First Birthday Party Planning Tips

I threw Benjamin's 1st birthday party in February. It was great, but I learned a few thing I think are worth sharing. Hope they help you out!

1. Go to a Dollar Store. I don't know how similar they all are, but I went to a local Dollar Tree and they are loaded with party supplies. Unfortunately, I went to the Dollar Tree a few days AFTER I had already ordered and paid for all of Ben's balloons, table decorations and party favors. I could have saved a bundle. I'm sure they quality is less superior that at the party supply store, buy really.., who cares how great the quality is when you just need it to last two hours?

2. Don't buy your party favors at a party supply store. Same kind of principal applies as above... You can find the same things for cheaper elsewhere, AND you can find more creative, unique ideas at other places like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Target or Walmart.

3. Do smash cake pics!!! Your birthday party cake scene may not provide you with great photos. I mean, if your kid cries and steps in his cake like Ben did, then pics are not really going to happen. If you do pics when it's just you and your kiddo, whether it's at a studio or in your kitchen, you will more than likely get a good shot of something adorable. The birthday party pressure is hard on the little ones!

4. Some decorations are not worth making. referencing this post, the 'Happy Birthday' banner took me like an hour to make. I could have bought one for $1.00. On the other hand, the timeline banner was personal, easy to make, and totally worth the 30 minutes of effort. Likewise, cake balls are not worth the time to make, but the displays were quick and easy and totally worth it!

5. Even if you plan a 'small' party, unless it's just your family, it won't feel that way. I really did my best to keep the invitation list small, but by the time you have family, a few friends, and a few children, the house is full. Which is fine. But don't trick yourself into thinking it's small.

A lot of there tips don't just apply to the 1st birthday party, and I will keep my own lessons learned in mind when I throw Ben's 2-year old bash! :). Please share your party tips!!