Grace Turns One: What I learned from planning her first birthday
Somehow, our baby turned one and like most milestones, it snuck up on me although I felt like I had been planning for so long. It ended up being such a memorable day but if I’m honest, there were also a few things I’d do differently the second time around.
Whether you’re planning your own little one’s first birthday or simply collecting ideas for down the road, here’s what I learned and what I’d absolutely do again.
What I’d do again:
The cake: worth the hype
The cake was a true crowd favorite! I had a hard time finding Mother Goose cake inspiration but after hunting some down on Pinterest, I sent the photos over to the cake designer and WOW did she deliver. The toppers were everyone’s favorite and it was such a fun conversation starter. We couldn’t believe how cute they were (and also edible!) and I love that you can freeze them to save them as keepsakes. If you’re looking for one area to splurge a little, the cake is a good place to do it.
Take photos before the party
The best decision I made was snapping a few photos the day before the party in her outfit. Once guests arrived, it all blurred together and I barely picked up my phone!
Invest in the heirloom pieces
Her birthday outfit, the banner, her plate and cake stand — these are the pieces I’ll pull out every year. They made the day feel so personal and special. Plus if you’re sentimental like me, you can pull them out for a sweet reminder of this milestone!
Keep it personal and small
Next time, I’d keep it just to family. I think it’s less overwhelming on your little one and allows you to connect with your loved ones especially if they’re traveling from out of town!
What I’d skip:
The bouncy house
Looking back, I wouldn’t do the bouncy house again. It added additional stress in terms of weather, set up, etc. and although the big kids had fun in it, most of the babies were too little to really enjoy it.A morning party
We planned for an 11am start, thinking we’d beat the heat and make the most of the day, but I wish I’d waited until after her nap. She was so tired an hour into the party that she fell asleep in my arms on our way to her room! I would aim for an afternoon start if I could do it over - it would’ve given us more time to prep beforehand and Grace would’ve been happier!Professional balloon installation
While it looked beautiful, balloons don’t last very long so if I had to prioritize again, this would be lower on the list (especially for an outdoor setup!)
Final Thoughts
Planning a first birthday is equal parts joy and chaos but I learned that in the end, it’s the meaningful things that last. The tiny details you’ll pull out year after year.
If you’re planning a first birthday, here’s my best advice: Make it personal, keep it simple, and take a quiet moment before the chaos begins. You’ll be so glad you did!
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If your child still naps, aim for after the first nap in the afternoon. We started at 11 a.m. and learned the hard way that a sleepy one-year-old melts down fast. An afternoon start gives you extra prep time and a better-rested birthday babe.
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Heirloom pieces you’ll reuse yearly, think a personalized banner, plate, cake stand, or embroidered outfit. They also create memorable birthday traditions as your child grows.
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Consider your guest age mix. Our babies were too small to enjoy it, and weather/setup stress outweighed the benefit. For mostly-toddler parties, I’d say skip it and add simple sensory play stations instead.
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Shoot photos the day before when everyone is fresh and outfits are pristine. Day-of, hand your phone to a trusted friend or book a 30-minute mini-session with a photographer so you can stay present. You could even consider a milestone first birthday shoot with a photographer.
