Tips For Hiring A Party Vendor
When hiring a party vendor make sure to do your homework. There are many great professional party vendors, but there are also many vendors that are looking to take advantage of you. Make of a list of the types of vendors you need for your event. Create a budget for your event and then break it down by each vendor. Knowing exactlty what you have to spend on your different vendors will help in your negotiations. Remember you are in control, if the vendor wants your business they will provide you with all the information you are requesting.
Top 5 Questions To Ask Your Vendor
- References - A professional vendor will be able to provide you with at least 5 current references from past clients. One of the newest tools to share references is the use of video. Many vendors are recording video of testimonials from clients to share we new clients.
- In Person Meeting - A professional vendor will schedule a in person meeting to discuss your event. Don't be surprised if the vendor does not have an office. In fact only a small percentage of vendors actually have an office. It is smart to meet your vendors in a public place or even at the event location. Don't judge potential vendors if they have a office, we have seen amazing performers who work out of their homes.
- Written Contract - Make sure you get everything in writing. Make sure to include any special details you are including. In your contract look for uncommon details, like hidden expenses or loop holes. If you are uncomfortable about anything on your contract address it with the vendor. Many times the vendor will make modifications to suit your needs.
- Don't Wait - Great vendors book out at least one year in advance. Once you have a date start contacting vendors. Make a list of all the different type of event vendors you will need. Then start contacting the vendors in order of importance. Three of the first vendors to contact include djs, photographers, and catering.
- Back Up Plan - Always ask your vendor what their back up plan is, in case something was to break or go wrong. The last thing you want to have is for your Djs speaker to break or if your wedding cake to fall. We always request our vendors to arrive at least 2 hours before the event, this allows the vendor to make sure everything is in proper working condition.
- Professional Associations - Almost every type of vendor in OnlinePartySites.com has a professional association. The great thing about these different types of associations is that want the absolute best service for visitors like yourself. When you speak with a vendor ask them if they belong to any professional organizations.
How to Plan a Memorable Children's Birthday Party
Hosting a memorable children's party can be stressful if you don't have a plan. With a few tips, a little research on party games and children's entertainment, and a lot of party planning, you will be able to throw one of the best kids parties of the year. The first step is to choose a theme. Pick your child's favorite cartoon character, favorite activity, or favorite animal. Once you have a theme, the rest of the party planning will fall into place. The ultimate goal is to have a structured party to keep the kids busy having fun the entire time.
The next step to planning a children's party is to create the guest list and send out invitations. Purchase or make invitations and send them out at least 4 weeks prior to the event. This will give you a head count for the rest of the party planning, including booking the children's entertainment and gearing up for party games. Now go shopping for kid's parties decorations. All kids, no matter what age, love balloons, streamers and candy-filled piñatas. Don't forget trinkets for goodie bags. While you are at the store party planning, take a look at the party games and purchase any that look fun. Buy a few cheap gifts to give away as prizes to the kids that win the party games.
Book some children's entertainment, someone that is experienced in giving a show at kid's birthday parties. Some people like to hire clowns, magicians, dancers, or even comedians, painters, or caricature artist. You are only limited by your imagination. The more unique the entertainment is, the more memorable it will be. If necessary, the entertainment will have to be booked a few months prior to your children's party.
If you are ordering a cake, you should place your order a week to three days prior to the party, depending on where you are purchasing the cake from. When planning kid's parties, it is best to have a plan or schedule. Think about how you like birthday parties to flow and then write down the order and an average time frame for each event you have planned. Plan party games at the beginning, when kids are more wound up and excited. Then the children's entertainment can put on their show. Follow the show with cake and ice cream to help the kids settle down. Finally, present opening should be last, when the kids are a bit tired yet their bellies are full. This will ensure a more controlled children's party. |
