where do i start?

just thinking about all the stuff i need for my baby's birthday is already giving me a headache

where should i start? there are so many suppliers to book, but my budget is not available until mid-2008.

help please.

hello there ! I think first is you should know how much are you willing to spend for your daughters birthday party. Then scout for venues which are accessible to all of your guests - inquire about their rates, menus and ammenities. You should book your venue earlier before your daughters birthday. Coz some venues are already booked na up to the middle of the year. Or you can also consult a party specialist who may help you find a venue and offer you a reasonable birthday package for you daughter. don't stick to just one party coordinator. Try to inquire to 3 or 4 party specialist then compare their packages. The one that suits your need, maybe you can arrange a meeting with her and talk things out. Having a party specialist will lessen your worries. All you have to do is to tell her what you want and approve the things needed for the party. I suggest that you just buy your own loot bags, giveaways/souvenirs - you can buy them at Divisoria. But you just have to stick to your theme. I hope I helped you in any way.

Kikay Mom

hi. it would be best to start early in preparing for your baby's 1st birthday. [no direct advertising please]this may lessen your burden and yet a freedom to choose according to your preference.

initially, have a target date (weekend or exact day) and venue (or even just area where to hold it) and time (lunch, afternoon snack or dinner) for your celebration.

you may also start choosing a theme that would best be appreciated by your baby and your guests. say, if your baby has any favorite cartoon character already or if not, you parents may have a special character which you want your baby to be introduced to, like winnie the pooh.

we have different entertainments and attractions. you may actually choose from the variety according to your projected number of attendees and their age bracket. if you have attended other parties where these guests have attended as well, you can check out what they truly enjoyed. you can include that in your list. then, you may also choose a unique activity which is not usually present to other parties. it is essential to have a party host. we have class "a" clown or character host who can facilitate the whole program.

[no direct advertising please]

feel free to contact other party suppliers. they may have available packages for your peruse and evaluation. somehow, you'll have an idea on how much budget it will require you.

party suppliers' rates are all competitive, [no direct advertising please]

you may choose something generic or personalized. of course, when you do personalized in your materials, it will entail you a little higher on cost but would surely make a big difference.

[no direct advertising please]

thanks arlene995rt and jimboyclowns.

based on both your posts, i should look for a venue first. i guess i can put aside some money now for that. what is the usual arrangement for venues, like clubhouses? is it money down? or can i reserve it first?

for a budget of P50,000, would you recommend having the party at a clubhouse or at a restaurant instead?

its me again !
Your budget will cover everything na. My daughters bday is on april 15. But we want it Apr 12 or 13 (weekend). We went to that restaurant February 23 and made the reservation. April 12 is already fully booked so we don't have a choice, April 13 will be her bday party. We paid for the reservation fee of 1,000. Mar 24, we have to pay 50% of the total package (venue and the foods) and the balance will be paid after the event itself. Kiddie parties there are for 2 hours only. so i have to pay for the 3rd hour para sigurado na if we don't end after 2 hrs, may 1 hr pa ako. Here, you will see the advantages and the disadvantages of doing it in a restaurant. If your doing the party in a clubhouse, you'll be having a caterer and i think they'll be asking for a minimal amount as reservation fee. If your having a party specialist, i suggest that she'll be around if you make reservations or you can also tell her to look for a possible venue for you, she'll just arrange a meeting with you for an occular inspection and to finalize things na. I found my party specialist through the internet. I emailed 3-4 party specialist and inquire about their birthday packages. They'll respond to you and will send you the packages you're asking for. Before consulting them, you must have a theme for your baby's party, themes like Disney Princess, Little Mermaid, Barney etc. Party specialist have a list of themes that you can choose for. List down the guests you are planning to invite so you will have an idea as to how many will come. For sure this is important for the venue & foods and your party specialist will be asking you as to how many guest you're expecting. The specialist can make you a special package for that. Don't tell them that you're willing to spend 50T right away. Tell them that you have a limited budget around 40T (that'w what i did hehe) and they made a package out of it. You can save your 10T bka may additional expenses on the day itself or after the party. Having a party specialist will lessen your worries. All you have to do is meet with her, choose whatever you want to incorporate in your party or choose the right package for your baby and all your guest will enjoy specially the kids. All of these is based on my experienced. This is super long and i hope you did'nt get tired of reading this. Better start working !!!

based on my experience, it's best to book the venue at the earliest time that you can. and when you book it, give a downpayment already to make sure that the place is yours.

i initially wanted to have my daughter's first birthday at a clubhouse, but they were all booked. and i mean all clubhouses. this was for a party in november. i ended up booking at the blue leaf. and don't get me wrong. the place is nice and we really loved it from the time we first saw it. but i definitely went way beyond my budget.

hi 4bb.

while you are waiting for your budget, you can start thinking of the other details, para less hassle later on. if you plan it now madali na ang execution later on. like the cake and the invitation, what's your design? caterer and food carts, you can start calling and inquiring para you have an idea. if you decide to hire a party planner or not, its good to have a talk with them para marami kang ideas na makuha. sabi nga nila, start early.

for me:
> list all your guest... how many adults and children...
>tapos look for possible venue(much better if accessible to all your guest) and yung capacity kung kakasya lahat ng guest mo plus other entertainment kung meron..
>,isip kana din ng theme na gusto mo....you can contact your party planner kung meron ka or you can do it yourself na lang...
>you can contact different supplier para malaman mo na din yung mga package na inooffer nila....