Face Paint Party Checklist

A face paint party needs more than paint and brushes. You need a clear flow for registrations, dietary information, parent communication, painting stations, food, games and supervision. Use this checklist to work backwards from the party: confirm guests first, buy and prepare supplies next, then set up separate areas for painting, eating and activities. On the day, register children as they arrive and keep one adult focused on the face painting while another supervises games and photos.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Inform parents
Make reservations
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Purchase face paint supplies
Picking up the cake
Chill drinks
Set up tables
2 people
Set out chairs
2 people
Set up face paint stations
2 people
Place mirrors
Hang decorations
2 people
Set up music
Set out food and drinks
2 people
Check restrooms and washroom

Event

Welcome guests
2 people
Collect gifts
Register children
Oversee face painting
3 people
Replenish face paint supplies
Supervise the photo corner
Supervise game activities
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Cut the cake
2 people
Refill drinks
Collect waste
See guests off
2 people

Aftercare

Sort Face Paint Supplies
2 people
Pack leftover food
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
2 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Clean the room
2 people
Clean the toilet
Take out the trash
Return borrowed items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Tableclothsqty 6
Coat racksqty 2

Face paint

Face painting tablesqty 3
Mirrorsqty 6
Face paint brushesqty 24
Water bowlsqty 12
Face paint palettesqty 6
Spongesqty 36
Brush holdersqty 6
Headbandsqty 24
Hand mirrorsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Balloon pumpqty 2
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Cake knife

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Game materials

Gamesqty 6
Prize boxesqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Send invitations early enough to process registrations and collect dietary requirements before shopping. Share practical information with parents, including the schedule and what children should bring or expect.
Set up one face painting station per small group of children, with a table, mirror, brushes, sponges, palettes, water bowls and brush holders. Keep spare supplies nearby so painting does not stop when a sponge or colour runs out.
Prepare the cake, chilled drinks and serving equipment before guests arrive. Reusable cups, plates, cutlery, serving platters and a cake knife should be ready in the food area, away from wet paint and brushes.
Leave a clear route between the entrance, face painting stations, washroom and activity area. Check restrooms and the washroom before the party, and place coat racks where children can reach them without blocking the stations.
Test the Bluetooth speaker, extension cords, power strips and LED lamps before setup is finished. Keep the photo corner separate from the painting queue, with the backdrop and props ready before the first child arrives.

Frequently asked questions

How many face painting stations do I need for a party?: Plan one station for roughly 6 to 8 children if each design takes about 10 minutes. For 12 children, two stations will keep the queue manageable and give you time to clean brushes and replenish supplies.
How early should I send face paint party invitations?: Send invitations 3 to 4 weeks before the party. Set the registration deadline about 7 days before the event so you can confirm numbers, collect dietary requirements and buy the right amount of food and drinks.
How long does face painting take per child?: Allow 10 to 15 minutes per child for a simple design, including choosing the design and checking it in a mirror. For 15 children, schedule at least 3 hours if one painter is working, or about 90 minutes with two painters.
What should I prepare on the morning of a face paint party?: Finish room setup 60 to 90 minutes before guests arrive. Set out tables and chairs, assemble the face paint stations, place mirrors, chill drinks, prepare the food area, test music and lighting, and check the washroom.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.