Whether you’re a first time mom or a mom to many, when it’s time to plan a first birthday party things can be… a bit stressful. Here’s a detailed list of what to consider to achieve your personal goals!
First things first, I want to be honest. Your baby is ONE. No one is going to remember this but you, whoever you invite, and whatever photos you share on social media. Your baby is a year old which feels really tragic in and of itself. Someone has probably told you that your hormones are back to normal after having baby and I’m really happy for the people who experience that.
First birthdays are ADORABLE. They are sweet, genuine, and just the true embodiment of the unbridled innocence of babies. Of YOUR baby in particular that you’re celebrating!
Don’t get caught up in someone else’s highlight reel on social media and forget what’s most important to you, your family, and your baby.
Party Planning Basics
I have a basic party planning checklist that includes the normal items you’d want to consider for any event: logistics, theme, invitations, details.
- Logistics: what day / time, address, budget
- Theme: I have lots of first birthday party ideas!
- Invitations: find a pre-made option on Etsy or design a personalized invite on Canva
- Details: food, equipment, entertainment
First Birthday Party Specifics
Logistics
Day of the event: What day works best for your family’s schedule? Remember, baby is one. It will be OK if the birthday cake party is three weeks after his or her actual birthday… especially if that gives you a bit more time to enjoy their day as opposed to bouncing back and forth to other events.
Time of the event: Mainly looking at your baby’s nap time!!!
Address: Are you hosting this at home? Are you really in the mood to clean your entire house while raising a toddler? Are there any baby friendly locations you could host the party at where you can skip the cleaning process?
Budget: What are you comfortable spending on this birthday that works with your family’s financial goals AND your birthday goals for bebe?
Guest list: who’s coming to celebrate little bit? Inviting the co-op, daycare, or small group class can quickly turn from sweet to overwhelming! Always be mindful of your guest list.
Theme
This is potentially overwhelming. There are soooo many first birthday party ideas that are really cute!
Little Miss One-derful 1st birthday party
Buy the decor that fits your theme, budget, and location. Be sure that you’re snagging things like cutlery, plates & napkins to accommodate your guest list if you aren’t into theme-specific goods!
Invitations
I recommend finding a pre-made invitation where you swap out the details and click “send” or “print” personally. You’re celebrating the one year anniversary of sleepless nights. Take the easy route, you deserve it.
If you love a custom look, design your own invites using Canva!
Details
Food
Make sure you have food for adults based on the time of day your party. My favorite easy party appetizers, or even just a fruit & vegetable tray that baby enjoys as well can work!
Cake: I have a lot of opinions about this one when it comes to baby’s first birthday! Do you want a smaller smash cake? Maybe just a smash cupcake? Do you want a sugar free or vegan cake?
These are all valid questions that take a bit more planning than the average party to make your little one’s party happen.
Equipment
- High chair! Where is baby eating? Are you renting an antique high chair for the occasion?
- Are you considering a soft play environment for little one… or saving that for future parties where your toddler can play a bit more independently?
