Birthday Party Planning Checklist: Everything To Tick Off
Print this page (or save it to your phone) and tick each job off as you go. It's ordered by when each job needs doing.
For the reasoning behind each step, see the View guide
Shop the cards that go with these
Browse birthday cards Pin badges How to plan a birthday party How far in advance to plan a birthday party
Cards and decorations for the party
Birthday cards designed in house and printed in the UK, plus decorations to dress the room.
6-8 weeks before
- Set the budget
- Agree the date
- Write the guest list
- Book the venue
- Book any entertainer, DJ or caterer
4 weeks before
- Send invitations
- Choose a theme or colour scheme
- Plan the menu and drinks
- Ask about allergies and dietary needs
- Order personalised items
2 weeks before
- Order the cake
- Order decorations, balloons and banner
- Make the playlist
- Plan games or activities
- Buy party bags (for children's parties)
1 week before
- Chase RSVPs and confirm numbers
- Buy and write the birthday card
- Wrap the present
- Write the food shopping list
- Check you have enough chairs, plates and glasses
The day before
- Food shop and prep
- Decorate the room
- Chill the drinks
- Charge speakers and phones
- Set out the bin bags
On the day
- Collect the cake and balloons
- Set up the food table
- Light the candles at the right moment
- Take photos
- Thank everyone for coming
Found your words? Now find the card
Browse birthday cards Pin badges How to plan a birthday party How far in advance to plan a birthday party
Never miss the birthday again
Pop in the date and we'll email you a reminder two weeks before, with a link to the right cards. No spam, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Party decorations
Banners, balloons and bunting to finish the room.
Daisy Flower Happy Birthday Cake Topper
£3.15
Rose Gold Happy Birthday Cake Topper
£3.30
Wooden Happy Birthday Cake Topper
£3.15
Wild One Children's Birthday Cake Topper
£3.00
Rainbow Happy Birthday Banner
£4.95
Gold And Pink Happy Birthday Banner
£3.30
Pastel Daisy Happy Birthday Banner
£3.30
Gold And White Happy Birthday Banner
£3.30
How to write it so it lands
- Put a name next to every job.
- Tick off as you go so nothing gets done twice.
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Where to shop next
- How to plan a birthday party
- How far in advance to plan a birthday party
- Birthday party on a budget
- Party supplies
- All birthday cards
- All guides
- Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
- Birthday badges & party pins
- How to make a balloon arch
- Photo booth prop ideas
- Party bag ideas for adults
- How much helium do you need for balloons?
- Birthday cards for kids
- Good luck cards
- Pin badges
Frequently asked questions
What should be on a birthday party checklist?
Budget, date, guest list, venue, invitations, theme, food and cake, decorations, entertainment, the card and present, and a plan for the day itself.
Can I print this checklist?
Yes - use your browser's print option on this page, or save it as a PDF to tick off on your phone.
What is a good example of birthday party planning checklist?
"Write the guest list" is one of 30 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.
Can I copy these messages word for word?
Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.