Baby's FIRST Birthday! Huge Party OR Immediate Family Gathering?? PLEASE HELP!!?!
Answers:
That's a VERY tough one. Advice is right, your son won't remember it, but that doesn't mean it should be any less special.
If you do throw a big bash - it doesn't have to be difficult, bring in the recruitments! Request that guests bring a plate of food and nominate who brings savoury, who brings sweet. (This means you spend less time preparing and organising food) If certain family members aren't going to be happy without an invite, then as far as I'm concerned they shouldn't have a problem pitching in and helping! Nominate a few people (older children or adults) who can help with party games - such as pass the parcel, pin the tail on the donkey, a pinata etc I do think games are important if there are going to be children there, even though your son can't participate as much, because they want to have fun and be kept entertained! A bouncy castle, ball pit, clown or face painter are also great entertainment ideas which the kids can enjoy without being supervised the entire time.
Due to the large number of guests, you could also throw the party at a beach or park where bbq's are available. This saves the hassle of a huge clean up afterwards!
It sounds to me like you would prefer the bigger party to be able to please everyone + make the day special for your son. Regardless of the age, pictures last a life time so your son will always be able to look back on the day, as you will you. Just make sure you rely on the help of others so you can enjoy the day and spend it with your son - his first birthday will only happen once!
Goodluck and above all enjoy the day!
I think you should prefer to organize a huge party because it is your baby's first birthday.
I recommend the immediate family gathering.
If he's not going to remember it, why spend all the time and money on it? You won't enjoy it, he won't remember it... what's the point?
If you were to have a big bash, I think your son might get overwhelmed. I'm a teenager and I would be overwhelmed with 90 people at my party all cooing over me.
I suggest just having a simple gathering at either your house or a restaurant. It will be easy, inexpensive, much less stressful for you and everyone will still enjoy it. So what if some of your aunts and uncles are mad they weren't invited? They don't have to plan the party. They don't have to pay for the party.
Enjoy a simple party this year and save the big bash for when he'll remember it.
You did a good job of 'talking it out' here and, like everyone else has said, it seems clear to me that you'd prefer the huge party.
My daughter did this for our granddaughter's first b'day in Dec. Their home was not large enough for the crush of people that were there. So, the beach or park idea is good, depending on the climate where you are. If it's too cold still, or you have rainy weather that time of year in your area, you might try a church rec hall or KOC or Elks.
I'm sure you will have a wonderful time and cherished memories!
I went all out for my daughters first birthday this year. I had so much stuff planned that we didn't even get a chance to do it all. By the end of it she was very over stimulated and ready for bed. Next year I am not going to plan so many games and a few less choices on foods. I would take it easy and just enjoy your baby boy.
Experience
In your situation...go for the big party. Have it outdoors if at all possible: a good old-fashioned BBQ with easy foods. If close relatives want to bring a dish, all the better.
Balloons.....keeps kids entertained and they can take them home (white ones would look like bubbles)
Bubble blowing things...keeps kids amused
Playballs to kick around instead of organized games all the time
Coloring books, crayons...more simple entertainment
Small wading pool filled rubber duckies with numbers for kids' game...in fact you can make it a Rubber Ducky Party (google rubber ducky cakes for some awesome designs!)
Bright blue and yellow decorations would look good, too.
Here's a good link for more game ideas and other things "ducky">>
http://www.kids-partycabin.com/rubber_du…