What we learn AFTER the party

[Cherry143]

Hello sisses!
My baby's 1st bday has just finished.
Let us share our experiences and we learned so that others can learn from us before it's too late.

Lesson#1.  Make sure the caterer, party organizer has completed the setup on time, BEFORE the start of the party.  This way, you can take pictures of the completed setup before the guests arrive.

Lesson#2.  If you will not take an official/ paid photographer, make sure you will be specific on which items, or which part of the party you want to be captured by your assigned photographer.  My dad was our assigned photog, kakalungkot, ang konti ng shots nya na gusto ko. dami nyang hindi na capture, toink!  sana lang yung mga guests, friends ko ay meron pa...

[VShe]

1 - make a check list of all the things na kelangan dalhin sa party venue. pati na rin payment ng balance dapat naka hiwa-hiwalay na (bills), ayaw nyong magsuklian pa or over payment sa mga suppliers

2 - call/text all your suppliers pagkagising nyo pa lang sa umaga. This will make them feel di puedeng ma-late at kahit anong kapalpakan ay hindi nyo kayang i-tolerate.

3 - kahit gaano kayo ka-haggard at stressed dapat mag-retouch bago pa man dumating mga guests. You wouldnt want a zombie-like look sa lahat ng pictures hehe.

4 - bring extra containers/ styro para s leftover. Some restos charge an amount pag nagpabalot kayo ng leftovers.

[rianne_mallows]

what i learned after the party of my nieces(i didnt have any kids back then yet)

---kids wont remember much about their 1st birthday anyway so how they will like it will only depend on what the see in photos and videos.

 1. invest in a good p/v  - accept it or not, assigning a friend or a relative doesn't really work. well at least for me   for one, they wouldnt have the experience/knowledge needed to cover the event.. and even if they do, they still expect themselves to be treated as guests.  and since it's free labor, you cant man them around when you see them chit-chatting with other guests thus, missing important shots

   if given only 1 choice between p/v or photobooth, i'd take p/v any the time. why? because i had a party for my baby so i'm much interested seeing photos of my baby than having candid pics of people who'll surely forget about the event anyway in due time

2. cake  - everybody loves cakes. but frankly, for a 1st birthday, she wont remember it anyway. IMO, i'm ok with having a nice tasting cake with a VERY GOOD design than an oh-so-yummy cake with a so-so design. of course, if budget is not an issue, what's wrong with having both right

3. decor - as i already pointed out, at the end of the day, the photos and videos will be the ones that will matter. on that note, decors such as balloons and backdrops will really make a party stand-out (hey dont get me wrong, i'm not a PP!)


--- about the guests -  you dont really need to invite "everyone" . some feels pressured/obliged to do so, but really, you dont have to. no one would really care anyway.. not in the long run that is

--- venue -  just make sure the number of your guest is appropriate for the size of the venue. not too big that the event would look like a flap movie, but not to small either that guests are cramped liked sardines.
  - rented venues are always better than having the party at home. saves the hassle of the after-party cleaning and the mess and stress from the "home-invaders"

--- dress-up!!!   even if it's our baby's big day, we wouldn't want to be left out of the spotlight do we now

--- enjoy the moment  -  oh yes. adults often get tired of the usual parties..magicians, programs etc.. but just enjoy it. it WILL pass. untill you get to the point that even if you want to hold a party, it's your kid who will refuse because it's already "jahe/dyahe"





i thought i've learned a lot if not all there is to know about parties.. but oh i was so wrong.
here's the things i learned after my baby's party


--- INITIAL DIY's are not always cheap - i had a lot DIY'ed. had i just paid for the service, it would have costed the same.. even less..   however, i WILL become cheaper in time if you really intent on having lots of parties

--- YOU"RE NOT A SUPERWOMAN - since i had a lot DIY'ed, (choco fountain set-up, candy bar, balloon decors, backdrop with standees, and swags)
 i almost didn't finish in time, and i forgot some minor things. -totally forgot about the extra tarpaulin   looking back, had i paid for it, i wouldn't be as rushed and as stressed.. anyway, i don't really regret it.. it's just that next time, maybe i'll just do a few and have paid services for the rest

--- stick to the budget - since i want a special party for my baby, i joined forums to get ideas from other mom..  after the party, i kinda had doubts if that was a good move or not.. my expenses ballooned because everything i was seeing were so cute i just have to have it you know what i mean?    so my advise, IF you want to stick to your budget,  stay away from forums! 

--- let go - once the party starts, just let go. no use getting stressed over anything else really.

[milkchocolate]

this is a really good thread. thanks to the thread starter! sana madami pang gt moms ang magshare!

[kareni]

we had 160 adults and 75 kids as guests and following are what i thought i should have done that would make the 7th birthday of my son recently, the talk of our community for at least the coming years:

1.  start planning for the event at least 12 months.  the day after you finished your kid's birthday start moving for the following year's party specially if it's a 7th birthday.  start with the outline of your program and fill them up with the necessary suppliers and items.  i started mine 10 months before the actual date and i really feel the extra 2 months could have improved my grade from a very good party to near excellent, which is what every proud parent would like to give his child.

