Your baby is 6 months old, and we know what you’re already thinking: first birthday party. Your mind starts to wander to blow up toys, goody bags, smash cake and decorations. All you see are dollar signs. Never fear, we’ve got your how to’s on doing a ONE-derful party that won’t break the bank.

Birthday Party Location

Do it at home! Why rent a big party space when you can open your home to friends and family for free? Homes make everyone feel more welcome and “part of the family.” Your house will be the perfect quaint atmosphere.

What Food To Serve

Also a DIY. Buying food at your local bulk store or cost saver grocery is the way to go. For this little girl’s first birthday, we commissioned grandmas to make a few sides to help bear the burden, because let’s face it, EVERYONE wants to come to this first birthday. The theme was Look Whooo’s Turning one, and momma made most of the food to look like owls.

A Party Isn't Complete Without Decorations

This little girl in particular had her bedroom done in an owl theme, with bright pops of color. So to save money, Mom went ahead and carried that theme to the party and used decorations she already had. Tissue paper flowers (see our tutorial) made for cute table decorations, and the only money spent was on these glittered O-N-E letters. These were cardboard letters found at the local craft store. We dipped in Modge Podge and rolled in gold glitter. Easy!

Don't Forget The Cake

The infamous smash cake. Baking a homemade cake seemed like the best idea for this budget-savvy mom. She bought a cake, and baked two layers in a small 6” round cake. Then we iced with a pink buttercream icing and rose tip. Total cost for the cake was about $4, which was much easier on the pocket book. For the rest of the family, she did a regular sheet cake.

Capture Those Special Moments

This could easily be the biggest bulk of the expense for your child’s first birthday. No doubt, we want to get photos of them smashing that cake, and quite often, photographers can do a separate shoot for that special event. For the party, get a friend to take photos throughout the day of your little one to document the occasion. Even a simple point and shoot camera will do the job.

There you have it. Simple and easy, and right on the money steps for planning a first birthday party. Decide your budget, and use these simple tips to help plan your child’s first birthday party. Also, don't forget to talk with party vendors as well. They have such amazing ideas and a variety of packages that may work within your budget as well.