Preparing a party can be a stressful time for parents because of the expectations of the children and your own desire to hold the perfect party.

Our bouncy castles and inflatables can provide the perfect backdrop for themed parties for children of all ages and adults too, if you’re looking for 16th, 18th, 21st or 30th birthday party ideas,

Whether your event is indoors or outdoors, make sure you are in control of the party from the start with your party plan.

Young children tend to have a fairly short attention span so it is a good idea to plan plenty of activities and consider how you will keep their attention and keep the party under control.

Being organised will help the party run smoothly and below are a few tips to help you through the process.

Party Planning Tips

6-8 weeks prior

• Select a date and if you want to hold a party in a hall rather than at home then choose and book your venue first.
• Pick the party time – parties are generally in the afternoon between 1½ to 2 ½ hours long.
• Draw up your guest list – good idea to add a couple extras as not everyone will be able to attend, especially during school summer holidays as people go away.
• Book your bouncy castle from Rock It Inflatables.
• If you want to take the stress out of the day and arrange someone else to do the catering for you, speak to Sue at Rock It to discuss your requirements.
• Enlist help for the day – many hands make light work!
• If the party is in the school holidays, send your invitations out extra early and before the end of term, try to get contact numbers for everyone to remind them nearer the date so you can firm up on numbers.
• If you are planning an outside party do consider contingencies to allow for the great British weather. We have a selection of halls for hire on the website that may be of interest to you.

3-4 weeks prior

• Send out the invitations with directions and other details including a RSVP.
• Buy or make your decorations, or you may want to order your balloons, backdrops from Rock It Inflatable.
• Organise your party favours / bags.
• Consider the safety factors. Do you have enough support for the day. For 3 – 5 year olds, ideally you’ll need around 1 adult to every 4 children, and for 6 – 10 year olds one adult to every 6.

2 weeks to the big day

• Order the Birthday Cake or if you are making your own bake it now and pop it in the freezer.
• Decide on the food – remember parties are not a good time to introduce new foods so serve familiar favourites.
• Plan the music, games and prizes. It is worth planning more than you expect to use in case you run out of activities before the party is over.
• Confirm extra help with your family and friends.

One week prior

• Let brothers or sisters invite a friend so they don’t feel left out.
• Order helium balloons from Rock It– children love to take them home.
• Make up the party favours/ bags.
• Prepare the party games.
• Buy the non –perishable food and drink.
• Purchase plastic tablecloths, cutlery, plates and cups.
• Wrap the prizes for the games.

1 or 2 days before

• Write out the final schedule for the party.
• Get an exact guest count.
• Agree delivery and collection times for your bouncy castle and arrange access.
• Buy the food.
• Decorate the house.
• Make sure the camera and camcorder are working and the batteries fully charged.Pick up the birthday cake or defrost and decorate your own. – don’t forget the candles and matches!
• Check the weather forecast!

On the day

• Be organised.
• Ensure your child is kept busy – they will be very excited.
• Have a supply of bin liners
• Keep a supply of wipes on hand
• Young guests will be excited and there are bound to be mishaps – be prepared to deal with any spillage – a spare set of clothes can be a god send along with a good sense of humour!
• Layout food and drink
• Prepare the games and music
• Childproof the party area
• Plan a nap for your child during the day and one for yourself after the party.

And finally enjoy the day and take plenty of party pictures.

To help you plan your party we have included a downloadable party invitation for you to use…

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