Parenting is bliss; every little first step of your toddler is a life time memory. And your baby’s first birthday is certainly something to celebrate. You would wish to hold that moment and cherish forever as a memory. You would want to make it large, grand and at the same time comfortable for your baby so that he enjoys with you.
So, here is the check list you should keep handy when planning your little one’s first grant event.
Planning & Research: To avoid end moment hush gush, one should start planning the event 1 or 2 months before your soon to be toddler’s birthday month. Start with date and time, if the birthday falls in weekdays and you want all your family and friends to attend, and then make it on weekend to make the party livelier. Time should be as per your baby’s schedule; he or she should have enough Nap and stomach full meal before hosting his first party.
Another important part of planning is venue (Indoor or Outdoor), as it’s baby first birthday, the invitation list could be bit long, so finalizing the location and other necessary arrangements such as chairs, tables, fans (These may be required if the party location is home) should be done in advance and last but not the least budget, it should be within your pocket.
Party Theme & Invitation: Select the best trendy party theme, one can hire the event planner which have their cut off ready along with the list of ideas or make the one which your toddler have started exploring as its first toy, anything from Mickey Mouse To Barbie Doll. Finalize the guest list along with their mobile/social contact list to send birthday invitation cards; Birthday Invitation card samples (For every age group) are easily available online.
Less Noisy & More Activities: Remember your baby is just 1 year old, so DJ and loud sounds can be irritating. Moreover these can make him cranky and spoil the party. Instead try some musical fun activities, such as dancing with kids, playing nursery rhymes in background, you can consolidate all the moments spend with your toddler and make a small AV(Audio Visual Clip) to play, the flashback will be cherished by you and guests too. You can give wish cards to each guest to write blessings for your toddler, which later you can read to him and keep them as a memory.
Cake & Wafers: No birthday party can end without Birthday cake and wafers do not forget to book your bundle of joy’s first Birthday Cake one week prior, The decorative cake with various themes are available in market, also at the same time the cake should be huge enough to feast the guests in the party. Along with it you can serve wafers, snacks, and soft drinks. If the party is planned outdoor, the guests can be served with delicious food catered by the venue.
Clothes & Return Gifts: Purchase comfortable party wear for your little one as discomfort of clothes can land up you and your baby in a bad mood, which will be a sure shot mood spoiler. As it’s your baby first grand event, returns gifts can be Coffee Mugs with your baby’s Birthday date or a Instant Pictures of guests (along with a photo frame), cute water bottles etc.
Final Head’s Up: On the event date before party begins, check the list are the things moving as per the plan, Also keep a track that your toddler is on his schedule and had a good sound Nap, with a full stomach.
Keep these things in mind and you are all ready to enjoy the Birthday Bash with your little “Show Stopper”.
— Namrata Sharma —
An IT professional during the day, writer during the night and full time mommy to her 2 year old son. She shares her musings on her FB page.
Image Source: www.hollywoodtoysandcostumes.com