A first birthday is really a party for the parents and grandparents, with a one-year-old as the guest of honour who will probably nap through the cake. Plan for that and it becomes an easy, happy morning.

Keep it short and keep it early

Ninety minutes, starting mid-morning, is the sweet spot. The baby is rested, the light is good for photos and lunch can be the end point.

12 themes that need very little setup

• Wild one (jungle animals and greenery)
• Little sunshine (yellow, white and a sun backdrop)
• Twinkle twinkle (stars and soft blues)
• Hot air balloon (one big balloon arch does the job)
• Rainbow (every colour, no rules)
• Teddy bear picnic (blankets, bears, a basket of fruit)
• Mr. Onederful (bow ties and a tiny moustache cake)
• Pink lemonade (pink, lemon and a drinks station)
• Boho neutrals (pampas grass, macramé, photographs beautifully)
• Fruit party (watermelon, pineapple, a fruit-themed smash cake)
• Little farmer (hay bales, animal cut-outs, denim)
• Space baby (navy, stars and a moon cake)

The one thing worth paying for

A good backdrop. Everyone’s photos are taken in front of it, it hides a plain wall and it makes a ₹6K setup look like a ₹20K one.

Order a small smash cake for the baby and a separate cake for the guests. The smash cake is for the photos; nobody should have to eat it afterwards.

MyPartyPlan venue team

Search “1st birthday” at the top of the page for venues that offer a late-morning slot and a backdrop as part of the package.