1st Birthday Party Guide
A first birthday is really a party for the grown-ups, and that is fine. Baby will not remember it, but the photos last forever, so the plan is simple: keep it short, keep it safe and make the room look wonderful for the camera.
Plan the day around the baby
- Timing. Hold it around a nap and a feed, late morning or early afternoon. Ninety minutes to two hours is plenty.
- Guest list. Keep it small. A handful of close family and friends beats a crowd that overwhelms a one-year-old.
- Safe decorating. Keep balloons and small parts out of reach, and never leave a child alone with an uninflated or popped balloon.
- A quiet corner. Set aside somewhere calm for feeds, changes and the inevitable meltdown.
The look that photographs well
First birthdays suit soft, warm schemes. Pick a scene that works: a balloon garland or cluster behind the highchair, a "1" number balloon for the cake smash photos, and a personalised name banner as the backdrop. Boy, girl or a neutral pastel mix, the ranges are set up so you can match everything to one theme in a couple of clicks.
A cake smash needs almost nothing: a plain backdrop, a few balloons and good light. Lay a wipeable mat under the highchair and let them get stuck in.
Frequently asked questions
How many people should I invite to a 1st birthday?
Fewer than you think. Ten to twenty guests including adults keeps it relaxed for the baby and easy for you. It is one occasion where small is genuinely better.
Are balloons safe around a one-year-old?
Inflated balloons are fine as decoration when kept out of reach and supervised. Uninflated and burst balloons are a choking hazard, so clear any that pop straight away and keep spares well away from little hands.
What should I put behind the cake for photos?
A personalised name banner plus a "1" number balloon and a small balloon cluster. It frames every cake and cake smash shot beautifully with very little effort.
Get set with 1st birthday party supplies, choose a boy or girl theme, and finish with a personalised name banner.