As a mom of 6yo boy-girl twins and Founder of CountingCandles.com, I have already encountered my share of pain points when planning a birthday party.

Yes, birthday party planning is a lot of work however if you break it down into 4 manageable areas, then it really does make the rest of the process a lot easier.

1. Budget

It is very important to determine your ideal range of spending on your child's birthday party and then stick to it. Factor in a cushion for unexpected items as well as taxes and tips. Make sure you also allow yourself to splurge in one key area.

2. Timeline

Organization is key in the successful planning of a birthday party, whether your main purpose is keeping the spending low or having the most fun. In line with good organization is creating a reasonable timeline of when things have to occur by. You want to send out the invitations 4-6 weeks ahead of the party date, book the venue, get a headcount etc.

3. Delegate

This may seem like an odd tip, especially for parents that like to control every detail of their child's big day. Believe it or not, by delegating some tasks to trustworthy friends or family, you can save a lot of money and time. Do you have a friend that can act as the balloon twister or other entertainment? Do you have a relative that has 4 big foldable tables in their garage? Will your friend lend out their large backyard for the party?

4. Appreciate and Have Fun

When the big day finally arrives, hopefully all the work has been done already so that you can relax and enjoy the party. Once the party starts, assign a helper to watch the door and greet any late guests. Realize that no matter how much planning you have done, something will go wrong. Have the right attitude when that happens and laugh and make the best of the situation. Once the party is over, be sure to thank your helpers in some small way to let them know you really appreciate their efforts. Let the helpers take home the leftover dessert or flower centerpieces.

Yes, you want the party to go off without a hitch and maybe it was a bit stressful, but in the end you have made wonderful memories for your child to cherish for years to come (and maybe even show their children). I truly hope these simple tips help in your party planning and that you are able to make each candle count!

Love Helen Holden