Shortycake's Rules for Party Planning Rule#3

Let's recap. Rule#1-Remember why I'm having the party. Rule#2-Create a budget

Now on the the third rule I use when planning a party...

Rule#3: Always have a Theme
This rule is pretty self-explanatory taken at face value, but having a theme doesn't mean just buying a few themed paper plates and hanging a matching banner-its about setting the tone for the entire event. 

Once I've determined the major money taker for the party (and for my personal shin-digs its usually the food and libations), I see what I have left and work the theme to the best of my remaining budget. Its funny, the smaller the budget it seems the more creative one can be with the decor. 

Work from those printed paper plates by incorporating their colors or a key element in the design. If its a Winnie the Pooh theme, yellows and reds are the colors that should be everywhere in your venue, honey should be in something on the menu, music in the background could be a compilation of all songs with the word honey in it (or songs sung by Pooh himself), treats can be shaped like bears, party favors can be little jars of honey (or Shortycake Cookies shaped like a honey jar), serve orange colored juice and label it "Tigger Juice", I can go on and on and on, but I'm sure you get the idea.



Keep the theme in mind for all the planning.

If I'm throwing a Fiesta, I'm not going to serve pierogies and by all means I will make sure the tortilla chips, salsa, and tequila won't run out!

Shortycake's Rules for Party Planning Rule#2

Rule#2: Always create a Budget
Now this rule is a bit tricky and quite touchy for some people. Allow me to get all Clinton on you, it depends on the definition of "Budget". For me, Budget does not equal On-the-Cheap. When planning an event I determine how much money I am (or my client is) willing to spend to make it memorable. Like I've told many a brides, think back to all the weddings you've been to, what do you remember about them? That's what everyone else does too! (Here's a secret...most people remember the cake! Not necessarily what it looked like but how it tasted and how it was served.) 

Break down your budget based on what you want your guests to remember (in a good way).  If its the cake, don't go all warehouse on it-do some research and find a bakery to make it Wow! (Obligatory shout out to Deerfields Bakery-Best cakes ever!) 

After my big expense is determined that's when I start wheeling and dealing with the list of remainder party must-haves. Which depends on Rule#3, and that's for tomorrow!

Rule#1

Shortycake's Rules for Party Planning

It's coming summer and prime season for Parties! Over the past 20 years I have been known to throw some good fiestas. Because of my ample years of experience I have a few basic "Rules" I use when putting together any event. And now I will share them with you!

Rule #1. Remember the Why

I have attended many a party where it was not certain why it was even being thrown.  Of course, I knew they were for birthdays, babies, holidays, etc. but based on the atmosphere, the hosting, the flow of events, and the beverages & food, there seemed no thought, care, or enthusiasm went into the planning. I wasn't a guest, I was just there to drop off a gift.

Every party I host or plan I continuously remind myself of the Why. The Why for any and every party is for my guests to celebrate with me/my husband/my daughter/the guest of honor/etc. My invitees are the focus no matter the occasion for the party. I am having the party for them and they need to leave the party happy to have come! 

Go to Rule #2

Fun Budget Party Ideas

At the park today I was asked how old my dare-devil daughter is.  I proudly stated 22 months and continued spotting her from the trapeze-like play-yard thingy she was on.  Then it hit me! She's 22 months! This means she will be 2 in June. This means I have to plan her party!

Shortycake Creations Party Creations does party planning, day of coordinating, cookie tables, and more. And yes, I am at the helm of this venture and thoroughly love taking the burden of the details off of people's shoulders and allowing them to enjoy their events, BUT I'm also a mom of a soon to be 2 year old who will need some type of party to ring in the success of her full second year.

Last year we did a Carnival themed 1st birthday which took well over 2 months to plan, and was a complete success. There are just over 8 weeks for party number 2 and I, just like everyone else these days, am on a tight budget and an even tighter schedule because of the other parties I'm detailing.

So tonight in-between my search for rental linens, event backdrops, bulk candy, and cookie cutters I looked up some budget friendly kid party ideas.  Fun Budget Party Ideas at parents.com gave me what I was needing-ideas for a party that I can put together in a pinch without breaking the bank and still work my normal schedule on, ironically, the party planning and cookie favors & gifts I have scheduled to do.

"A day at the Zoo" is looking like one of the top themes for birthday number 2! I may need to call on Shortycake Creations to take over the details. :-)