1st Birthday Party Planning

We initially planned to start preparing for Caitlin's 1st birthday party as soon as 2006 begins. Kaso, na-move ng na-move (due to office workload and budget constraints na rin). Dumating ang April and we realized na malapit na ang birthday ni little girl. Konti na lang ang time so we really have to start preparing.

The birthday preps officially started on April 5 when we booked the Artists' Pavilion of the Makati Park and Garden. Knowing na mabilis ma-book ang venue na gusto namin, hoping talaga kami na makuha namin yung gusto naming slot. Buti na lang, open pa when I inquired the day before. Para di kami maunahan, we went to the Makati City Hall the following day (during my lunch break. hehehe!) and booked the venue.

When I got back at the office, I YM'ed Monet na na-book na namin ang Makati Park. Aba, that same day, I got an email from her... ginawa na nya ang party invites ni Caitlin. Nag-offer na sya na sya na ang gagawa ng party invites. I told her we'll think about it. I showed the invites to Marlon and my family. Nagustuhan nila. So we took up her offer.

April 10, Monet sent me 4 versions of the invites. We chose the one we liked best and asked her to do some modifications. The following night, I got a text message from her telling me na tapos na ang invites. I can get them from her the next day if I want. Aba, ang bilis! Syempre, the excited mom that I am, I met her for lunch the following day and got the invites! Woohoo! Thanks Monet (sabi mo nga, "from the bottom of my ass... este, heart pala" :P)!

the invitation c/o Maver Monet

Next on our list, a party/event organizer.

A few months back, I emailed several party planners for their packages. We compared their rates/package inclusions and decided on Party Station. We wanted them also because we've seen their work during Monet's Nino's 1st Birthday Party.

So I met with Bing Madridejos of Party Station on April 19th and booked her for Caitlin's birthday. We will be getting the following from them:

~ lootbags with goodies (lunch bags)
~ personalized streamer
~ balloon burst with prizes
~ 3D theme pinata
~ theme prizes for games
~ cake, cupcakes, character cookies
~ 2 food carts: sorbetes ice cream and fish/squidballs
~ balloon decor package

That same day, I also booked a face painter for the party.

The following day, we booked Wizzo, the magician to provide the entertainment. His package already includes hosting, a magic show, games and balloon twisting show. We also rented the sound system from him.

The next day, we booked Chei and Bong de Villa of Moments of Life PhotoStory to provide photo/video services for the party. I had a hard time looking for a photo/video supplier. Most of the suppliers I called charged rates which were out of our budget. I found it impractical to spend around 20K-40K just for this. Buti na lang, I remembered Chei (a former co-w@wie). I contacted her, asked for her rates, and yun na! Pasok sa budget ang rates nila.

The caterer was next. I also inquired with several caterers but we eventually decided on Blue Petals Catering. That weekend, April 22nd, off we went to their office in Bicutan to book them for the party. We are getting both an adult buffet and a kids buffet from them.

I guess, that's it. All that's left for us to do is to buy Caitlin's dress for the party (and our attires na rin... hehehe... excuse to go shopping) and maybe, buy a few more prizes for the games.

Excited na ang Mommy and Daddy! We hope it will be a success!