Party Advice & FAQ2023-09-13T20:16:42+00:00

PARTY ADVICE & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…

…got a question?  Ditzy is here to help.

The one they call Ditzy Doodles hopes to answer most of your questions here, but if you don’t see your question, just drop Ditzy a line on the Contact Page.

Got a question?

PARTY ADVICE

12 weeks before

  • Have a chat with your child to see if they want to include their favourite theme into their party. 
  • Book your entertainer before a venue to guarantee Ditzy is available for your event date, especially if the Birthday is around seasonal times of the year.
  • December dates go very quickly, although Ditzy loves to attend Birthday Parties, it might be easier to book a midweek birthday party during these busy times of the year.
  • Book your venue, ground floor is essential, if your chosen venue does not have ground floor function room, you must ensure there is a lift to other floors, we need to look after Ditzy’s creaky back!
  • Sort out the guest list. The Party Squad doesn’t have a limit on numbers but Ditzy does recommend around 30-40 children so everybody can get involved in games.
  • Send out invites as soon as possible.  Make it easy for people to send a reply, add your mobile number for responses that way parents can simply text a reply.
  • If you are having a special birthday cake, order early! Easier option is to have a small cake for the family, and cupcakes for the guests, that way you don’t have to worry about any germs being spread when the candles are being blown out.

6 weeks before

  • Order party supplies, and don’t forget candles!

3 weeks before

  • Food, keep it simple, you don’t need to plan a massive banquet that takes half and hour to eat, either offer sandwiches or hot dogs or pizza, all perfect finger foods.  Add a couple of fruit and veg platters, lunch bag goodies are readily available and work well for parties.  Make sure there is plenty to drink for the children, partying is thirsty work!

1 week before

  • If your suppliers, haven’t checked in with you, give them a courtesy call to make sure everything is all systems go.  Ditzy will check in with you at this point to ensure all is well.
  • Prepare food shopping list, and any other last minute items you might need.
  • Chase up anyone who hasn’t replied to your invitations.

3 days before

  • Go food shopping.
  • Save yourself some time and order Wand Packs from The Party Squad, you will only pay for what you use, no waste involved.

1 day before

  • Prepare food that can be made ahead of time and pop drinks in the fridge, and get food boxes made up.
  • Collect the cake.
  • Make sure whatever you use to take pics is fully charged and has enough memory to take pics.

It’s Party Day….

  • Load up the car and away you go, don’t forget your charger for your phone/camera., and don’t leave the Star of the Show behind!
  • Either collect the balloons on the way to the venue, or have somebody collect them for you.
  • Set up the tables and chairs.
  • Place a table for the presents near the entrance, take large bin bags so you can bag everything up and transfer presents to the car with ease.
  • Don’t place any balloons on the floor, you are guaranteed tears, the children will be easily distracted by them, if there are any balloons on the floor upon arrival, I will remove them until the party is over.  
  • Don’t give out noisy party goodies during the party, instead give them out at the end, I promise you, you will thank me for this tip!
  • Make sure you have something to wrap the cake in to give out to the children, if you’re giving out cupcakes you can get handy cup cake holders.
  • Enjoy the day, take lots of pics, these moments are over in a flash, but it will be a day none of you will forget.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT THE PARTY

What happens at a party?2023-09-14T16:31:47+00:00

A typical 2 hour Magic, Music & Mayhem Party looks like this:

• For the first 5-10 minutes there will be some music and disco lights, whilst Ditzy will interact with the children upon arrival, provide some close up magic, and will keep an eye out for the shy children, she always likes to help ensure any shy children are at ease as much as they possibly can be.  This relaxed start to the party enables late comers to arrive, and gives the children time to say hello to everybody.

• Once everyone has arrived it’s time for introductions, Ditzy will ask everybody to take a seat in her own silly way, and after saying hello she will introduce the Birthday Star with a magical twist, the Star of the Show and friends help Ditzy with some magic, producing a gift and Birthday Card.

• Break for food approximately half way through, Ditzy will continue to interact with the children/adults with some silliness and close up magic tricks.

• Birthday Song Time – Ditzy will make this a special moment to remember, Ditzy will let you know when to get the cake and candles ready, and get your camera on standby.

• Then it’s time for party games and a bit of a boogie.

For older children Ditzy offers something very unique….a back to front party!!!!

We do not play music with inappropriate or explicit lyrics, we always ask if you have any favourite songs you would like at the party and, equally important, we also ask if you have any particular songs you DON’T want to hear!

Magic, Music & Mayhem 90 minute Nonstop Nonsense Package includes the fun of above without a food break in the middle, you can still offer party food, but can do so once the entertainment and games are over.

Magic, Music & Mayhem 60 minute Happy Hour Package has less magic and less games as the packages above, but is still magical and your child still gets to be the Star of the Show.

