Plan your child's birthday in a few clicks

1. Book the venue or activity

   ≃ 2½ months before

   Saturdays and Sundays go fast… Booking early means keeping the full choice (and sleeping soundly).

   • a quick look at the age range and number of children accepted;
   • what the package includes: cake, snacks, invitation cards, party bags;
   • the deadline for confirming the number of guests.

   See available venues

2. Choose the theme with your child

   ≃ 1½ months before

   Pirates, unicorns, football, space, princesses, dinosaurs… Suggest two or three themes and let your child choose: the fun starts here.

   The theme then guides everything else: invitations, decorations and the cake.

3. Send the invitations

   ≃ 1 month before

   Time to send the invitations! A pretty card, a message that makes everyone smile and all the practical details.

   • a reply-by date, and how to reply;
   • a question about allergies;
   • the end time, exact address and what to wear;
   • best friends told first.

4. Choose the birthday present

   ≃ 1 month before

   Choose your child's present now: you will have time to order it, even if it needs to be delivered.

   For a joint present, invite the guests' parents to chip in.

5. Order the cake

   ≃ 3 weeks before

   If the cake is not included in the package, order it now, keeping the guests' allergies in mind. Baking it yourself? Just plan to make it the day before.

   Good to know: some pastry chefs need up to two weeks of preparation, so it is best to plan ahead!

6. Buy the little gifts for the guests

   ≃ 2 weeks before

   Plan one small gift per guest for the party bags: small toys, stickers, sweets, pencils… matching the theme if you can.

   Allow one or two extra bags for a brother, a sister or a last-minute guest.

7. Confirm the number of guests

   ≃ 9 days before

   Count the replies and follow up with parents who have not answered. Then confirm the number of children with the venue.

   Each venue has its own deadline: check it in your booking confirmation.

8. Prepare the party bags

   ≃ the weekend before

   Fill the bags and add each guest's name. A nice activity to do with your child: they will love preparing surprises for their friends.

9. Check the weather

   ≃ 3 days before

   If part of the party is outdoors, look at the forecast. If rain is expected, check the backup plan with the venue and let parents know if children need boots or a change of clothes.

10. Decorate the house

    ≃ the day before

    Balloons, banner, garlands: decorate the house or pack the decorations to take along.

    Also get the candles, matches, camera and guest list with the parents' phone numbers ready.

11. Bake the homemade cake

    ≃ the day before

    Baking the cake yourself? Make it the day before: it has time to set, and the big day will be more relaxed. Keep the guests' allergies in mind.

12. The big day

    Party day

    Enjoy! Arrive a little early to welcome the first guests, and don't forget the party bags when everyone leaves.

13. Say thank you and share the memories

    ≃ the day after

    Send a short thank-you note to the guests, with a photo or two. If you booked on LetzCelebrate.co, leave a review of the venue: it helps other parents choose.

Going further

Our guide answers parents' questions: number of guests, budget, choosing a venue, cake and allergies.

See the guide