Just yesterday, messages from relatives and friends regarding my baby’s incoming birthday flooded in my inbox. After encountering a recent crossroad, I was totally convinced that we won’t have a birthday bash for this little girl, because #1- I don’t want to be stress out and #2- I don’t believe in big birthday bashes for one-year-olds, because reality is, they are really for grown ups. But as usual, relatives and family members are very prodding asking me “why we can’t even have simple celebration”. Bla bla bla…
Hitting the panic button
Here in Manila, parents throw the BEST, GRANDEST celebration on their first birthday comparable to a child’s debut (18 years old party) or her wedding! It’s just the culture. But you know what, I can’t blame these parents. 365 days of endless crying fits and diaper poop change, every one deserves some big bang celebration for one year of SURVIVAL!!! If you can afford it, why not? Unfortunately, I don’t want to succumb to society. All I really ever dream of is her blowing a birthday cake by the beach wearing her little mermaid costume. No fancy party, just the three of us, in broad daylight, under the refreshing sea air. But then after all the nagging from society, and seeing Elise “paawa” look, (heart-melting face)– FINE. Again, how can you resist this baby doll?
1. Create a theme based on the baby’s personality.
This one is tricky! I need to really evaluate carefully what Elise is like. Hmmmm… I think the best theme would be something that would fit your child’s personality. Or it could be a message that you would like your child to remember someday when she grows old! Perhaps an inspiration that you would like to impart to her.
Serious morning. (I need to put a flower so you don't look like a baby boy lol)
2. Shrinking the guestlist.
Intimate is the way to go. Scale back the guest list to avoid overwhelming your babe and keep costs down. Get a photobooth machine though if you have a LARGE scale guestlist.
3. Keeping the party short and simple.
Babies have short attention spans and run out of energy and interest quickly. An hour and a half kind of party is sufficient. Plan the party for late morning or late afternoon — pre- or post-nap — when baby isn’t tired. Or if you have more adults than kids, try an evening bash. After the meal, serve some delicious desert and enjoy some grown up time with friends and family. The only downside is she’s asleep in the pictures most of the time.
4. Look for a venue
Having your party at home, for me is the best! But our condo is too small enough for guests. So might as well look for a decent place. (Wish me luck!) One of the tips I got from my cousin is to check out party packages from coupon online stores or possibly, just look for the most common ones! Smart Parenting has a very useful list here!
5. Digital Invitations
Invitations? Go Digital and reduce carbon footrpint.;-) Everyone is online.
6. Know the kids who will attend.
I’ve attended A LOT of birthday parties and none of the kids really showed up! It was a waste of money for the entertainers, and play place for them. Even the treats were put to waste. Anyways if you have numerous kid guests. Make sure to set a side baby-proof place for them. Give them snacks like bowl of cheerios for the toddlers and pretzels, crackers for older kids. You can have CANDY buffets. Give only party favors to kids, to trim cost. Get to know their age bracket. Are they majority girls? You can do some face painting, or cake designing, story telling etc. In my case, there are barely 5 children in the family only. And most of my friends are either single or don’t have one yet. So that is a lot of degree of stress taken out— no clowns, no entertainers, no magicians, not much kid activity. :D
7. Get crafty or buy ready to made decor
I dont’ want to go Martha Stewart on this like I did on her Christening. So since I’m aiming for a stress-free, low cost party, generic decor would do! Just look for cheap ones in party stores near you! :) But of course if you have the budget, go all out on an events planner and stylist!
8. Look for a photographer.
No matter how awesome the party is, the one thing you’ll ultimately be left with is the photos (and, perhaps, an extra pound from too much birthday cake). Consider hiring a photographer, who can come over early and take family portraits then capture the party.
7. Don’t stress.
Bear in mind before you splurge on unnecessary services. After the 1-2 hour event, everything is like POOF, just a memory! Invest on the ones that makes the memory beautiful! You’re still a few years shy of hiring a D.J. and hosting pony rides. It won’t matter to baby whether you throw the party of the season or just celebrate at home with your immediate family. As long as she’s with you and feels love all around, and all of your guests are happy, (oh be sure the food is pleasant!) I guess that’s all that matters.
Parents– a toast to our success at keeping this little human being alive for a WHOLE YEAR! Goodluck and I will keep you posted on recent developments! :-)
