1st birthday party on a tight budget (help me with ideas/tips pleeeease)

Anyone have any money saving tips they'd like to share with me? DD will be 1 in early April, our house is not that big so if I do it at home I will have to keep it small. I gave DS a HUGE 1st birthday party at Wantagh park (it was July) and it was relatively inexpensive. I was still employeed with a very good slary at the time and money wasn't really an issue so now I feel bad not to have a big party for DD although it is on the table as an option if I can't find a cheaper way to have one for her.

Re: 1st birthday party on a tight budget (help me with ideas/tips pleeeease)

I had a party w/ immediate family only at the house. we did everythign from bj's, hero, salads, cake, and bought a tray of ziti from Umberto's.

Re: 1st birthday party on a tight budget (help me with ideas/tips pleeeease)

Are you set on the big party? I wouldn't feel guilty if you can't do the same for her. I would take immediate family to dinner and call it a day if you're comfortable with that.

She won't mind either way

Re: 1st birthday party on a tight budget (help me with ideas/tips pleeeease)

Well it all depends...do you want to do it at home? You can have a small family party and still have a theme or something and make it very special. how about outside? it might be a bit chilly still though?

i think a small family party is the easiest.

Could everyone chip in to make some food? And maybe do a hero as well?

Re: 1st birthday party on a tight budget (help me with ideas/tips pleeeease)

Posted by SweetCaroline

Are you set on the big party? I wouldn't feel guilty if you can't do the same for her. I would take immediate family to dinner and call it a day if you're comfortable with that.

She won't mind either way

Re: 1st birthday party on a tight budget (help me with ideas/tips pleeeease)

Re: 1st birthday party on a tight budget (help me with ideas/tips pleeeease)

Posted by MaMaTeenie

Posted by SweetCaroline

Are you set on the big party? I wouldn't feel guilty if you can't do the same for her. I would take immediate family to dinner and call it a day if you're comfortable with that.

She won't mind either way

I know....i know, its all me and my italian guilt

I am ok with a small party, but then i think i'd like to do it home and make it really special, do lots of fun decorations and stuff.

Message edited 1/24/2011 1:38:38 PM.

Re: 1st birthday party on a tight budget (help me with ideas/tips pleeeease)

We decided that renting out a party place for a few hours and having some food catered would save us a ton. We aren't going crazy on theme, the place is already bright and colorful and the package comes with balloon, decorations, favors, and food for the kids. I liked that they had a separate room for adults to sit down and eat if you decide to cater. The package starts at 500.

I really wanted a nice cake, and sweets table, so I'm going to splurge on that a bit. I just want to see all the kids in our family together having a good time. We have a large family. 15 kids definite maybe 10 more will come.

I know my family would have preferred a fancy hall with a ton of food, extravagant decorations, a dj and entertainment, but in the end of the day, it doesn't matter and no one hardly remembers it. We just don't think it makes sense to spend that much on something for 1 year old who can care less.

I figure when the aunts and grandmas all come to the party place, they'll kiss the kids, eat a bite and leave happy. I'm not going to pay to wine and dine them this round.

If we had space in our apartment for 30+ people, we'd probably do it at home, but we really needed to find a space.

Message edited 1/24/2011 2:26:03 PM.

Re: 1st birthday party on a tight budget (help me with ideas/tips pleeeease)

Both my boys had smaller family parties at our (small) house---it was still fun! I made most of the food myself and catered subs/wraps. It was pretty simple and we didn't spend a ton. I made a tray of ziti and macaroni & cheese--both very inexpensive to make your self. I also did a crockpot of meatballs, appetizers and chicken nuggets/fries for the kids. We also made the cake and cupcakes & had fun decorating them!

ETA for my older sons 1st we did a pizza party and that worked out great too.

Message edited 1/24/2011 2:21:42 PM.