The parents are so excited because it's their firstborn's first birthday celebration although for sure, the child won't even remember the event years from now. Still, it is understandable how parents would like to give the best first birthday party for their children, particularly their firstborn. Being the eldest of 5 brood myself *wink*, my parents can still recount to me vividly my first birthday party with tons of pictures as proof! I'm not saying that they were less excited with my other siblings' first birthdays but I can imagine how thrilled they must be to prepare for the first birthday of their very first child (huh?)... it could even be the best party they have ever thrown next to my 18th birthday party... really. Well, okay I'm not very sure about the last part because one of my sisters had the very first wedding, so I guess my debut party is contestable as the 2nd runner up for the Most Exciting Party Category in our family history but then again, a wedding does not actually fall under the "birthday party sub-category" ... it's not even a party, more like a spiritual and solemn rite hehe.
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| How time flies... the birthday boy on his baptismal day last Feb. 13, 2011 |
Here's how we are preparing for the party, maybe you can find some useful tips on how to plan for your first baby's first kiddie party:
1. Time Allotment
Allot at least a one-month preparation for the party. I know... it's not like you're planning for a wedding or a debut party, but a one-month lead time is actually just enough to make everything perfect for your child's first birthday party. The earlier you start planning, the better.
2. Budget
A budget must first be set for the party before you get ahead of yourselves! Be realistic and spend only what you really can afford. The party should be fun both for the visitors and the parents as well. It would be very hard for the hosts to enjoy the party if there is a very big hole in their pockets hehe.
3. Brainstorming and Planning
The parents should agree on the following:
a. Theme - A kiddie party must have a theme to make it more exciting and memorable for the kids. In my nephew's case, they have decided for it to be a cartoon character costume party! Initially it was supposed to be a Justice League/Superfriends costume party but the characters are very limited so the parents broaden it to "your favorite cartoon character costume party."
b. Number of visitors - Decide on the number of visitors and make a list of those people you really want to celebrate the occasion with. Do not be forced to invite everyone you know, it is understandable that you may have to limit the list according to your allotted budget.
c. Venue - The venue will again be dependent on the set budget for the party and of course the theme. You can't have a kiddie swimming party in a ballroom setting, now could you?
Here are some pros and cons of the two types of party venues to help you decide:
Rented Venue - Some working parents are now favoring to hold their kids' birthday parties in rented venues, particularly fast food restaurants over the traditional home venue.
Pros: Less preparation is needed, just send out the invitation and come to the venue on time. Usually the restaurants offer party packages that include not only the food but also the whole program such as hosting the party with games and prizes to be given away, providing the music and mascots and even the kiddie loot bags. Some even provide the photography and video of the event.
Cons: It's expensive and time limited (normally 3-4 hours, with extra charge for extensions). The food choices are also limited to the restaurant's menu list, usually fried chicken, spaghetti, burgers, fries, soda and sundae. Ugh!
Since a paid venue normally charges on a per head basis, surprise guests (read: uninvited) will of course be charged extra. In the Philippine Culture, it is almost expected that some invited guests will take the liberty to tag along friends. Remember, we are a hospitable people, so things like these are acceptable to some extent. So if you decide to hold the party in a rented venue, it is wise to allot a 20-30% additional budget for the "surprise guests" or be surprised when the tab arrives.
At Home: Many still prefer to hold their child's first birthday party at home, especially if the space could accommodate it.
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| The birthday boy's baptismal reception was also held at home :) |
Pros: Longer party hours with no additional cost. Kiddie parties normally start at 3 PM and could be extended until the late night for visitors who couldn't make it in the afternoon or if the hosts served alcoholic beverages to adults. *wink, wink*
Food choices are also not limited to the menu list offered by restaurants. You will have more options to serve food that you think the guests would love.
You also get more value for your money because you have more control over the expenses like the marketing.
Cons: Longer preparation and real big nasty task to accomplish ... before, during and after the party.
For my nephew's first birthday party, the parents decided to celebrate it at home because the pros far outweigh the cons! The key is delegation. Tap everyone who you think could help not just in the planning but the execution as well or if you have included it in the budget, you may hire a professional party organizer to help you prepare for the party to be held at home.
d. Food & Drinks
You must carefully plan for the party menu. Things to consider are the following:
Budget - do not go overboard as there are still a lot of expenses beside the food and drinks, although a big percentage of the budget would be spent for it.
Viands - Always take into consideration that there are two sets of guests, kids and adults. Make sure that the food and drinks that you will serve should be enjoyable to both sets, if not, then you must serve it separately. Avoid serving dishes that are spicy because the kids normally do not like it. The best rule of thumb is to serve a balanced diet course. Choose your best recipes for one or two of each: soup, beef, pork, fish, vegetable, noodles, rice and dessert, not to forget of course the birthday cake. Try also to make the menu palatable and colorful. Avoid cooking dishes of same colors especially if you plan to serve it buffet style. Spaghetti, beef caldereta (thick stew w/ cheese, carrots and potatoes), pork menudo (stew with pork liver, potatoes and carrots), chicken afritada (stew with bell peppers, potatoes and carrots) and sweet and sour fish do not compliment each other on the table because they're all tomato based red! And unless you are expecting everyone to come to the costume party as Bugs Bunny or Roger Rabbit, take it easy on the carrots and potatoes! LOL!
Catered or Home cooked - Once the party menu has been finalized, the parents must decide if they would want it to be catered or home cooked. Considerations to take: Can you cook or do you have the manpower to cook for for a big group? If yes, then you may opt for home cooking if not, hire a professional food caterer.
In our case, the parents who are both good cooks and have many self-proclaimed-chef-relatives *ahem* opted for home prepared food to serve.
Grocery List - Once the menu has been finalized, it's time to make the grocery list. This should avoid forgetting any ingredient.
4. Program
A kiddie party must have a program. Assign a good emcee to execute the party's program of activities. Below is the rough draft of our program for the Cartoon Character Costume Party:
I. Introduction of the parents and the birthday boy
II. Welcome remarks by the parents
III. 3 kiddie games to break the ice
IV. Happy birthday song and blowing of the candle
V. Birthday wishes from parents, grand parents on both sides, one ninang and ninong (god parents), and one cousin from both sides
V. Eating Time
VI. Magic Show by hired clowns and magicians
VII. 3 kiddie games
VIII. 3 sets of production numbers prepared by cousins
IX. 2 games (mother-daughter pairs and father-son pairs) and 1 game for parents
5. Photography and video - Although everyone may have a digitalcam or cellphone to take pictures, you must still assign the official photographer and videographer for the event. This is to make sure that everything is documented for the birthday boy who may not remember his special day at all. LOL!
X. Announcement of Best Dressed Buddy
XII. Distribution of kiddie loot bags and party remembrance/token
XII. Party goes on for the oldies ... videoke time!!! *gulp, gulp*
6. Sound system and music - Check the sound system before the start of the party. Prepare also the discs to be used for the production numbers and also the music for the games.
8. Balloons, tarpaulin, party chairs and tables, table linens, food warmers, napkins, plates and utensils, outdoor/garden sheds and lots of ice! - Be sure that the decorations are all set up at least 3-4 hours before the party. All utensils must also be complete and in place. Food must be warm and drinks must be cold, never forget to stock up on ice!
9. Enjoy the party!
Happy first birthday, Melo!
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| Draft Copy of the Birthday Invitation Card |
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