31 Days of Party Planning {Day 6: It’s All About the Location Baby!}

Today we are on Day 6 of my 31 Days of Party Planning.  Ok we have talked about planning our party, the budget, our party theme, the invitations, and our guest list.  For a complete list of topics covered in the series check out my 31 Days of Party Planning.
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/Now let’s talk Location Baby!  I enjoy entertaining  them at home.  Not only for the sake of budget but I also like to come up with a lot of last minute items that I add to any event I’m hosting.   Some of the pros of hosting a party at home is
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• Budget friendly

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• You can decorate as early as you’d like, (I myself have set up some party decorations in my home a week prior to my daughter’s party.)

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• You can set up the party any way you like

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• The party guests can linger past the party scheduled end time

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• You can cater your event or prep the foods yourself

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/But like many things, there are some Cons we must consider when it comes to hosting a party at home:
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• Depending on the size of your home, you’re limited to the number of people you can invite

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• More prepping and cleaning before the party starts

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• Spills and/or Accidents can happen at home -which can mean sticky left over messes you cleaning (that has happened)

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/If you decide that a venue is more to your liking, you may need to consider the size, location, price and if the venue is available.  If your budget is a concern, other options may be to host your party at a local park, church or community center or in cases of baby or bridal showers, a friends house.   Here are a list of Pros and Cons to hosting a party at a venue:
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/Pros
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• No clean up involved

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• Some venues offers special packages for parties

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• Easier to surprise guest of honor

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• More help

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/Cons
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• Date availability -the venue may not have your date available

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• Length of Party Time- parties held at venues tend to end 3 hours and if you want to have the party last longer 1) you’ll pay more 2) there may be another party scheduled after yours leaving you to pack up and go so they can start the next event.

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• Can get pricey -some venues offer packages but others are a la carte and you may need to consider things outside of the venue, like a DJ, caterer, etc..

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/As I said before, I like entertaining at home, but I’ve also hosted parties at various venues.  When my eldest daughter was turning 7, she wanted a party at Chuck E. Cheese.  Of course I saw no problem with hosting a party there (except for the 100 or so screaming kids 😉 ) It was a bit easier to entertain the kids at the party but the venue did cost us a bit more than what we would of spent at home.  I guess seeing the joy on my sweet girls 7th birthday was worth the extra money spent? right?  Ahem..
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/But, I do have a confession to make.. I’ve always wanted to host a gathering outdoors.  I just think there is something so nice about a warm summer breeze and kids running barefoot in the grass laughing carefree.  I often picture a beautiful buffet table with colorful balloons and tablecloths blowing in the wind.  Guests laughing and drinking a cool drink and enjoying some yummy treats.  Aaaah how lovely.  But because I live in the city,  the only view I had is of concrete floors and brick walls.  Sigh!..  We did try once, to obtain permits to our “local” park but was denied due to other summer activities happening around that time.  When we finally did have our permission from the powers that be, it had rained -and rain it did! 🙁  Which taught us a lesson; whenever you are planning an outdoor event, have a rain plan in mind.  We had to switch gears and bring the party to our home.  Luckily I was a bit OCD at the time and cleaned my home which made it easier to have it all ready for our guests.
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/As with themes, there are endless possibilities for locations. Here is a list of other options when choosing a venue:
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• Swimming Clubs (be aware kids may not swim/and liability is on you)

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• skate center

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• Pottery Shop (was so much fun, kids loved it!)

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• Spa/Salon

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• Museum

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• Bouncy Places

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• Laser Tag areas

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• Movie Theatre

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• Zoo (for an additional fee, my local zoo had animals the kids could “pet”)

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• Aquarium (this was a big hit, kids loved touching the swimming sea creatures)

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/Ultimately it’s all up to you!  Just keep in mind that restrooms, inclement weather (if outdoors), kitchen facilities and a separate room (for changing) may be factors that are essential, when planning your event. Make sure you have everything you need to carry off the party as seamless as possible!  Since your budget may play a significant role in selecting your location, you’ll want to be sure you to check your budget before you choose the place.
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/Thanks for reading my blog series. This is Day 6 of my 31 Days of Party Planning. You can find the rest of my 31 Days of Party Planning Series here. I hope you find this series helpful and will incorporate it in your next event!
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