Recently, I read an article about a kids birthday party that cost more than $30,000. I was horrified. As a kids birthday party planner, I cannot imagine spending that much on any birthday. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have clients that have deep pockets like that, but the reality is that my clients are not rich. They are just like you and I, busy parents that want to have a fun party for their children’s birthdays.

More and more people are realizing that having a high quality, fun birthday party does not have to cost a fortune. Most kids birthday party planners have different packages to fit a clients budget. Asking for any specials the company may offer can save you more money. Some companies also have relationships with vendors that may save you money on goody bags, cakes etc. Finally, we all know that time is money and with the time you’ll save, you should be able to invest it in what’s really important: having fun with the kids!

Having a high quality, fun birthday party does not have to cost an arm and a leg. We read about celebrities that are throwing extravagant parties for their little ones, and you may think that is expected when you hire a kids birthday party planner. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Party planners work with you and your budget to come up with a fun, high quality party. Party planners specialize in certain themes, and have the supplies ready to go. You benefit from their economies of scale. Of course, if you are looking for a custom party, where everything has to be developed especially for your party, you can expect to pay more.

Most kids birthday party planners have different packages to fit a client’s budget. When you look at a reputable party planners website, you see that many of them have their packages posted. It varies from planner to planner, but most basic party packages include invitations and thank you notes, a hostess to set up, entertain the kids and to clean up, dress up costumes, games and a craft activity. Most packages also include table décor. For more elaborate décor, tables, chairs, and cake different packages are also available.

Asking for any specials or incentives the company may offer can save you more money. Some planners are looking to promote a specific theme and may offer a discount if you go with that kids birthday party theme. In this economy, some may work with you on their packages. For instance, you may go with a lower package and pay for additional services a la carte without having to go up to the next package. In addition, if you are at all flexible on the date and can choose a weekday rather than a weekend, you may also qualify for a discount.

Some companies also have relationships with vendors that may save you money on goody bags, cakes etc. You can leverage your party planner’s relationships by asking for referrals for items that your planner does not provide. Many times, a referral like that could come with savings. If you were thinking of supplying your own goody bags, realize that your party planner can come up with higher quality items for the same price that you could get from a dollar store.

Finally, we all know that time is money and with the time you’ll save, you should be able to invest it in what’s really important: having fun with the kids! Although hiring a kids birthday party planner can save you money in some areas, what she really saves you is time. And that is something we are all short of. After all, we can always make more money, but time is in limited supply. When it’s gone, it’s gone. Most moms I know will much rather spend time having fun with their kids than spending their precious time planning their intricate birthday parties. Use your time to make memories instead.

Saving time to have fun with the kids is priceless. You can leverage your party planner’s relationship with other vendors to save money on things you need. Specials or incentives that the planner offers can make a big difference in your finances. Pick a birthday party package that fits best in your budget. Now you know that it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to hire a kids birthday party planner.