Maryland's Elite Princess Party Entertainment

How far do you travel?

Once Upon a Party is located in Harford County, MD and services all surrounding areas including Delaware and southern Pennsylvania. Parties outside of an hour distance may require a travel charge. This fee is paid to our performers for their time and gas to travel to the location. Please TEXT 443-786-1129 for a free travel quote.

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How far in advance should I book my party?

We strongly encourage to book 4-6 weeks in advance if possible. We do often have last minute availability so feel free to contact us!

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Do I need to pay a deposit to book my party?

As is industry standard, a deposit is required to book your party. This deposit goes toward the total party price and the remainder will be due the day of in cash or check. The deposit amount will depend on price of package you are booking.  We book on a first come first serve basis and will not hold party date and times without a contract and deposit. 

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What if I need to change the date or cancel?
If you need to change the date and/or time after booking we will accommodate your request based on our current availability and will apply your deposit to another date/time as a one-time courtesy.    Date/time changes must be done at least 48 hours in advance.  
Because your party host is unavailable to book other work for the date and time a party is booked, deposits are non-refundable if you have to cancel.

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Now that I've booked my party, what do I need to do to prepare for it?
We will send you detailed information regarding planning and set up, but we basically just need a place to sit with an area cleared out for the children to gather around/play in.  Please make sure there is adequate shade for outdoor parties and in the event of rain we will need to move the party inside.  

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What types of activities do you provide?

Our performers bring everything needed to conduct the activities included in your ordered package. Each package is different, so we bring different things to every party. If you ordered a package with activities, we will bring everything needed for all the activities. We always bring a tiara or wand for the birthday child to wear during the party duration. Finally, we supply our own storybook for the storytelling session, as well as crafts that are catered to both girls and boys.

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Should I have my guests arrive before the party host does?
Yes, it is a good idea to start your party before the party host arrives so everyone will be in attendance for the activities.  Usually 30 minutes after the party start time is sufficient.
So that your paid time can be fully utilized, it is helpful if you already have the area set up where you would like the party host to entertain.

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May I take pictures and video during the party? 
You are welcome to take photos and video throughout your event and there is also a time set aside near the end of your party for posed photos. 
We kindly ask that any video taken of our performers be used strictly for personal use and not posted on the internet. 

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Do you provide your own music or do I need to provide anything for that?  
We bring a music speaker so you don't need to worry about providing music for your party unless you would like to play atmosphere music while the party host is not present.  
If you or your venue has a sound system that you would like us to hook up to please let us know in advance so we can determine if this will be possible.  If you would like to provide music you can do that as well.

How and when should I pay for the remaining balance for the party/event?
We require cash, check, or Venmo for the remaining balance, which is due to your performer(s) the day of the event.  Please pay them at the end of their party time.  We will send more detailed payment information via email so everything runs smoothly.

Should I tip my performer(s)?

We know that this is a sensitive subject and that everyone's financial situation is different.  Our party rates do not include any performer gratuity so while tips aren't required, they are GREATLY appreciated.  We keep our rates affordable but are dedicated to only using the highest caliber performers, so tips are sincerely appreciated as they continually strive to go above and beyond for every party.
Our party hosts work very hard to provide quality and authentic entertainment for you and your guests so if you feel like they did a good job, a tip is a great way to let them know!  We sincerely thank you in advance for considering gratuity.
Please consider separate tips for multiple performers as tips are split evenly between all performers at your party. A standard tip is usually about 20% of the total party cost.  

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