To have a Theme or
not...
A great time. Special memories...Isn't that what you're after?
A way of saying "I really care about you and
want you to remember this for a long time"
A wise person once said and it may be true for party themes:
"People forget what is said, vaguely recall what actually
happened but ALWAYS, ALWAYS remember how it made them feel"
If that is your goal -- to get them feeling like they are
the only one in the world-- then please read on.
Best Birthday
QUESTIONS
- Why a party theme? Are you clear on
why?
- Have you considered how the
birthday person will respond?
- What impact do you want to create?
- Are you biting off more than you
can chew?
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My view on party themes is simple: they are the
catalyst for tremendous energy, unleashed creativity and the best place to start
planning the celebration.
Do you know the person well? Well enough to know what
they might like? A few strategic and subtle questions might lead to a clue. Low
key or extravagant? A visit to a new restaurant? Dressing up as Ninja Turtles on
the subway home from work...
[Don't laugh!! I saw that party when living
in London. N]
Before looking for and choosing a party theme,
look at ten crucial considerations. They'll help you know if going the way of
the theme is the best for you:
Best Birthday
CONSIDERATIONS
- The B-day person
What do they like? Think of the impact on them. You don't want to take
them out of the spot-light. tailor the theme to including them as the star
element. Start with them in mind and
- Reasons for having a Theme
Why? Is it to embarrass?; To worm your way into
their heart?; Returning the favor for your birthday?; Milestone to
remember?
Whatever the reason, be clear about it.
- Your skills and resources
Are you ready to put your ALL into this?
Have you the skills needed and enthusiasm to plan-deliver-steer-problem
solve, for this new creation call a Party.
- Time to delivery
For you or against you? If the time is short, reduce the number of theme
elements or bring in more help.
- Help Needed to pull it off
The smallest unit is two. Don't do it solo. Get others to help you.
Three is the best number I've found. More fun, things get done faster and
with less stress.
- Little Touches
Small significant things -- like horse shaped candles on a Pony cake for a
4yr old -- can make all the difference. People remember details important
to them. Add small personal touches that link in with the theme.
- Cost
Don't let this spoil the party. Many theme elements can be done with more
thinking than money. (I once decorated a Double Decker bus with
toilet paper, sticky tape and 3 colored markers in the middle of
Germany!).
If cost isn't the issue -- get others to do it and pay them. You act then
as the coordinator. Don't do both.
- Spread the Enthusiasm
Build up the momentum slowly. Under-hyping is BEST. If you over hype the
party and then don't deliver on the promise, then disappointment can spoil
things.
- A Run-Sheet is a MUST have
No mater how small, what age or how many people. ALWAYS use a run sheet.
It can be sketched on the back of a napkin if need be.
It gives the party thrower peace of mind and lets other players -- clown,
catering, special guest etc. -- know where they fit in.
Keep it simple - What's happening - When and Who's Responsible.
The shorter the party time the more crucial a run sheet. Same is true for
more elements.
- Memory Variety
If you are capturing the party for memories use a few different methods.
Camera, Digital Video are fine. What about: Mp3 recording, scrapbook
keepsakes, collages, murals, party items signed...
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Feel you have a handle on choosing a theme?
Great!
Our
Birthday Theme Generator is ready.
Please make sure you let me know how you get on.
I love hearing success stories.
Best Birthday
SUGGESTION
To have a party theme or not
isn't the issue. Making an early decision is. If you have a
theme: plan well, involve others and carry it on till the very end.
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