07/18/2023
Here's a hot tip that has landed me incredible venues for a bargain time and again: Think a little outside the box to identify a space that could work, ask if they will book an event outside of their usual event type and outside of their usual event booking window, try to require as little as possible from venue staff, and take a leave-no-trace approach when you depart. This time it was March, when our yard was still a mess from a hard winter and my husband was heading in for knee surgery, so getting our house in partying shape seemed out of reach. I called , a stunning wedding venue in Cape Neddick with *big* and super magical fairyland vibes, and started the conversation with "I know this sounds insane because you're a beautiful wedding venue, but would you be open to renting your space out for a 5th birthday party?" Laura, owner, responded "Oh, we've never done a kid's birthday, but I love them! Let's give it a try!". I braced for a price that was way out of budget, but because it was several weeks before the first wedding would be hosted, because I assured Laura I would take care of everything, and likely because it was her first kid's birthday, she quoted a price that was no different than a bounce house rental or trip to a typical kid party venue. Two months later and the most magical birthday came to life! The only downside is that my poor kid has now arguably peaked on the birthday celebration front at 5 and everything will be a disappointment going forward. Also, meet my best girl and favorite Queen of the Fairies, Noelle. She is the little white light of my life. β¨