Planning a first birthday party in Chennai, week by week.

Eight to ten weeks before: date, venue and guest list

Start with the things everything else depends on. Fix the date, a rough guest count and a budget, then look at venues. Banquet halls are easiest for large family gatherings; a garden or home works beautifully for smaller ones. Plan the timing around your baby's nap, not the other way round.

Six weeks before: choose a theme

A theme gives every decision a direction. Popular choices include jungle, moon and stars, teddy bears, unicorns and fairy gardens, but the best theme is one that suits your family. Save a few photos you love and note the colours you want; they make the first conversation with your decorator much quicker.

Four weeks before: plan the décor

Most first birthday décor is built around a few key pieces:

• The stage backdrop, where the family photos will be taken.
• Your child's name in marquee letters or a printed board.
• An entrance arch or welcome board, so guests know they're in the right place.
• A cake table styled to match the theme.
• A photo slideshow on an LED screen, showing the year's best moments.

Plan the party around your baby's nap, not the other way round.

Two weeks before: confirm the extras

Lock in the photographer, return gifts, catering and anything for older children, such as a play area or a photo booth. Share the final guest count and the timings with everyone involved.

On the day

Ask for the décor to be ready well before guests arrive, so the first photos are calm ones. Keep a quiet room nearby for the baby, and hand over the running of the day to one person so you can enjoy it.

Planning a first birthday in Chennai?

We have designed first birthdays across Chennai, from jungle and safari themes to moon and stars. See our birthday décor, or tell us about your party.