Throw a children’s birthday party without breaking the bank.

As an event planner my “mom-friends” are always asking me for advice on what is the most cost-effective way to throw a children’s birthday party without breaking the bank. I came up with the following list of tips
Tip 1
Watch your guest list.
Your guest list will dictate how large your party gets. Invite only who your child LIKES. Forget about the PC thing to do in this case. I find that children remember small events best. As for the parents…
You’ll be less stressed.
You’ll be able to have fun.
MOST IMPORTANT you’ll be able to focus on the most important person YOUR CHILD!
Tip 2
Hold the party at your own house.
If you host your own party at home, then you’ll save on the cost of paying for a recreation center or outside entertainment spot for the children. Renting a place out can be in the hundreds of dollars so keep this cost in mind. But if you have a small place and you’d rather not tidy up, then maybe visit a local pizza parlor or Chuck E. Cheese for the festivities.
Or host it at the local playground
Most cities and towns have them. Some have beautiful picnic areas and swings and wonderful climbing structures – add cake and ice cream cups and you have a party
Tip 3
Set up an arts and crafts time as alternative entertainment.
I normally look into the Oriental Trading catalog for affordable crafts that are the favor to give away during parties. Set up stations like crayons and markers with pads of large newsprint. Paint your own frames and make sure you hire a high school student to help out.
Tip 4
Cook your own food, bake your own cake or get them all from Costco!
Again, it’s your time and energy versus the money you spend picking up readymade dishes. Another money saving tip is try serving drinks from large bottles, rather than individual containers and offering these items from bulk containers may be more economical.
Tip 6
Make your own invitations and thank you notes.
People love the personal touch of a handcrafted invitation or thank you note.
Tip 7
Buy discount decorations
I always shop at the local discount store before I hit the larger chain stores. I sometime find the same items but at discounted prices. Balloons, paper goods, party cha-chas can all be purchased for $1.00 and under. When I shop at the local chain stores I walk down the clearance isle first.