Take the stress out of party planning with Cayman Parents Perfect Party Checklist!
We break down all the steps you need to take before the big day to guarantee a fun and memorable celebration for all.
On This Page
1. Choose a Venue
Cayman is a treasure trove of kid-friendly party venues from Pedro St. James Castle, the Cayman Turtle Centre and Ambassadors of the Environment at the Ritz-Carlton, to Art Nest and 3 Girls & A Kiln in George Town, King's Sports Centre for a roller skating party, Cayman Riding School and the Equestrian Center for a riding party, as well as Bon Vivant for a cooking party, Motions Unlimited for a gymnastics party and the Crystal Caves for a bat tour and early dinner, to name a few. In Cayman we are also blessed to have beautiful outdoor spaces, so why not host your party at a park or on the beach? Cabanas are free to use, but you'll need to book online at www.gov.ky/plc or call (345) 946 7110. You could also host the party at your home, as many Cayman families do.
If you decide to host a party at your home or condo pool, hiring a life-guard from one of the swimming schools is a good idea. That way you can ensure everyone's safety while you are rushing around.
2. Decide on a Time
Younger kids tend to do better in the mornings, whereas school-age children prefer afternoon parties and it gives you some extra party prepping time. If you're hosting a party outside, then be mindful of the heat (and rainy season!) and ensure you have plenty of water on hand. Many kids have sports on Saturdays, so Sundays might be better for a party. Parents often don't mind which day it is.
3. Send out Invitations
We suggest sending out invites 3-5 weeks before the event. Most people now send a digital invitation via websites like Paperless Post or Evite, or they buy an editable invite from Etsy and send it out by WhatsApp to the parents. Don't feel pressured into inviting the whole class if it's not financially possible or you do not wish to host a large party. You could just invite the girls/boys. Be upfront on invitations about whether siblings of invited children can attend. When children are young you will be expected to stay with your children for the duration of the party, but once they are old enough, and particularly after they can swim, the parties tend to be more of a 'drop and leave' affair, and you just come back when the party is scheduled to finish.
4. Food & Drink
Party venues will usually provide food as part of their party package, but if you are hosting at home you will need to organise the food and drinks. Try one of Cayman's caterers or the supermarkets, who can prepare party platters of fresh sandwiches, snacks and fruit, as well as incredible cakes to match your theme.
Of course, you can also create a great spread yourself! Keep it simple so that you can fully enjoy the day! Pizzas or burgers on the BBQ are always appreciated, and bowls of chips and fruit skewers are a great compliment.
Note
Be sure to check beforehand whether any children attending the party have food allergies and have an alternative on hand for that child to eat.
5. Photographs
Hire a professional photographer for your child’s special day so that they can capture all the memories you’ll be busy making! Cayman is lucky to have a selection of first-rate photographers who can offer their services for a few hours at a time. See page 285 for more details. If you're on a budget, why not ask one of your friends to help? They can help capture busy moments like cake-cutting and blowing out the candles. You can return the favour at one of their events!
If you're on a budget, why not ask one of your friends to help out? They can help capture busy moments like cake-cutting and blowing out candles. You can return the favour at one of their events!
6. Party Entertainment & Games
Face painters, magicians, balloon twisters, princesses, superheroes and other entertainers will all elevate your child's party, but make sure to book them well in advance. You could also hire a bouncy castle, water slide and giant garden games such as Connect Four, Jenga and Twister. Contact Cayman's party stores for more information. Other popular options include slumber parties, laser tag parties, football parties and fun trucks
Don't forget about classic DIY entertainment! Games such as musical statues, sleeping lions and pass the parcel are suitable from about the age of four and offer lots of fun for little to no cost.
7. Theme & Decorations
Cayman's party shops stock a wide variety of decorations. Popular themes include: Pirate (perfect for Cayman!), Superhero, Disney, Mad Scientist, Animals/ Jungle, Circus, Sports the choices are endless. They also offer equipment rentals such as tables and chairs. You can also make a statement with eco-friendly decorations that are great for the party and the planet! Create paper chains, use reusable plates and cups and if you do end up buying decorations, try to choose ones that will work for years to come! If you host your party at a park or beach, nature's backdrop is the best decoration of all!
8. Party Favours
These serve as a fun way for the birthday child to thank their guests for attending their party. Gifts can range from pencils and stickers to mini colouring books. We recommend trying to limit plastic if you can. Savoury and sweet treats also make great gifts. Purchase some reusable mason jars and fill them with a pick and mix selection of goodies. If you love to bake, you can also gift some baked goods. The kids (and parents!) will thank you!
9. Thank You Notes
Send out an email thank you note to show your gratitude for the children who attended the party and for the presents received. Be sure to keep a gift log as you open presents so you remember who to thank for what.
10. Party Planning Checklist
According to professional party planners, their party checklist looks a lot like the following: 1) Brainstorm party planning ideas, 2) Choose a party date, 3) Choose and book a party location, 4) Work out your budget, 5) Select a theme for your party, 6) Create an invitation list, 7) Send out invitations, 8) Purchase all the necessary supplies, 9) Plan a menu and activities and 10) Make plans for the party setup and cleanup.
11. Things to Buy For a Party at Home
If you are hosting a party at home, you will want to organise the cake well in advance and arrange to collect it or have it delivered on the morning of the party. Plan to go shopping the day before the party and get the following: drinks for adults and kids; food including fruit, snacks and heartier food if required; napkins/paper plates/paper cups/cutlery/any decorations.
12. On the Day of the Party
On the morning of the party buy ice from one of the supermarkets or gas stations and fill your coolers with ice. Put the drinks in the cool boxes one to two hours before the party starts. Allow at least two hours to put up party decorations and put out plates/cups/bowls etc. It takes longer than you think. Fill a big jug with water and ice and put some cups by it for those who want water, or encourage everyone to bring their own reusable water thermos. If you have a pool, put out a basket of beach towels for children who either forgot to bring a towel or who need a second one. Don't forget to prepare the food and start putting it out 15 minutes before the first people arrive. Put out a bin with a garbage bag in it for those who have finished with their plates and cups. Make sure to recycle all cans and plastics 1 and 2, or even better, put a second bin out which says 'recycling' on it. Put up a sign at the entrance to your house so that people know they have come to the right place. You could also put up a sign inside the house that points to the toilet. Then, take a deep breath and don't forget to enjoy your own party!
Birthday Presents
When it comes to attending someone else's party, Cayman has plenty of options for finding the perfect gift! Next Chapter, Book Nook and Atlantic Kids stock a variety of books, puzzles and toys for all ages. om boxes about space, gardening, dinosaurs and more!
