Many people will tell you that it’s stupid to shell out all this money for a one year olds first birthday party that they won’t even remember and if your like me you won’t listen. Listen, it’s your child and if you want to make a big ordeal about them turning one do it.
Throw the party!
There’s no party like your child’s first birthday party. You can’t get that memory back so pick a venue, pick a date and send out invites right away.
They may not remember the party but turning one is a big deal and think of it like this you’ll be capturing the celebration with pictures for them to look at when they get older and they’ll have some pretty cool throwback Thursday pictures for them to post up in their social media when that time comes.
We all know if you don’t document it it didn’t happen. So snap away on the big day.
Decisions, decisions, decisions…
Is this party for your kid or for you and your adult friends? These are legit questions to ask yourself. Do you want to celebrate surviving your first year of parenthood or is the party to show off how happy you are that your child is turning one?
Sounds crazy but truth is most first time parents don’t always have friends with kids they can invite so consider having it at a place where adults can have fun if your guest list consists of mostly adults.
If you decide you want your child’s first birthday party to revolve entirely around them and can’t decide what’s age appropriate for a one year old just think of kid friendly places that can accommodate your child’s nap schedule if you end up choosing a place outside of your home or even a place that’s fun for kids of different ages.
Good party ideas for a first birthday are house parties or any play gym with soft play mats but you don’t have to do anything tradition at all. Epic parties are unconventional and break all the rules. Just be sure to make the day magical.
Decide your budget.
I’ve seen some pretty ridiculous over the top 1st birthday parties and I’ve attended some really simple just cake and ice cream only parties. Both were fine. Everyone’s budget is different my only suggestion is know yours and stick to it. Don’t go broke trying to impress people who wouldn’t lend you a dollar if you really needed it. I’m just saying.
Pick a theme.
Deciding what to do for a one year old can be pretty hard because they are not really big enough to do most things and picking a theme can be overwhelming when there’s so many great creative options out there. If your stuck on picking a theme I highly suggest Pinterest. Pinterest has everything you could imagine. It’s such a great place to start for inspiration.
Pick a place.
Picking a place to throw a party is important because from there you can figure out what you need. Do you need extra tables and chairs, do you want to trim your guest list because you’ll be paying per person, or do you need to buy decorations and what not can be figured out just by knowing where your having it.
Outside vs Inside
When thinking about whether to do an outside or inside party consider if your child’s birthday is around the colder months will the weather ruin your vision. Will your guest want to be outside in the cold? Then in the hotter months consider shading and AC options. No one wants to sweat buckets celebrating at your child’s party.
I personally am leaning more toward venue spaces these days because I can add lots more decor and it’s eliminates the need for a back up plan in case the weather goes south. You just have to figure in time to setup the party and break everything down when booking because they usually charge by the hour to rent.
For me it’s all about ease, convenience and the small details that make a party special but it’s really whatever floats your boat.
If you like lots of decorations like me then choose an inside venue. When throwing parties outside you have more variables working against you like the weather and the public. The wind will have balloons and table clothes flying all over the place.
Another thing to consider about outside parties held at places like the park is the spaces are typically first come first serve. Meaning you have to stake a claim at the space you want early and do you really want that stress if someone is earlier than you and gets the exact spot you want? I suggest if you do go the park route find a park that allows you to reserve a gazebo so you don’t have to worry about to many what if’s.
Then there’s the whole parking situation. Will it be a hassle to park because the place you chose is popular and super busy hosting other birthday parties on the weekend? Driving around in circles looking for parking is a drag and will discourage your guest from coming from the gate if they know a place is known for terrible parking.
A perfect example of this is beach parties. I hate them. Finding parking is exhausting and I’m more likely to pass on your party unless you do like a bonfire at night when there’s low traffic and it’s easier to find parking.
Pick a Time.
You also have places like Chuck E. Cheese to choose from where parties are only allotted a certain amount of time and space. Where as at your house the party don’t stop until you say. It just depends on your preference and what’s important to you.
With little ones you have to consider nap time. There’s nothing worst than a cranky tired baby. I recommend scheduling parties later in the afternoon after their nap and another thing do not do their birthday party the weekend of their 1 year old shots. It will be your biggest regret. Kids never feel good after shots.
Plan ahead.
Planning ahead is always a good thing but the key ingredients to a successful party is good food and beverages, treats, entertainment, party favors and you can’t forget the cake. A lot of bakeries are now offering a free smash cake if you tell them the cake is for a 1st birthday party. I know Walmart does and I took full advantage of it so do your research.
Personalize your party.
I love personalization so I picked a Elmo theme for my sons first birthday because my son has loved Elmo since his dad first put it on his phone one day to get him to calm down but I also understand that as a parent you only have a few years to pick a theme until your kid starts making his own requests so go wild with your creativity while you can.
Decorations
Etsy is heaven sent in customizing your invites, banners, backdrops, water bottles and so much more. You no longer have to be an overachiever mom to throw an amazing party that all your guest will love. I will warn you though that the more DIY decorations you opt out on that outsourcing can get pretty pricey with shipping and delivery costs. So if you can do some of it that’s wonderful but if you can’t don’t beat yourself up about it that’s what Etsy is for.
Decorations ultimately don’t make a party the showering of love for the birthday boy or girl does. In my opinion, one year olds just want to be spoiled with love and toys. Don’t forget the only person who matters on the day of the party is your child.
Have fun.
I love making my kids birthday wishes come true so throwing them birthday parties is my favorite part of mommin’. The more extreme they get the more excitement I get in challenging my creativity.
If throwing parties isn’t your thing get an event planner. If your to lazy and don’t really care that much that’s fine too. It’s your party do you, just make sure you have fun.
No Regrets.
Nobody ever regrets throwing their kids a party but they do regret how much they spend. Whether you throw a big or small party be sure to celebrate your child 1st birthday and have fun so you don’t have mom guilt about it later if you don’t. Plus, you deserve the celebration as well you created, pushed them out and keep them alive a whole year. Pat yourself on the back momma. That’s a huge accomplishment. Festivities are in order.
Don’t forget!
- Lighter
- Knife
- Candle
- Phone charger
- Lysol wipe
- The high chair
- Music
What advice can you think of that a first time mom might not think of to make her child first birthday go off without a hitch?
#1stbirthdays
#Partytime
#Momguilt
#Milestones
I’m a huge birthday person. Like a huge birthday person. I love celebrating my birthday every year. In my head my birthday is a national holiday.
I dread getting older, but I love celebrating my birthday in some kind of grand way. It’s a Leo thing.
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