Should You Have Your Child’s Birthday Party at Home or Away?
When my daughter was little, I thought I would be smart and save money by having her birthday parties at home.
Just think of all of the money I could save (and the crafts I could do!) by making things myself!
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Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before I realized that not only are at-home birthday parties a ton of work, but they aren’t always any cheaper, especially if you love to get crafty.
The next time your child’s birthday rolls around, you’re going to have an important decision to make: “Should I have the party at home or should I rent out a place?” Here are a few questions to help you make the best decision for you.
Do We Have the Space?
The first question you’ll need to ask yourself is if having a party at home is even a possibility logistically.
If you have your heart set on throwing a big party but you live in a tiny apartment with no yard, an at-home party may not be practical.
Your other options are to have the party at a kids’ activities place, to rent out a room somewhere or even to ask your friends and family members if you could have the party at their house.
How Much Do Other Venues Cost?
Next, you will want to compare the costs of each place.
Can you afford the venue you want? Can you have the number of kids you want without it getting too expensive? Tally up not only the costs of the party, but also any decorations and extras.
Then, compare that cost to the cost of having it at home. This can be tricky, since there is always more to buy, but do your best to think of everything you will need. Be realistic.
Can I Keep an At-Home Party Simple?
Today’s birthday parties aren’t like kids’ parties in the past, where you could just set out cupcakes and juice and call it a day.
Will your family expect you to throw an elaborate function, or will they be content with a small get-together?
Your level of craftiness and desire to “keep up with the Joneses” can make a huge difference.
Which Would Be Easiest for Everyone?
Of course, cheapest isn’t always best.
Sometimes it is worth it to pay a little more for your peace of mind.
Do you have time to organize an entire party, cook all the foods and clean your house? If not, having your party at another location may be worth the extra expense.
Alternately, do you have time to set up an off-site party? If not, keeping it simple at home might be best.
Which Would My Child Enjoy More?
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to consider what your child prefers.
While you will need to stick to your budget, if your child has his or her heart set on one place or another, you’ll obviously want to do your best not to disappoint!
Do you have birthday parties for your children every year? Do you host them at home or do you seek out a different venue?