Throw a memorable 1st birthday for your child on a budget

A baby’s first birthday is a milestone for both the child and the parents, which explains why mum and dad can’t help but splurge on this very special occasion. But what if you are running on a tight budget?

Taking out a loan just for the occasion is totally illogical. It’s not worth the debts that have to be paid afterwards, which, in some cases, may force you to scrimp on the basic needs of your child or face your creditors.

But didn’t they say that parents, moms especially, can be very creative? This means you can definitely celebrate a memorable first birthday without blowing your budget.

1. Keep the party small
   It’s so easy to get carried away when listing down the number of people you want to invite. Similar to wedding planning, your child’s first birthday can quickly get out of control. Invite only family or close friends, since your baby would not know or even remember who attended his first birthday party.

   But it would be nice to see people who are part of his life to be in the pictures rather than strangers. Cap the guest list at 15 or 20 people. Too small? You can increase the number, but think about the adults to children ratio. Adults are sure to eat more than the little ones, which will make the party more expensive.
2. Choose a theme
   The great thing about a theme is that it will make decorating the party venue and buying party supplies easier. Just don’t go overboard with buying the whole theme packet. Focus on key items, such as your child’s outfit, invitations and party hats. Some party favours are available at local dollar stores.Also, it would be wise to choose a theme where most of what you need can be found at home. Do you own plenty of China and tea sets? How about an Alice in Wonderland theme or an afternoon tea party concept? Use your kid’s toys as centre piece and other toys as accents.
3.  Go digital on invitations
   Instead of using paper for your invitations, save trees and money, by sending electronic invitations. You’ll find plenty of them online. Or, you can just send an email or give invited guests a call.
4. Do some of the cooking yourself
   It’s stressful to be taking care of a child and managing the kitchen at the same time, not to mention the party details you have to deal with. It is also a reality that you can spend less on food, if you cook them yourself rather than buy them or hire caterers. Choose a dish that you can cook without the need to keep an eye on it all the time. Baking a cake would not require your constant attention as well.
5.  Call a friend
   Perhaps your mum group could chip in, not only for dishes, but also for party ideas, DIY decorating and baking. You’d be surprised at how mums could be so generous in sharing the load when making a memorable experience for kids. Perhaps they have some party favours or decor you can recycle. Make it an all-out fun event for mums and kids.
6. Plan ahead
   If you start shopping close to the occasion, chances are, you won’t get a bargain. Unless of course the occasion lands on the date when sales are rampant in the city. Best time to buy is after Christmas or perhaps after Easter.If you are the thrifty type, it is best to know when prices of party favours go down, or the best places to shop for a bargain. The key is to be a step ahead, and not to wait too close to the date. This is to avoid impulse shopping.

Throwing a party is rarely cheap, but it can be memorable without you breaking the bank needlessly. With just the people you love as your guests, plenty of delicious food to go around and lots of pictures, your child’s first birthday party would be memorable and friendly on the budget. It will be fun to reminisce, too.

Did you find this article useful? Do you have some ideas of your own that you can share to our readers? Share your experience by leaving a comment below.