Top Tips
Lets face it – to most people the thought of organising a children’s party is a daunting one. No matter how brave you feel, there is nothing more sobering than hordes of youngsters, most of whom you have not met before, descending on you. A two hour party could become one of your most stressful times ever – and its supposed to be a happy party for your most precious loved one.
Q1 How can I have a stress free party?
A The answer – get a professional children’s entertainer, of course.
Q2 How many can I invite?
A – It doesn’t matter – as few or as many as you like, from 6 to 66 or more. Mr Wiggle’s sound system will ensure that he will be heard wherever. You can invite a few friends or the whole class.
Q Where is the best place – at home or in a hall?
A It doesn’t matter – parties work well at both. Parties at home create an intimate atmosphere, just push back the furniture and clear away your valuables. Village, church and school halls are great for larger numbers.
Q3 What is the best time to have a party?
A. Anytime! We work 7 days a week. Although most parties are on a Saturday or Sunday, parties after school are becoming more and more popular. If you prepare lunch boxes before hand then you just turn up at the venue and have the party. With lunch boxes you don’t even have to lay a table – just turn it into a picnic – it’s much less hassle. After school parties can also benefit from preferential rates when booking halls – you may even get the school hall!
Parties tend to start anytime from 10am onwards. Don’t think you have to fit it around a meal time – kids love to graze and will eat at any time.
Q4 What age range do you cater for
A From 3 years to 9 years, but with different parties for each age group. Mr Wiggle’s oldest customer is 101
Q5 What shall I feed them?
A Keep it simple. Children will not appreciate food any more just because you spent hours preparing it so keep it simple. At a Mr Wiggle party food is very much a chance for re-fuelling before the fun begins again. Finger food is best –plates of sandwiches and bite size bits and bobs are great. Any parents rave about preparing a little cardboard lunch box for each child with a drink carton, sandwich/roll, crisps and little cake. This is great as it can be prepared in advance and once each child has their box , then that’s it. They also love getting their own little box and finding what goodies are inside. You will hear cries of “wow” and “cor” as they discover the crisps and a little mini cake! Be aware of any children with allergies.
Q6 Should I invite parents to stay?
A If children are left they become your responsibility. For younger children we recommend that parents stay. As children get older parents tend to drop and run. Make sure you have a contact number for any parent that leaves their child – make a list - and you should only let them leave the child if you are happy with that, and you know the child and the child knows you.
Its also a good chance for you to socialise with the other parents. Many parents retire to another room for a good old chat over a glass of wine, while others like to stay and enjoy the show. We do ask that any parents staying in the party room keep quiet – the party is for the kids not you and you wouldn’t let them talk through your favourite show at the theatre?
Q7 What if I want something different?
A Just ask. We will design a party to your specific requirements with plenty of imagination.
Q8 What if they’ve seen you before?
A. They’ll love it even more. Ever wonder why children love to watch the same dvd over and over again? Because they are comfy with it, and the anticipation of knowing what’s coming next makes it even more exciting. But we also constantly update and change our shows. The winning formula is the same but the content may change. Many children and parents demand certain parts of the show, and some demand exactly the same show, time after time.
Q9 Are you insured?
A Yes. Equity member and insurance and CRB checked, all for your peace of mind.
Q10 What about party bags?
A We can help with party bags, with colouring sheets, balloon models for each child, sweets and little toys. Save yourself a headache and put the party blowers in the party bags!