Make kids’ birthday wishes come true!
✔ LEARN THE ROPES!
As a kiddie party planner, you’ll coordinate all aspects of the big day— everything from creating a theme to sending invites to setting up the day of. In exchange, you’ll typically earn about 20% of the party’s budget. To start, volunteer to plan a few events for family and friends— that way, you can polish your skills and get lots of pictures of your work. Also smart? Do online research to see what other planners are doing, says Seri Kertzner of Littlemiss Partyplanner.com. “Check out Pinterest, which is a great source of ideas. Then turn to sites like ours and 100Layercakelet.com, which is a fantastic website for first birthday party inspiration.”
✔ GET THE WORD OUT!
The main marketing tool you need? Fabulous photos! “Post them on Pinterest and Facebook, and you will get noticed,” says Kertzner. “Also, cold call and e-mail every local magazine and kids’ site you can find.” They may want to publish your pics, earning you free publicity! And don’t forget to tap into your network of vendors— leave plenty of business cards with caterers, venues and others you’ve worked with. After all, keeping you busy will benefit them, too!
✔ SET A THEME!
Coming up with a theme makes a party extra-special, plus makes it easier for you to coordinate all the little touches. Some of the hottest trends: unicorns, little man mustache, flamingos and pineapples. Also smart: “Ask Mom and Dad what their baby’s favorite things are,” says Linda Kaye of Partymakers.com. “It could be an animal, a pet, a character. Then create the theme around it.” And keep scale in mind: “A big Mickey Mouse might be frightening, while a Mickey puppet show is okay.” Mom insisting on the big character? “Have him sit in the corner, where the children who feel comfortable can approach him.”
✔ MAKE THIS KEY SUGGESTION!
Encourage parents to hire a photographer, “This is my biggest piece of advice,” Kertzner. says. “These memories will be the best ever. I have tons of e-mails from clients thanking me for getting them to hire a photographer!”
Love seeing little faces light up? Great at organizing? Put your talent to work as a kids’ party planner with a focus on today’s hottest trend—first-birthday bashes! Here’s how to get started: