I Need HELP...Birthday Party Related (LONG)

So I know I am so lame because I do not know how to do this...I have never in my life planned a birthday party, nor had one (family's religious beleifs)

My DH and I want to have a wonderful first birthday for my DS. He had a very difficult start in life, and we did not have a christening or welcoming party when he was little.

I honestly do not know where to start..

We want to have it in our yard (this is for Sept.) Prob. rent a tent and table and chairs.

I have until Sept. what should I be doing, and do you have any recommendations????? SHould I start planning now, or is starting in August fine? What should I do first? I am so freaking clueless.

I am seeing all your wonderful pictures from your birthday parties, and hope I can pull off something just as nice.

SO can anyone recommend tent rentals?
Catering you were happy with?
cake you were happy with?
and who does the favors I see on here, I LOVE them!!??

I am sorry to be a pest, I just feel overwhelmed....THANK YOU THANK YOU for anyone that replies.

Message edited 6/30/2008 12:27:53 PM.

Re: I Need HELP...Birthday Party Related (LONG)

I don't have any recommendations b/c I didn't do tents/chairs/catering, but I wanted to say...

It will be PERFECT, no matter what you do. Even if it was just you, your DH & your son having pizza, it will be fabulous and will be a great memory for ALL of you...so don't stress about making it perfect, living up to expectations, etc. No matter what you do, it will be great!

ETA: One thing I do know is Joenick is the person who does so many of the favors on here...I believe her business is Do Me A Favor, I'm sure she's on LIF under that name. I would have used her too but we didn't do favors.

Also, I would say you should take care of the things you're definite about now, so that you have less things to worry about as you get closer to his big day. If you know the # of people you'll have, call and reserve a tent, table & chairs. Get some prices from some caterers, shop around to see what works best for you. You should check things off your list as soon as you can, to give you peace of mind

Message edited 6/30/2008 12:32:02 PM.

Re: I Need HELP...Birthday Party Related (LONG)

Try not to worry so much. As pp said, no matter what you do, it will be perfect!!!!

I had a party in the winter so I don't have rec's for tent.

Where do you live? I catered from Piccolo's in Bellmore and couldn't have been happier. They came and set everything up and delivary was free.

For cake - if you don't want to go too crazy, I just got one from BJ's. They scanned a picture of my son on for free!!! The cake was delicious too.

I would definatley start planning now. Get invites out at least a month in advance.

Good luck and take time to enjoy it!!!

Re: I Need HELP...Birthday Party Related (LONG)

I should edit to say, I don't want to get too crazy, just basics , and a tent only to fair bad weather if it comes. I am in Coram. Its a kid party, I know not to get stressed, but I guess because I never really ever clebrated birthdays, its just weird for me......

Thanks for responding

Re: I Need HELP...Birthday Party Related (LONG)

You're smart to rent a tent - though they can be expensive so shop around and get estimates before committing. Most of the rental places like Taylor Rental in Port Jeff Station (on Hallock) offer tents, tables, cotton candy machines and so on.

But to manage your budget consider some simple ideas... if there will be a lot of kids get a pinata, create stations for the kids one can be all about bubbles, another can be sand art, another could be cookie decorating and so on. You get the idea.

Don't put so much pressure on yourself though - a great party is usually one that simply offers your guests a comfortable environment to enjoy the company.

Good luck!

Re: I Need HELP...Birthday Party Related (LONG)

Hi!! DS will have a perfect first birthday party!!



I just had Thomas' in April. We rented a tent, tables and chairs from All American Tent Company. They were great!

I catered food from Primavera in Seaford/Massapequa. Excellent!

We didn't hire any entertainment, we just did a pinjata, lawn bowling, potato sack races and tatoos.

I'd start now and book the tent company and at least decide where you want to get food from and then you can focus on the details later on.

Good luck!!