11 Party Planning Tips For Your Baby’s First Birthday

Congratulations, your baby has reached a milestone and you have made it through your first year of parenthood. Choosing that first birthday outfit, the perfect cake and all the other party details can be really exciting and we understand why it is such a special moment.

However it is easy to get overwhelmed in the process, especially if you do not organise your thoughts and stick with a plan.

Here are 11 tips to help you plan the perfect first birthday for your little angel:

1. Have A Budget And Stick To It

Because we are party lovers in this part of the world, we tend to go overboard with what goes in every time there’s a reason to plan one.

A budget is perhaps the most important thing that you should sort out before you swing into full spending action. Be true to yourself and pocket. If you can afford a splurge, by all means, go ahead and have one, but if you can’t, know that you can have a very nice party within your budget.

2. Manage The Guest List
Most people would probably like to throw a big party, which sounds great in theory. If you want to be practical however, a small and simple first birthday party is just as bang-on.

Consider having your party at the house, instead of at a hall. A family-only party may be a great idea, especially if you have a small space or a sensitive baby who does not do well in big, noisy social settings.

Limiting your guest list makes your planning a lot easier and your baby and guests more relaxed.

3. Take Photos Before Guests Arrive.
It should be more about the memories of your baby turning 1, than anything else. So take some pictures before baby gets sleepy or starts shrieking from all the commotion.

To ensure you get Instagram-worthy photos, have the photographer come early and take photos of your baby with the cake as well as a low-key photo shoot before the scheduled time for guests arrival.

Baby will be all smiles, no fuss and will make great photos without the noise and commotion of a party holding full-sway.

4. Be Age Appropriate

Whatever activities you have planned should accommodate each age group that will be at the party. Group kids of same age as the celebrant to be entertained by same activities, while interactive games involving an MC are suitable for older children.

If you will have bouncy castles at the party, make one available for smaller kids and a separate one for the older kids. This is to ensure that the older kids do not trample on the toddlers.

5. Personalize The Party
Highlight a few of your baby’s favorite things over the past year (first word, favorite food, favorite toy!) and display it for all to see at the party.

This idea from your baby’s party designs lets guests learn about your baby and is worth snapping a photo of for baby to see in a few years.

6. Careful With The Themes

It is easy to get lost in all the planning, so, do well to stick to a simple theme. Besides your one-year-old has no idea what the fuss is about, she and the other children will be just as happy with bright, colourful decor and balloons, and enough treats.

7. Have A Designate Cameraman

Invest in a good photographer. Most of the memories of that day will be preserved through photography and videos. If you cannot afford hiring a professional, delegate this function to a family or friend who knows how to use a camera well.

8. Make Your Party Treats Self-Serve.
Everything from treats, to drinks and dessert can be set up in advance so you can tell guests to help themselves and focus on your child and having fun.

9. Create A Quiet Area.
Create a quiet space in another room or outside area for guests to go if they need a break from the festivities. Set aside simple toys for babies who may feel overstimulated, and leave out snacks for adults who want a quiet spot to calm their babies or who need to have a quiet conversation.

10. Respect The Nap
One of the first things you learn as a parent is that a rested baby is a happy baby. Your baby still needs to get his nap, and this will likely happen during the course of the party. When he is be back up, energetic and revived when he rejoins the party, and that’s good for everyone.

11. Keep it short and sweet.
The little ones get cranky easily and have a hard time staying calm in the midst of so much stimulation and commotion, even if it is their own party. Limit your party to about 2 hours so everyone can leave on a positive note.

Photo Source: Google