Need your input

Sorry for the continuous ??? re: Ryans 1st Birthday- but Im so undecided on what I wanna do...


We are having it in my parents large back yard.... Im renting tables, chairs, and a tent... I was going to BBQ- but my friends family owns a catering business (with delicious food), and my discount is so large- that it is the same price as buying hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, salads etc... and this way I dont have to worry about anyone BBQing...

I have between 50-60 adults and 14 children(if everyone comes) ( 5 kids- 2 and under, 4 between 4-6, 5 between 7-13)

Im not sure what I should do...

I got a price for 185- which was for an hour- a character (prob Blue- since we are having a dalmation theme, and DH liked Blue best- and DS really dosent have a preference) a cotton candy machine, singing, dancing, pics, with character, temp. tattoos, face painting, and sandy art.

Then I got another price of 250- which was for 1.5hrs. and included all of the above... but the person had a dalmation (although I Havent seen the quality of it!-yet)

Or I could just get a cotton candy machine for 80 bucks... for 3 hrs.... (or for 160- I could get a cotton candy machine, and a snow cone machine for 3 hrs...)


My dilemas... should I even get a character??? I have mostly adults... is DS really gonna appreciate it????

If I do get a character should I pay the extra 70 bucks.. .so I could have a dalmation (and an extra half an hour)

Should I just get the cotton candy machine- I have mostly adults... and they all LOVED this at Ryans christening...???


No matter what- I plan to have a badmitten net up, and my parents do have a swing set and slide back there....

The older kids wont care for the character... but will like cotton candy, and tattoos....

Im just so unsure of what to do....

Re: Need your input

DS will not appreciate a character at 1 year. I'd skip it & opt for something else.

Re: Need your input

I'd skip the character

Re: Need your input

Re: Need your input

save the character for next year and get the cotton candy instead.

I would also do the catered vs the bbq if you get such a great deal. You don't want anyone to have to miss the fun standing over the bbq.

Re: Need your input

OK- So lets say I take you advice and skip the character-

Do I get just cotton candy machine??? or both cotton candy and snow cone???



And if dont take your advice and get him...

Do I get Blue for the 185 deal?? Or pay an extra 70 bucks and get the extra .5 hour and a dalamation...??



Any suggestions on things I could have for the kids??

Re: Need your input

Re: Need your input

I say just get the cotton candy and the snow cones. The kids will be able to entertain themselves playing on the swings and with each other. I don't think it is necessary to go for the expense of the character who won't be there for the entire time, and the kids will be playing without him anyway.

ETA: I agree with catering instead of BBQing. Then everybody can enjoy the party. Also, I would rather see you spend the money on a 1-man DJ instead of a character. At least he will be able to keep the kids dancing and entertained for most of the day (and provide background music for the adults). My brother had this at his kid's christenings and it worked out really well.

Message edited 7/11/2006 2:26:55 PM.

Re: Need your input

I would skip the character. Most kids are afraid of them. I'd do the pinata, maybe face painting and the cotton candy.

Did you look into maybe getting one of those big blow up slides or a bounce house for the older kids?

I know it's your son's birthday party but at one they usually aren't really aware of what's going on and are just happy to see other kids they are thrilled.

Re: Need your input

I think $185 is a great price for all of that and I would definitely do it!!!!

Actually if you could FM me the info I would be interested in using them for Steven's 1st bday.

Message edited 7/11/2006 2:28:37 PM.

Re: Need your input

I would skip the character and get the cotton candy and sno cones. It doesnt seem like you have too many kids and your son wont realize yet. I would save the character for next year.

Re: Need your input

What about pony rides? Or a travelling petting zoo?

Or you can keep it real simple- swingset, slides, water balloons, tattoos, pinata, freeze dance, put out ride-on toys, beach balls. Kids have such a way of entertaining themselves when they are with friends.

You can also make a few organized games set to the Dalmation theme
- "Pin the tail (or spot) on the Dalmation" (You can draw it on oaktag)
- "Doggy, Doggy where's your bone"- have kids throw a squeaky toy dogbone into a dog's dish. Pull the dish close for the little ones. Set it back further for the older ones.
-"Hot doggy bone"- played like Hot Potato

I always throw parties for my boys and I hand make all of my decorations, invitations, party games and favors set to the theme of the party. (Ask rose825). If you have any questions or would like more ideas, FM me!

Re: Need your input

definately skip the character...

We are just having someone and doing music for the kids... I am spending 150 for an hour... i thought that was pretty good rate. I got her from Craigs list and she did my cousin's first birthday party..

personally, I wouldn't do the cotton candy machine and snocones either.. Kids would love an ice cream cake just as well and it is alot cheaper..

i would probably spend that money on ice party favors..

If you do decide to do the character, make sure they still come if it is raining and even if you have a tent, I called many places where they were going to do character, magic show, puppet show and they wouldn't come even if you have a tent if it rains...