As we start planning Little Monkey and Baby Boy’s birthday party I’ve got party planning 101 on my brain. Over the last couple of years we’ve attended many kiddie parties at venues such as cooking schools, bowling alleys, trampoline spots and even kid focused gyms, I like to call these “venue hosted parties”. Yet, each year I choose to hold our parties in private party rooms and while originally it was mainly because we wanted to enjoy some adult bevvies at their party, it really isn’t just about the booze!
Your venue wants to host my kids’ parties? No thanks! Here’s why!
- I thrive in stressful situations : Clearly I like taking on the additional stress of thinking about every little detail. Going down the venue hosted route, is definitely stress free and I’ve seen many moms smile widely when they mention how they didn’t lift a finger besides passing on the RSVP deets. Not I. I like to stress about the RSVP list, the cake, the decor and the menu.
- I want to be in charge of the mood : This is my biggest struggle. At venue hosted parties everyone is at the mercy of the venue’s rep. If they’re having a bad day, you’re in for a crappy ride. Parties at the same venue can be extremely different if the rep on the day is different. I REALLY want control of what happens when and how!
- Surprise guests? No sweat off my back : Not RSVPing is a pet peeve of mine and the daggers I give aren’t easily forgotten. Yet, being at the mercy of a venue makes accommodating surprise guests a challenge. This way we can welcome parents, surprise guests and the many kids without having to fret about the venue throwing people out due to capacity limits or squishing everyone into one tiny party room where parents are stepping on each other’s toes.
- I like a diverse menu : I’d say about 90% of the venues insist on offering pizzas and burgers when it comes to food. I’m not talking Dominoes or Pizza Hut either, it’s usually bland versions that even Little Monkey isn’t a fan of. Renting a party room means I can cater any cuisine I want and create fun platters like I did for our Elmo party and our Princess & Superheroes ones. Seriously…how many pizzas have you eaten at kids’ parties? There’s also booze at our kids’ birthday parties, which totally wouldn’t fly at most venue hosted ones.
- Total costs are the same : Having done some research I’ve come to the conclusion that while the cost per child is higher at venue hosted parties, the total costs tend to be the same when I do all the planning myself. Our guest list is also thrice the size than if we were to have a venue host the party.
Don’t get me wrong, I am completely aware of the extra workload on my plate and let’s not even mention the clean up! Having a venue host a party is definitely the easier route but the event planner in me just can’t let go of the tiny details and relinquish control of every element to a stranger. I may sing a different tune when they’re older but for now, I’m happy enough to have rambunctious kids run around the party hall while I think of ways to entertain them and their parents! I’m not ready to have our parties hosted by someone else – but don’t worry, we’ll still attend venue hosted parties, the kids definitely have just as much fun at them.
Now, tell me I’m crazy.
Ninet
February 25, 2020 at 6:15 pmI love this article! You are so right! I feel like you wrote all my thoughts down!.
One question though . . Apart from condo party rooms are there any other venues that can host kids parties? . . I’m running out of options.
Keep up the wonderful party planning! 🥳🎂
Yashy
February 26, 2020 at 9:15 amI think most restaurants have event spaces (but they will make you purchase their food and drink most likely). Community halls or public parks also usually have spaces for rent. I know Church basements are popular (but can be dingy). I’d say art galleries but we know we don’t want our kids running amuck near expensive art! LOL.