Diploma of Children’s Services and is currently studying at Macquarie University undertaking a Bachelor of Education [Early Childhood Education].
Note: Generous Party invites are designed to be emailed to guests. However if the party parent wants to keep a hard copy of the invite for their memory box then there is a facility from within the site to print a hard copy of your child's invite. Generous Party also includes a free party planner which the party parent can download. It includes details of all your child's guests, their parents mobile number, it there are any allergy, health or dietary restrictions. The site also handles all RSVP and includes RSVP reminder of guests as well as a Party Finder facility.
