3. Choose a Birthday Party Theme

When planning your party be sure to take into consideration what your theme is; strive to have every detail relate to your theme. This will include invitations, decorations, and food. Consider asking your guests to dress a certain way for the party. When considering your theme do some brainstorming. If the party isn't a surprise let the guest of honor choose a theme. For a child, themes can come from a favorite cartoon character, toy or game while a theme for a teenager can come from a sport, pastime, favorite color or celebrity. A theme can even be adapted from a movie such as a pirate theme from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. The possibilities are endless but to get your creativity started consider these themes --- Tea Time for Little Girls, Luau, Treasure Island, Flashback to the 80's, Everything Pink (or red, blue, etc), Black & White, Formal, PJ Party, Private Eye, the list goes on and on. If you are having trouble thinking of a theme visit one of the large party stores; each aisle is packed with theme ideas.

Be sure to remember your budget. The more elaborate the theme the more you'll begin to see dollar signs. At the same time with a little imagination, you can find ways to reduce the price of your party.