The saying, “You can’t please everybody,” may apply to many things but
party planning doesn’t have to be one of them! Consider including a
children’s reception in conjunction with your next adult affair by
throwing the kiddos their very own party at the same location.
Childfree, you and your guests will be able to enjoy the night and rest
assured that their children are having the time of their lives, too!
We spoke to Tara Trotter of MY little PARTY
who specializes in hosting exclusive children’s receptions, to find out
more about this growing trend and answer some common questions.
Why should I consider a children’s reception?
There are endless benefits to including a children’s reception within
your adult event. Here are a few of the reasons to consider
incorporating one into your next bash:
- Often times a babysitter isn’t available, or perhaps
the default sitter for the majority of your family is attending the
event. This is common with weddings, birthday parties or other
celebrations.
- You can enjoy the experience of an adult-only reception, knowing that your children are being cared for onsite.
- Many hosts want to include children and prefer not to place the burden of securing childcare on the guests.
- Receptions
are often filled with intricate, expensive, non-child friendly décor.
With the children’s event being held elsewhere at the venue, interior
design elements will be left for visual beauty alone – not interested
little fingers.
- You won’t have to worry about parents not attending your adult-only affair based on the fact they couldn’t secure childcare.
- The
type of food served at receptions can be elaborate and costly. Hosts
can avoid wasting money on serving children the adult meal by setting an
alternate children’s menu such as hotdogs and chicken nuggets, or other
carefully selected items.
- Remove the worry of surpassing the venue’s per maximum capacity by moving the kiddos into their separate space.
- If
you secure a location where children can be loud, run, play, laugh,
create and enjoy themselves, parents will not have to spend their
evening trying to control their little ones.
Who would benefit from offering a children’s reception?
Anyone
who will have children at their event can benefit. By hosting a
children’s reception, it allows the adults to focus on enjoying
themselves, without worrying about excluding their child from the fun.
What are the drawbacks to hosting a children’s reception?
Other
than the additional cost, none! However, the benefits definitely
outweigh the cost. In fact, it may even allow you to save money in
venue, catering and other “per person” fees that are traditionally
designed for adult consumption levels.
How does the children’s difference in age factor in?
Party
hosts with specific age group specialization are utilized. A variety of
activities, including games, arts, crafts, music and food are presented
so that each age group enjoys themselves.
How much time is required to plan a children’s reception?
Typically
the only thing you need to do is determine the number of children
attending. Our organization generally needs 7 - 10 days' advance notice,
the age demographics of the attending children, and the related budget
the hosts are trying to maintain.
What are the costs involved with hosting a children's reception?
MY
little PARTY requires a minimum of five (5) children with an hourly
rate and great large group discounts! Babysitters often charge much more
per hour and certainly won’t provide your child with endless hours of
entertainment with playmates their own age.
Are children’s receptions just for weddings?
Children’s receptions offer the perfect solution for your tiny guests at any adult affair! For more information, check out My little PARTY. Share your children’s reception stories and ideas with us on Facebook or Twitter!