Tips for Hosting a Successful Event
When you take the time to plan a special event you have the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some tips that will help make your event successful when hiring someone to entertain your guests with face painting or balloons.
Know how many kids are coming
Both face painting and balloons take time. The more kids at the party, the more time that will be required. If you tell the entertainer that you are expecting 20 kids but have 40 kids at the party there may not be enough time for everyone to have their face painted or get a balloon. Many entertainers will work multiple events in a single day, so when your time is up, they may not be able to stay longer to finish up.
How old are the guests
Both face painting and balloons are best for children 3 and older. The younger kids often can’t sit still while a face painter paints their face. They are also more likely to pop their balloons or put them in their mouth. If most of your guests are 2-3 years old, consider more age apporpriate entertainment.
Parental Supervision Required
Your children’s entertainer is not there to act as a babysitter. They are busy putting on a show, painting faces, or making balloons. They cannot watch over the kids and take care of their needs. Make sure one or more adults will be available to supervise the kids at all times.
Know when your guest will arrive
If you send out invitations saying the party begins at 1:00, do you expect all of the guests to be there at 1:00? Depending on how far people need to travel, some may not arrive on time. It is best to have the entertainer arrive at least 30 minutes after the party begins to allow time for most of the guests to arrive.
Hiring multiple entertainers
Some parties will be too big for one entertainer to handle. A face painter may be able to paint 15 faces in one hour or a balloon twister make 25 balloons in one hour. For large parties, that means the last kids in line may need to wait more than one hour before getting their turn. Ask your entertainer if they have a partner/employee they can bring or friend they can recommend.
While it is OK to have both a face painter and balloon twister working at the same time, you probably don’t want them working during the magic show. If you have a stage act coming to perform, give them the full attention of the guests and have the balloons and/or face painting either before or after the show, not during it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you charge?
I would be happy to discuss your needs and give you a price quote. Unfortunately, every event is unique so I don’t post prices online.
When should I book you for my event?
Book me for your events as early as possible. I often have events on my calendar for the next 6-8 months. The weekends near holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, and Mother’s Day often book early. The earlier you book me, the more likely I will be available. But, sometimes, I do have some free time on my weekends for one more last minute request to come to a party or other event.
What is the best way to reach you?
Email is usually the best way to reach me. I will always respond to emails, even if I am not available for your event.
Do you offer discounts for charity groups?
It depends on the charity and what services are being requested. It is simply not possible to accept every charity request I get, especially for events on or near holidays. In exchange for offering a discount, the charity must agree to promote my services by announcing that I will be at the event on their website, social media pages, flyers, and other places. The charity event must also be in a place that I would normally do other events.
Will you come all the way out to [insert distant location here]?
I am based in South Riding, VA. I usually avoid events in Maryland due to the challenge of getting into Maryland via the Beltway. There are many entertainers in Maryland and I would be happy to recommend a friend to do your event. I will do events in Virginia, within reason. The longer the event, the farther I’m willing to drive. I will add travel fees for events more than 25 miles from my home.
What type of setup will you need?
Outdoor Events
When working outdoors, I need a level spot in the shade. Ideally, the space should be under a picnic pavillion or tent. Balloons and grass don’t get along. The grass can pop balloons. Kids need to use more care to keep their balloons off the grass and other plants. Face painting can also be more of a challenge outdoors. If the kids will be running around or jumping in a moonbounce, they will get sweaty and the face painting designs may smear.
Indoor Events
When working indoors, I need enough room to work and for the kids to line up. For face painting, I need a small table (at least 2′ by 4′) and a spot to put a director’s chair for the kids to sit on while getting their face painted.
How old does my child have to be to get a balloon?
Balloon are not appropriate for young children who still put things in their mouths. Balloons can be a choking hazard and should not be given to children under the age of three. Also, the younger children may not realize how easy it is to pop a balloon if they are not careful. While they may want a balloon, they may be more upset after it pops.
How old does my child have to be to get face painted?
Face painting is best for children 3 and older. Please don’t force you child to have their face painted. Some kids aren’t ready to sit still and have a stranger paint their face. While you may think it will be cute, your child won’t. If your child be able to sit still by him/herself for a few moments at a time, and WANTS to be painted, I will give it a try. I will not paint on a child who is forced to sit still or appears to be afraid.
Can adults get in line?
Balloons and face painting can be fun for people of all ages. Usually, the amount of time planned for an event is based on the number of children expected. If time permits, the older teens and adults can get in line to get a balloon or have their face painted, but I recommend letting the kids go first.
We are planning a theme party, can you make [insert theme related designs]?
I make a variety of designs including animals, superheroes, aliens, princesses, etc. There is a good chance that I can make something that fits your theme. But, having a theme party doesn’t guarantee all of the kids will want things related to the theme. Some kids will likely ask for other items and I will do my best to give them what they asked for.
How long will the face painting last? Is it easy to get off?
Face paint is a water based makeup. It should be dry to the touch after a few minutes (or less). If the child gets hot and sweaty, eats a messy meal, or wipes their face, the design will smear. IF they are careful, it can last for hours. I recommend washing off the face paint before your child goes to bed. It should wash off with soap and water. If you want, you can use baby shampoo or baby wipes to remove the paint.
