LISTS
DON’T
PANIC
when planning a party
TIPS FOR CREATING AN EVENT YOUR KIDS
WILL LOVE AND YOU’LL LOVE ORGANIZING
COMPILED BY LAURA ADAMS STIANSEN
Wile Events, a full-service event
design team serving Bergen County,
founded by partners and sisters-in-
law, Gabrielle and Lorraine Wile,
offers some helpful advice to follow
when planning a party for your child.
Carry out a theme!
When you focus on your child’s interests and personality to
carry out a theme, you get the best result. A theme can be
carried out in as many elements as you like and help even the
simplest of parties feel immediately pulled together. Tap into
what makes your kids unique to give them a one-of-a-kind
party that celebrates their individuality. Is your kid an amazing
chess player? Musically inclined? Sports enthusiast? Taking
cues from the things they love is the best starting point in
the planning process.
Less is more.
Kids enjoy celebrations that feature full petting zoos and stilt
walkers, but they can have just as much fun at a make-your-
own pizza party, where they don their own aprons and chefs’
hats, roll and pinch dough, choose their favorite toppings
and, finally, sample their tasty culinary work. Most kids are
happiest when there is action, so keep it simple and let them
roll up their sleeves! In the end, you don’t have to max out
your credit cards to knock your kids’ socks off.
A creative backdrop can totally transform a party space and
provide an awesome backdrop for photos of the birthday
cake or the partygoers. Create one that is large enough for
photo shoots, complete with props for the kids. Simply
hang a white sheet and provide a trunk of hats, scarves and
sunglasses. Or hang a decorated foam board behind the
dessert table to add some pop. Backdrops can be made out
of virtually anything and can be created for any theme.
Put the camera down.
Let someone else take the lens while you take a seat. There is
an abundance of photographers in Bergen County that range
in price to fit every budget. Give them a call and ask for a
quote to shoot for two hours – it will cost a little more out
of pocket, but you’ll have photos you’ll cherish and maybe
even a shot to save for your holiday cards. (Double bonus!)
Don’t do everything.
REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN Don’t get so wrapped up in the planning and details
that you don’t step back and enjoy it.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 | (201) FAMILY
If you’re dead set on making all of the food, then purchase
the favors and décor. Likewise, if you really want to roll
up your sleeves making the décor and other special party
elements, then outsource the food to a caterer or local deli.
Don’t take on every element – that’s the best way to crash
and burn. ●
PARTY: COURTESY
Utilize inexpensive
elements to create
a big impact.