What age do you cater for?2022-07-03T21:43:31+00:00

Children’s Party Packages can be adapted to suit ages 4-11, see what Ditzy can create for you…

CHILDREN’S PARTIES

For Schools & Preschool…

SCHOOLS & PRESCHOOL

For Corporate/Public Events…

CORPORATE/PUBLIC EVENTS

How long does a party last?2022-07-03T18:10:03+00:00

For Children’s Parties, Family Celebrations Ditzy will arrive approximately 30-45 minutes before the event start time, this gives her plenty of time to set up.  Ditzy needs approximately 30 minutes to pack away. Bear this in mind when booking your venue.
For School/Preschool, Ditzy will arrive slightly earlier than above as she is aware she will need to sign in and follow security measure when loading (this may take longer if the door needs unlocking each time someone enters the building.
For Corporate/Public Events set up time can work slightly differently as Ditzy is aware event suppliers need to be set up and all vehicles may need to be off site by a set time, get in touch with The Party Squad to discuss arrangements.

We have 3 Magic, Music & Mayhem Packages available for Children’s Parties

Happy Hour Package last 1 hour with NO food break.

Nonstop Nonsense Package lasts 1½ hours with NO food break.
If you wish, you can have the food break at the end whilst Ditzy packs away, she will play a little music when doing so. SO she isn’t clattering away in the background whilst the children eat.

Magic, Music and Mayhem Package last 2 hours with food break.
The food break is approximately half way through.  Don’t worry Ditzy still keeps interacting with the children and families once she packs the magic show away.

Family Celebrations last 4 hours.

Schools/Preschool can last anything from 1 – 2 hours.

Corporate/Public Events and Christmas Events are bespoke as Ditzy can provide a one off session or multiple sessions throughout your event.  Get in touch about your Corporate/Public Event today.

Get in Touch

Do I need to provide anything?2023-09-14T16:48:10+00:00

Ditzy brings what she needs for your event including magic case, sound system, disco lights (if required) games and prizes.

All you need to do is book your venue and provide:

• food (if you are having any)

• cake (for birthday and family celebration)

• tableware (plates, napkins, cups or food boxes , food boxes are much easier to prepare for children’s parties, plus if any of your guests have allergies the food will be separated from others, don’t forget when you prepare food for allergy sufferers you must prepare it separately, and  don’t forget to ask on your invitations if anybody has allergies)

• and don’t forget to invite the guests!

• bin bags to take gifts home in and for any rubbish you may have (not all venues will provide bin bags)

Oooh and don’t forget the candles for the cake (and something to light the candles)!

What type of magic do you perform?2022-07-03T18:08:29+00:00

The Party Squad is appreciative of religious beliefs, and understands some have concerns about ‘magic’.  Ditzy would like to reassure you that the magic she performs is family friendly and purely for entertainment purposes only.

The magic show is full of Ditzy’s silliness, when the magic goes wrong she calls upon the children to help make things work, if anything her show is all about working together as a team, and that each and every child at the party plays an important role.  Ditzy doesn’t perform trick after trick after trick and nor does she ever state, “And now for my next trick!”, and she certainly doesn’t perform magic to trick people or to make them look silly, the only person that looks silly is Ditzy. She weaves the magic into the entire party in a story like way, there is a purpose to each trick, from creating the birthday card, to the Balloon Umpupulator Molecule Manipulator Machine creating the most magical balloon sculpture, there is always a reason for  getting help from the children, and there is plenty of nonsense, and plenty of audience participation.

If you still have any concerns about magic being performed, please do give Ditzy a call, she will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have, and hopes to put your mind at ease that it is just fun with no hidden meanings.

Where is the best place to hold my child’s party?2023-09-14T16:50:38+00:00

Community Centres, church/village halls are ideal as they have all the facilities needed for a children’s party. If you happen to choose a Golf Club, please me mindful that we may not be able to play our music above a certain level! Please bear in mind the following when booking a venue:

ACCESS TO ROOM: Please choose a function room that is situated on ground floor with easy access for unloading equipment.
The Party Squad has a lot of equipment, which are both large and heavy. Unless there is a large lift at the venue close to the entrance of the building and within easy access to the function room Ditzy will not be able to host your party, as it will take much longer to set up, and staff safety is paramount.  (Please do double check when booking with The Party Squad, even if a venue has a lift, depending on bookings that day we may/may not be able to attend due to time constraints.)

ACCESS FOR DISABLED GUESTS: Bear in mind if you have any disabled children/adults attending, that you will need suitable access and toilet facilities, always ask your venue if they have these facilities.

Choose a venue with large floor space, giving plenty of space to play games, please be conscious of the number of children and parents you anticipate to be in the function room.  Please make sure there is plenty of room for a performance area, that means no bouncy castles or soft play in front of the performance area, as Ditzy keeps the children entertained from start to finish, it is not worth hiring a bouncy castle, as it must be deflated during performance and games.

If children are having party food ensure your venue has enough tables and chairs for guests, and chairs for parents.  The venue may or may not set out the tables and chairs for you, if they don’t set out chairs and tables, please ensure somebody arrives early to set up the room for you.

What is the best time to have a party?2023-09-14T16:49:55+00:00

Saturdays and Sundays are extremely popular for parties, Christenings and other family occasions, and often other kiddies parties or events can clash with yours!