2. get only class AAA suppliers, never compromise any item on your checklist.  get a stage director that is fully equipped with an experienced team and enough manpower using available technologies like headsets for proper communication during the party. i got one that i believe is not yet at par with the best available so there were a few lapses on my program like following the lights script strictly, sequencing kids properly for their next performances and games.

3. the class AAA suppliers must not accept another party before your date and on the same day as the date of your actual party.  the in-demand suppliers look stressed out and very tired when they appear on your party and being human beings as we are we have limitations too when the body and mind are very tired and unable to move to our fullest capacity.

4. get only the class AAA suppliers who will be willing to sit down and do at least 2 pre-production meetings with you on the week coming to your party date and must be present on the dress rehearsals of your kid's performances.  impromptus only produce a basta mairaos result.

5. have at least 3 trusted hands-on relatives or friends who will share some responsibilities with you on the date and a driver to run the unexpected errands that must be taken cared of on the date.

6. treat the captain waiter of your venue nicely with generous tips at the beginning and at the end of your party.  this one really helped.

7. in case you are unsure of something get a back-up immediately without hesitation.

8. read the forums on gt regularly at least 15 months before your party date.


i hope this list may be of some use to other mommies planning their kiddy parties for next year.

[gentai_chan]

Thank you so much for this wonderful thread! My baby would turn 1 in 2 months time and I really don't know what to expect during the party. Iba pala ang feeling kapag ikaw na ang in charge sa birthday party setup lalo na ng child mo. Thanks for all the tips sisses. Keep it coming.

[mommamymy!]

what i learned after the party of my nieces(i didnt have any kids back then yet)

---kids wont remember much about their 1st birthday anyway so how they will like it will only depend on what the see in photos and videos.

 1. invest in a good p/v  - accept it or not, assigning a friend or a relative doesn't really work. well at least for me   for one, they wouldnt have the experience/knowledge needed to cover the event.. and even if they do, they still expect themselves to be treated as guests.  and since it's free labor, you cant man them around when you see them chit-chatting with other guests thus, missing important shots

   if given only 1 choice between p/v or photobooth, i'd take p/v any the time. why? because i had a party for my baby so i'm much interested seeing photos of my baby than having candid pics of people who'll surely forget about the event anyway in due time

2. cake  - everybody loves cakes. but frankly, for a 1st birthday, she wont remember it anyway. IMO, i'm ok with having a nice tasting cake with a VERY GOOD design than an oh-so-yummy cake with a so-so design. of course, if budget is not an issue, what's wrong with having both right

3. decor - as i already pointed out, at the end of the day, the photos and videos will be the ones that will matter. on that note, decors such as balloons and backdrops will really make a party stand-out (hey dont get me wrong, i'm not a PP!)


--- about the guests -  you dont really need to invite "everyone" . some feels pressured/obliged to do so, but really, you dont have to. no one would really care anyway.. not in the long run that is

--- venue -  just make sure the number of your guest is appropriate for the size of the venue. not too big that the event would look like a flap movie, but not to small either that guests are cramped liked sardines.
  - rented venues are always better than having the party at home. saves the hassle of the after-party cleaning and the mess and stress from the "home-invaders"

--- dress-up!!!   even if it's our baby's big day, we wouldn't want to be left out of the spotlight do we now

--- enjoy the moment  -  oh yes. adults often get tired of the usual parties..magicians, programs etc.. but just enjoy it. it WILL pass. untill you get to the point that even if you want to hold a party, it's your kid who will refuse because it's already "jahe/dyahe"





i thought i've learned a lot if not all there is to know about parties.. but oh i was so wrong.
here's the things i learned after my baby's party


--- INITIAL DIY's are not always cheap - i had a lot DIY'ed. had i just paid for the service, it would have costed the same.. even less..   however, i WILL become cheaper in time if you really intent on having lots of parties

--- YOU"RE NOT A SUPERWOMAN - since i had a lot DIY'ed, (choco fountain set-up, candy bar, balloon decors, backdrop with standees, and swags)
 i almost didn't finish in time, and i forgot some minor things. -totally forgot about the extra tarpaulin   looking back, had i paid for it, i wouldn't be as rushed and as stressed.. anyway, i don't really regret it.. it's just that next time, maybe i'll just do a few and have paid services for the rest

--- stick to the budget - since i want a special party for my baby, i joined forums to get ideas from other mom..  after the party, i kinda had doubts if that was a good move or not.. my expenses ballooned because everything i was seeing were so cute i just have to have it you know what i mean?    so my advise, IF you want to stick to your budget,  stay away from forums! 

