Many parents are working longer hours and have fewer hours at home these days. When it comes time to plan their children’s birthday parties or other events, they want help. This is where you come in. If you love to plan parties down to the last detail, this idea is perfect for you.
As a teenager you already know what your peers enjoy and like at parties, you remember your childhood and perhaps even have a younger sibling or niece or nephew that enjoys specific things. Armed with this information, you’re the perfect party planner.
The easiest way to start your new career as a party planner is to begin with your own family. Plan a fantastic party for someone in your family who’s having a graduation, birthday, or other special event. Plan it down to the last detail and then present the plan to your parents or relatives before the birthday or event is to take place. Give them plenty of time to mull it over and set up a time to go over the details.
Start with planning the decorations, foods, and activities. Depending on the occasion, you might even be able to plan the guest lists. Go to crafts stores, dollar stores, large department stores, and even grocery stores, and price the decorations for your suggested party. When you present your ideas to your parents or relatives you want to have a complete proposal down to the dollar amount.
After you’ve done this a few times you’re ready for the big time. Start spreading the word via your parents, relatives, friends and previous party goers. Everyone will remember the great time they had and your services will be in high demand.
You will want to work out a form or questionnaire for your party planning. Ask important questions such as, “What date is the party to take place? What is the occasion? What are the ages of the guests? Will there be both boys and girls? Do you have a desired theme for the party? Do you have a budget in mind? What type of food will be served?” and so on.
Once you have your questionnaire filled out it’s time to go to work. One of your most important jobs is helping your customers stay within their budget. While you want the party to be a success, you certainly don’t want to keep adding amenities until you’ve gone over budget. Work closely with your client to make sure that each expenditure is well within the budgeted amounts. If there are any changes in the budgeted amounts, be sure to jot down those agreements.
You should set up a portfolio of different party ideas to show potential customers. Pictures of parties you’ve already created along with the budget for food and decorations would give them great ideas and save you time when you are helping them decide what they want to do for their party.
Ideas for parties you’ll want to include in your portfolio could include skating parties, bowling parties, sledding parties, and swimming parties. These sorts of parties can work very well since they naturally are entertaining and keep everyone busy having fun.
A themed party can be another great way to have fun. A preteen or teen may want a party theme around a favorite singer. You would want to gather the music together of that particular singer and plan the party around the music. Children’s television and movie characters are another great inspiration for theme parties.
You may even want to try your hand at small weddings. Work closely with the bride to be sure that everything goes smoothly on her special day. Your skills will reduce her stress and help her to enjoy her wedding because you will be taking care of all the little details. Of course, planning even a small wedding takes special talent and care, so be sure you’ve already gotten a good deal of experience behind you before you attempt planning a wedding.
Market yourself, your talent, and your expertise. Have professional business cards printed and distribute them whenever and where ever possible. Strike up a conversation with people you see in your day-to-day dealings. Ask them about their interests, then share what you do by handing them your business card.
Ask local businesses if you can leave your cards with them or post one on a bulletin board. Be sure to go back to that party supply place you’ve been buying your supplies from. They’ll be more than happy to hand out your business card if you are a good customer. Print up pamphlets and flyers and get them posted where ever you can.
Party planning, like any business or job, will have its ups and downs. Some parties will naturally be more fun and easier to plan than others, but with a little practice and patience you’ll learn quickly how to work with any situation. There is still a high demand for people who can take the pressure off of parents by planning their family events. Outline your business plan and start small. You’ll be busier than you ever imagined in no time, and making the kind of money you had only dreamed about!
