First Birthday Party Planning Timeline

First birthday is a very special milestone, but planning the party can be a bit overwhelming. To help with details you might have overlooked, here’s a first birthday party planning timeline.

3 months before

• Pick a theme. Theme will set the tone for the celebration. It will also tie the decor together. Make sure to choose a theme that will make your little one excited.
• Date and time. Consider your baby’s nap schedule. Throw the party in the afternoon, after the nap time. Your baby will be rested and won’t get fussy. Keep the party short – babies and small kids will be overwhelmed if a party lasts long.
• Make a guest list. There are two things you should consider when deciding on a guest list: budget (how much can you spend) and venue (how many guests can fit). If you want to make the party more intimate, prioritize close relationships.
• Choose a venue. You can host a party at your home or book a kids play space or a restaurant. You can also throw a party at a local park, but make sure to ask the local authorities do you need a reservation and should you have a permit.
• Entertainment. Hire a performer to entertain the kids with age-appropriate activities (story telling, singing, dancing, face painting).
• Hire a photographer. You can also assign a friend or a family member to take photos.

2 months before

• Choose invitations. Invitations should reflect the theme of the party, since they will set the tone for the event. Make sure to include all the important details: date, time, location and RSVP info. For some amazing invitations, check out our SHOP.
• Plan the menu. Choose between catering or homemade food. Pick meals that are suitable both for adults and kids. Double-check for eating restrictions and food allergies.

1 month before

• Send the invitations. Invitations should be sent one month before the party. This will give the guests enough time to RSVP. Double-check guest names, spelling and addresses.
• Hire a catering company. Place order for any catered food.
• Hire a baker. If you’re not making the cake, cupcakes and cookies by yourself, find a reputable baker or a cake shop.
• Order rental items. Linens, draping, chairs, tables, tableware…
• Purchase decorations. Visit dollar stores or craft shops. A lot of decoration essentials can be found there, like paper plates, paper cups, cupcake wrappers and favor bags.
• Party games. Choose games/activities that are suitable for kids that are attending the party. If the party is going to have kids of various ages, make sure you have toys/activities to suit them all (board games, crafts table, bounce house).
• Party favors. It’s time to decide on the favors and gift bags. Thank the guests for coming with a small gift, like homemade cookies or chocolates. You can also purchase favors in dollar stores (candles, bath salts, small toys).
• Pets. If you have pets, schedule a place for them to go during the party. Reserve pet sitter or doggy daycare.

2 weeks before

• Finalize games and decorations. Print party games. Assemble and arrange decorations. If needed, shop for additional items.
• Buy clothes. Choose a stylish outfit for yourself. Make sure it’s also comfortable, so you can mingle around easily. Pick outfit that is both theme-appropriate and comfortable for the baby. Make sure to prepare additional clothes to change – in case of water spills or other accidents.
• Confirm venue and vendors. Finalize details with the catering company, rental company, photographer, baker and entertainment. Double-check if all of the logistical details are set. Also, confirm venue.

1 week before

• Confirm who is coming. Check with guests who haven’t RSVP’d and finalize the number of guests.
• Assemble gift bags. Don’t forget to add a cute favor tag!

3 days before the party

• Prepare playlist for the party. Make sure you include your kid’s favorite songs.
• Make grocery list. Purchase food and drinks (crackers, fruits, veggies, dips, cheese, juices, snacks…). Also purchase any additional items needed for the party.

1 day before

• Prepare food that can be refrigerated.
• Decorate the party area.
• Make a cake for the cake smash.

Day of the party

• Pick up food and cake.
• Prepare food for the party (up to 5 hours in advance).
• Set up food and drinks. Make sure the guests can easily access the buffet/serving area.
• Set up gift table.
• Put up last minute decorations. Everything should be in the right place before the guests arrive.
• Drop off pets at a friends house or doggy daycare.
• Dress the baby (45 minutes before the party).

Do you have any suggestions on first birthday party planning timeline?

For first birthday invitations, games and other items, check out our SHOP!