Planning Your Baby’s First Birthday Party? Here Are Some Tips to Help You Out

You’ve probably been thinking about your baby’s first birthday party for a while now. You’ve come up with a few ideas, like maybe having friends or family over for a small get-together. Or you might want to go all out and throw them an extravagant celebration complete with a clown, face painter, photo booth and cake — but which one is suitable for your little one? Let’s be honest; throwing a baby birthday party isn’t exactly easy. There are so many details to consider, not to mention all the planning that goes into it. But don’t worry – we have everything you need to ensure your child’s special day is perfect from start to finish!

Check off these baby birthday party essentials

These will help ensure you cover all your bases as you plan your baby’s first birthday party. 

• Guests: Whether you’re hosting or throwing a larger party, you’ll want to consider how many people you’ll invite. When it comes to kids, the number is often based on how many can fit comfortably in one room. If you’re hosting, keep in mind the available space and how many can fit comfortably.
• Ages: If you’re hosting, you’ll want to consider your guests’ ages. If you’re planning a larger event, it’s best to keep children of all ages in mind. For example, a party for 8-month-old babies will likely be different than a party for 2-year-olds. 
• Time: Keep in mind how long you want the party to last. If you’re hosting, you’ll want to factor in setup time, clean-up time and time spent with each guest. This will vary depending on the ages of your partygoers.
• Theme: If you’re planning a theme party, you’ll want to decide on one early on. The earlier you select, the more time you’ll have to shop, plan and prepare for everything.
• Budget – You’ll want to factor in everything that comes with throwing a party, from the cost of decorations and food to the cost of hiring entertainment. Keep a close eye on your budget as you plan to avoid going over it.

Decide if you want to host or go all-out with a party planner

If you’re planning a larger party, you may consider hiring a party planner to help you put things together.

• Pros: If you hire a professional, you’ll have one less thing to worry about when planning a party. You’ll have one less thing on your to-do list and one less thing to stress about. You’ll also have a professional on hand to answer any questions and put your mind at ease when putting together a party. 
• Cons: Hiring a party planner can be costly. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional versus doing everything yourself. If you plan to hire a professional, make sure to do your research and hire someone who has experience with kids.

Tip: If you decide to hire a party planner, make sure to get everything in writing and have a contract. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings. It’s also a good idea to have a preliminary meeting with your party planner to review your plans and ensure you’re both on the same page.

Pick your baby’s first birthday theme

If you’re going for a theme, you’ll want to pick one that works well with your child’s personality and interests. You can also choose a theme based on your child’s favourite things. 

• Pros: A theme is a great way to tie everything together and ensure you don’t forget a thing. 
• Cons: Picking a theme might make shopping for decorations and party supplies harder since you’ll have to stick to one theme. You may also have difficulty finding invitations and party favors that fit your theme.

Tip: If you choose to have a theme, include it in your invitations to set the tone for your party. When selecting a theme, keep in mind the age and interests of your child to make sure it’s appropriate for them.

• Ceremonial first birthday party: If your child was born in spring, summer, fall or winter, you could celebrate their first milestone with a ceremonial first birthday party. This is when you can invite guests to celebrate your child’s first birthday. 

Tip: If you’re having a larger party, you can mix the themes or stick to one. This is your party, so do what works best for you and your child.

Plan your menu and food

If you’re hosting, you’ll likely want to prepare the food yourself. But if you’re hiring a party planner or are having guests over, you’ll want to decide on a menu.

• Pros: You can customize the menu to your child’s tastes and dietary requirements. You’ll also have more control over the costs of the menu.
• Cons: It may be more time-consuming to put together a menu. You’ll also have to prepare and cook everything yourself.

Tip: If you’re hosting and planning the menu, make sure to factor in any dietary requirements. Also, keep in mind any allergies or sensitivities that may be present at the party.

• Ceremonial first birthday menu: If you’re celebrating your child’s first birthday, you can serve traditional foods for the first birthday. 
• Theme-based menu: If you’re going for a theme, you may want to consider a theme-based menu.

Find the perfect venue — or decide on a place to have it catered

If you’re hosting, you’ll likely want to pick a venue that works best with your child’s age and interests. You’ll also have to consider how many people you want to invite.

• Pros: Having your party at a venue lets you focus on enjoying the party instead of stressing out about clean up. You can also focus on spending time with your guests instead of dealing with cooking and cleaning up the kitchen.
• Cons: You may have limited options when choosing a venue, and the cost may be higher than hosting at home.

Tip: If you decide to have your baby’s first birthday party at a venue, plan for transportation so your guests can get there.

Decide on entertainment and activities

You’ll want to choose entertainment and activities that suit your baby’s age and interests. Will you have a live performer or hire a DJ? Will you have a magician? Will there be a face painter? Will you have a photo booth?

• Pros: When you have entertainment and activities, your guests are less likely to be bored.
• Cons: The cost of hiring entertainment or having someone come in can be pricey. You may also have fewer options if you have a smaller budget.

Tip: Keep them age-appropriate if you decide to have entertainment or activities during the party.

Wrapping up

If you’re planning a larger party, you’ll want to start planning early. Hence, you have enough time to find decorations and party favors, book a venue and hire a caterer, and so on. You’ll also want to consider your child’s age and interests when choosing a theme and menu. With these tips, you’re well on planning a perfect party for your special little one.