Shoutout to the winter babies who experience a 40% higher party-cancellation rate than their summer counterparts. As a company that has planned hundreds of winter parties, we can tell you - this doesn't have to be your story! There’s an element of control that you have to let go of and agility that you need to adopt. From colds and viruses to weather constraints and holidays - there are a lot of variables at play here.
So let's tackle the winter party blues head-on with some tried-and-true strategies that actually work.
Smart Planning: Your First Line of Defense
Winter parties need extra consideration. Here's how to stack the odds in your favour:
Send invites early: Give families 3-4 weeks notice to plan around winter activities and holidays
Choose optimal timing: Late morning parties (10:30 AM) tend to have better attendance than afternoon events because they allow for other daytime plans. If you’re in a city that gets regular snowstorms, consider pushing to a midday party to allow for clear roads and better driving conditions.
Have a snow date: Pick a backup date and include it in your invitation
Have a snow DAY: Pivot the party into a full blown snow day! Complete with snowmen, forts, and a snowball fight. Finish the party inside with hot chocolate and goodies.
Location Matters
Your venue choice can make or break winter party attendance. Consider these options:
Indoor Play Centers: Reliable, weather-proof, and always exciting
Community Centers: Usually have great parking and are budget-friendly
Your Home: Intimate and cozy, easy to adjust as you go, but have a solid backup plan for no-shows
Planning for Fluctuating Attendance
Plan your core activities for 50% of your invited guests. Then scale up or down as needed. It's all about flexibility! Be consistent with guest communication to keep up with numbers. Instead of locking in catering for a specific amount of people, consider opting for a more casual option that can accommodate on the fly… like Pizza or even takeout platters.
Quick Tip: Always have a few "emergency entertainment" options ready - like craft supplies and board game options. They're perfect for when activities need to be adjusted for fewer participants.
Winter parties might require more planning, agility and patience. Stay flexible, communicate clearly, and be ready for a variety of outcomes!
Comments