--- let go - once the party starts, just let go. no use getting stressed over anything else really.

thank you dito sis! now i know kung ano talaga dapat kong bigyang importance. i'm so excited for my son's first birthday this july and after reading your post, it gave me a bigger picture of what to expect. sabi nga nila, it's not always rainbows and butterflies. thank you!

[rianne_mallows]

^no biggie   good luck on your party sis

[Crammer Planner]

--- stick to the budget - since i want a special party for my baby, i joined forums to get ideas from other mom..  after the party, i kinda had doubts if that was a good move or not.. my expenses ballooned because everything i was seeing were so cute i just have to have it you know what i mean?    so my advise, IF you want to stick to your budget,  stay away from forums! 

I can relate. We went overbudget with my son's christening because of all the great ideas I read here (I wasn't a member yet back then). May time pa na I became unhappy - andami ko pa kasi gustong gawin pero we couldn't afford to execute them anymore. NOW, I'm more discerning. If you really have a clear idea in mind and you can restrain yourself from availing of stuff that you don't really need to have on your child' birthday party, then reading forums will really help you in terms of recommending suppliers and DIYs.

[shopaholicforkids]

it's always better to be an OC mom.  ask all the questions and always follow up with suppliers.   

[izabelle]

sa feb 2013 pa bday ng baby ko pero sobrang nakakarelate ako sa post ng iba dito na dahil sa kakabasa eh lalong lumaki gastos ang dami kasing cute and nice ideas e so syempre as a mom gusto mo yung best para sa anak mo.

pero ako tinapos ko na budget sheet ko lol promise ko sa self ko naka LOCK na yun hahaha! hindi na pwede magdagdag at mabago dahil kakalbuhin na ako ng asawa ko.

[jp_jameop]

nice thread... nakakrelate ako.. tama mga sisses dapat ALAM mo kung ANO ang gusto mo mangyari para di ma-over sa budget..

dati gusto ko ng bongga  for her 1st bday dahil nag-iisa palang sya pero naisip ko happy ba ako if gagastusan ko ng malaki? parang mga ibang pictures na lumabas, kay gusto ko sana simple na lang.. as of now asa 60% na ako na icelebrate na alng with kids sa charitable institution, pag alam na alng ni baby tsaka na yung bonggang bongga para maeenjoy nya na talaga.

^heheh talagang naka LOCK na ha? hehehh

[izabelle]

^ yes sis.. kasi over budget na din kami.. alam mo na nag iisa lang si baby girl wala na kami plano sundan sya kaya we really give her the best palagi as much as we can.. pero tama na, over budget na e.. haha!

nice idea yung sa charity sis..

[iluvmysoldier]

dahil sa mga posts niyo, lalo akong naexcite sa birthday party ng baby ko on october.
super helpful ng mga tips 

[jp_jameop]

^^ot: hay bakit ayaw mo na sundan? sayang naman wala sya kalaro.

ako eto , di pa dinadatnan. hahahhaha

anyway, sige go! bonggahan na.. sana ang venue sis?

[SnowBall]

Thank you sa mga shares ninyo mga sis, kudos

Here's mine, after 2 big parties for my eldest ( 1 and 7 years old), and my dad's 50th birthday.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

---> lesson learned talaga to sa akin, kasi kapag ikaw mismo o certain relative ang mag take charge, palagi naman siyang absent sa pics, or minsan hindi nila magawa, kasi nakikipag halubilo din sila sa mga iba pang guest. Iba talaga ang may binayaran kang photographer, all smiles.

1ST BIRTHDAY IS WHAT YOU WANT, 7TH BIRTHDAY IS WHAT THE CELEBRANT WANTS

---> mas madali for me ang mag plan nung mag 7th birthday ang anak ko, alam niya kasi ang gusto niya, so sinunod ko lang lahat ng gusto niya, after all, it's her party.


MAGBASA NG MAGBASA

---> really really helpful mga sis ang mga forums, like GT and smart parenting, madami ka talagang ideas na makukuha.

Happy planning sa atin mga sis mwah

[megansmomma]

That no matter how hard we try to avoid glitches and flaws -- it will happen!

what i learned and will use for another party and so on -- is to have a checklist for everything especially with foods and lootbags!

[SnowBall]

^ importante talaga ang checklist sis, palagi akong may ganyan, tapos bago ako aalis ng bahay, chinecheck ko ang na accomplished ko at dala ko na, literally check ng ballpen LOL.

[izabelle]

That no matter how hard we try to avoid glitches and flaws -- it will happen!

This is true nung wedding namin ganyan.. almost 2 years preparation, magagaling na suppliers pero may glitches pa din although small stuffs lang naman.

[scents01]

Yes, i agree with hiring a professional photographer..even a simple event can look classy on pictures..

DIY didn't work for me..i saved a couple of thousands, but naman, 3am na, nagpupump pa rin kame ng balloons e morning ang party..kaya super stressed..

And Save money ahead!