This is it. Crunch time.
I want J's first birthday to be perfect, special really.
With winter hitting us about a month late, an intense horror that it will be freezing on his big day has overcome my inner-conscious. I wish I was kidding. That's currently my greatest fear in life.
That come March 24th it will still be 40 degrees outside. That every single guest will be packed like a sardine in our relatively small house. Dear God, I hope it's warm {and while we're at it, not raining!}.
While half my brain worries about weather, the rest of it is realizing actual decisions need to be made!
My first decision? Paper.
I knew I wanted pretty paper products. You know, cute patterns, fonts and colors.
So I took to Etsy, hoping to spare myself some time and purchase something. I saw several party packages for $30. Right now? That seemed worth it. But when I inquired to almost five different designers and only one said she could/would do it I was discouraged. Then when that designer told me it would be $80 for the custom design I almost died.
$30 sure. $80? Hell no.
Budget friendly -- that's the goal of this party, budget friendly. Perfect, but budget friendly. You get it.
Right then and there I decided to stop being lazy and start getting crafty. I headed back to my Birthday Pinterest board and regrouped.
Free printables + my husband's photoshop skills + my bestie's rhyming skills = DIY paper party package
Our official color theme and partial printables?
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| Printables Via |
From these printables, the hubs began making other paper products, like straw flags. Oh and let's not forget the invitation!
By the way, how long before the party should you send out invitations?! I beg of you: someone let me know in the comments sections, please!
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| Via |
Gah, I love those two. Their love story is heart-warming, simply exquisit. I adore the adventure of their relationship. Really, if you haven't seen the movie Up, you need to! But I digress.
You see the colors on the house behind them? Look familiar? I thought so.
Moms, non-moms, any body who can throw together a party, please offer up any tips in the comments below or feel free to email me here: magnoliamom365 [at] gmail [dot] com
Typically one month before the party is nice for parents so they can plan!:)
ReplyDeleteI just planned and hosted my son's 1st birthday and I'd say at least 3 weeks (we actually sent them about 3.5 or 4 weeks in advance) - lets people plan, get baby-sitters if need be, etc. Also, our colors were the exact same (and I just posted about the party tonight) if you want to take a look for inspiration. I didn't do anything too crazy but felt it came together well without breaking the bank.
ReplyDeleteI think 3 weeks before is a good rule of thumb.
ReplyDeleteAs for advice...I think you have a good start! I think the most important thing you need to decide on is a true theme. Is it the colors blue and green? The movie Up? Or maybe just balloons? Each one of those themes can go in a completely different direction!
Blue and green---all about the paper stationary, matching plates and table clothes. Play off of the stripes.
The movie Up--use the house floating with the balloons. Find other cute references from the movie to name the food. Make an album of photos like they had in the movie.
Balloons in general--have them EVERYWHERE! (this could also work with the movie theme.) look at the cupcakes I made for Colson's first birthday-very balloon like feel.
Most of all--have fun! Don't stress about it or you won't enjoy the fact that your son is turning 1!
And if you ever need anything paper in the future, I do design work from home! :o)
Little details, I think, make a big impact! :o)
3-4 weeks before the party is the best invite time, I think!
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree with the 3-4 weeks as well. Those printables do look great. $80? Seriously? Ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteSmall bits of content which are explained in details, helps me understand the topic, thank you!
ReplyDeleteParty Planning
Organized content is the best way to display or post an article, thank you for making it easy to digest your post.
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