Why not have a weekday party?  Weekdays are a great alternative:

• they don’t clash with other parties

• venues are more likely to have availability

• The Party Squad usually has more availability

• Frees up time for families at a weekend so children can still attend their weekly activities like football or horse riding etc.

If you decide to have a party on a Saturday/Sunday, the following times follow natural meal times 11:00am-1:00pm / 4.00pm-6.00pm, the earlier timeslot is the most popular for younger children.  If you want your party later for older children then an evening party can be arranged if there is availability.

HAPPY HOUR TIMES:
11.00am – 12.00pm
11.30am – 12.30pm
12.00pm – 1.00pm
3.00pm – 4.00pm
4.00pm – 5.00pm
5.00pm – 6.00pm
NONSTOP NONSENSE TIMES:
11.00am – 12.30pm
11.30am – 1.00pm
3.00pm – 4.30pm
3.30pm – 5.00pm
4:00pm – 5:30pm
4:30pm – 6:00pm
MAGIC, MUSIC & MAYHEM TIMES:
11.00am – 1.00pm
3.00pm – 5.00pm
3.30pm – 5.30pm
4.00pm – 6.00pm

Variations in time, and additional hours, are catered for at schools, weddings, christenings/baby naming, communions and other events subject to availability.

BOOKING A PARTY

How do I book a party?2022-07-03T17:33:38+00:00

First thing to do is check availability for your date by completing the information requested on the ‘Get in Touch’ page, give Ditzy as much information about your booking as possible, once completed expect a response within 24-48 hours this may increase to 72 hours at peak times.

Ditzy will check for availability, and she will send a return email to let you know the outcome.  If available and you want to proceed with the booking, you will then be issued with an event contract, this outlines all the terms of your booking, and once you click the agreement button, will then generate the payment process, your deposit invoice will be generated. Payment details are set out in the below FAQ section.

GET IN TOUCH

HOW TO PAY

How do I make payment?2022-07-04T00:48:14+00:00

PRIVATE PARTIES & FAMILY EVENTS:
Deposit; To secure your booking you will be asked to pay a £50 deposit, this initial payment not only secures your booking, it will go towards purchasing any materials needed for your party package.  Preferred method is via Bank Transfer, but for your convenience The Party Squad now accepts online payment.  All information on how to pay will be issued when you receive your invoice.

Balance of Payment;  is due 5 days before the event, again this can be paid via bank transfer or online payment.

Payment in Full;  if you wish to pay the total amount upon booking, you can only do so via Bank Transfer.

CORPORATE/PUBLIC & EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS:
Payment terms will be discussed when booking.

Are there additional costs I need to be made aware of?2022-07-03T18:11:39+00:00

The following additional fees may be added to your booking, when this is the case, you will always be informed what those additional fees will be.  Additional fees are as follows:

Venue Location:
PARKING:
Should your venue not have free parking available you will be charged for parking.

CONGESTION CHARGES:  should your event be in a location where congestion charges are in place at the time of the event, the fee must be paid by you the client.

OUTSIDE THE AREA:  If your party is further afield the areas covered by The Party Squad, you will need to cover additional travelling expenses, this will be discussed at the time of enquiry.

Early Set Up Service £50: Typically Ditzy will only need 30-45 minutes to set up before the event start time, and is part of the party fee.  But, if you require set up much earlier than this, an Early Set Up fee will apply (this is typically at corporate/public events.)
If set up at the venue is required the day/night before the event please note this will incur a higher rate.  This will be based upon distance and time to the venue and time to set up.
Please check with your venue that access can be made available at the time you desire the setup to commence.

Function Room Access Fee £30:
Please choose a function room that is on the ground floor of the venue, please avoid a function room that is upstairs (as Ditzy has heavy equipment and health conditions that could be affected if she needs to carry the equipment across country to get to the performance area).
If this cannot be avoided there will be an additional set up charge, as  Ditzy will need more time in order to bring the equipment in and out of the function room – you must tell The Party Squad when booking services, the location of the function room within the venue building. If you cannot avoid a venue where the function room is upstairs you MUST ensure there is a sizeable lift to ensure Ditzy can load equipment. Any event on any other level other than ground level will be charged at £30.
If you do not inform upon booking The Party Squad the room is on a level other than ground floor, and if there is no lift, you run the risk of Ditzy not being able to perform at your event.  

OTHER QUESTIONS

What area do you cover?2023-09-14T15:59:58+00:00

Based in Runcorn, Cheshire The Party Squad is ideally situated to travel to most areas surrounding the Borough of Halton including Cheshire, Merseyside and The Wirral.

If you don’t see your area covered within the boundary still do get in touch to see if Ditzy can attend your event.

Please don’t forget to give venue postcode when enquiring for your party so we will be able to quote accordingly.

Should your venue not offer free parking, Parking and Congestion Charges may be incurred.

Do you offer Mascot Character Visits?2023-09-14T14:58:09+00:00

The Party Squad only offers seasonal character mascots of their own, Silly Santa and Bobtail Bunny!

If Ditzy is attending/hosting your event, please do let The Party Squad know if you are inviting mascots/singing princesses to your event, as this may impact on what Ditzy can do within the timescale she is at your event for.

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