4-6months (for a big event) 
I like to start planning early (yes I am perfectionist + organisational warrior 💪🏼) but also because I like to support small businesses especially on Instagram so I like to give myself plenty of time if I need personalised pieces made. 

How I start all my planning for my events – I head to Instagram and Pinterest. I am loving how Insta now has the save options/create collections. What I usually do is screenshot the images I like (making sure it is highlighting where I can find certain products) and create a folder in my phone called ‘1st Birthday inspo’ that way I can combine my Pinterest and Instagram images together. I usually do this for all my events, fashion, fitness or haircut inspo, especially if I have an event coming up. 
After that, I review my folder + see what sort of direction I am going in. 
It was clear from the beginning, for Hunter I wanted something different to his nursery design (which is very preppy/hamptons) but still had a touch of his personality. The overall key theme that drove my vision was the image of the ‘stag’.

4 months

1. Theme is chosen – Hunter’s was woodlands meets little chief. 
2. Decide on the venue. Sometimes choosing the venue comes first therefore I may adjust my theme. We went with a local brewery, which had wine barrels, lots of wood + an outdoorsy vibe. 
3. Create a list of everything I need to do from now till the party. (Catering, food theming (styling comes later), guest list, invitations, cake, decorations, lollie bag/favours). 
4. Guest list + invitations is what I get straight onto. These set the theme and usually take a while to make. I always like to give my guests plenty of notice for any event, I just think it is the most respectful thing to do. (Oh and I am a nazi on RSVPs – a huggggge pet hate of mine is chasing up RSVPs. Everyone is busy, it just shows someone you aren’t interested. Another blog post on this later). 
5. Invitations – I love them personalised. Whether it is with a photo or their name, something that is different. Sometimes I make them but for Hunter’s I got them made and I made the pouch. I didn’t want an ordinary envelope, so I decided on a cotton bag. I also printed a photo of Hunter with a sign personally inviting his guests which went into the pouch. I got all the craft pieces for the bag from Kmart and Eckles Invites made + printed the invitations 

3 months 

1. Personalisation – cake toppers, signs with names etc. I like to look around for the best quality but also within my budget. 
2. Decorations – list of decorations (put into two categories, what I can make + what I need to get made). I am very fortunate that my uncle is very handy and usually can make anything I show him. My uncle made the feather garland, the mini teepee and donut board. 
3. Favours / Lolly bags – I really wanted a donut wall instead of a lolly bag, everyone loves donuts + our guests were mainly adults. Plus our venue wouldn’t allow me to bring in food, only if it was take-away. My uncle made the donut board and stand. I ordered the donuts from Krispy Kreme a week before the party. 
4. Making of decorations – I made the take away bags for donuts (all craft from Kmart – so cheap + great quality). I ordered my giant balloons and ‘ONE’ balloon from Parties made pretty. 
5. Birthday board – one of my favourite pieces. You can use this board for any child and any age. I just used liquid chalk from Kmart. Hunter’s board is from Vines of Wild in collaboration with Zilvi.
6. Invitations and addresses – ready to go 

2 months 

1. Cake – I was going to get it made, but I only wanted a simple naked cake so I practised making my own over a month, to make sure I had the height and flavour right. By doing this early it gives you the option to still order one. 
2. Catering – confirm catering and beverages at the venue. 
3. Test run of how I want the event to look – I usually set this up in my home and take photos so on the day, I am not rushing or stressing. Plus because I am perfectionist, I like others to see my vision if they are helping me to set up. 
4. Organise what Hunter is going to wear. I was going to match the theme but I didn’t want it too gimmicky so I went with his style which is preppy. Details below of his outfit details.
5. My mum – I really wanted her to be a part of the event but something I could continue on doing for all events. So I decided on her picture in a frame on the cake table, that way she was there with us. 

 
2 weeks – 1 month

1. RSVPS – I like to give myself 3 weeks especially with catering and usually you have 10 people at least you have to chase up 
2. Tables – I went with organic to match the theme, so I used branches and leaves from our garden.
3. Put the balloons into Big W so they will be ready for the day
4. Organise who will help you on the day. My uncle helped with setting up, hubby was on Hunter duty + my brother picked up the donuts. 
5. Write a plan for the day and layout for the venue. This was probably the best thing I did, it made everything run so smoothly and stress-free. 

Week of party

1. Make the cake
2. Get outfits out ready 
3. Final payment of venue
4. Put all decorations in bags to take to venue 

I know this may seem over the top, but doing it this way, I saved money as I was able to find the cheapest pieces but best quality, I was able to slowly make decorations without rushing and I could think of every detail without being rushed. I also was able to enjoy the process and the week of his actual birthday without doing last minute rush jobs.

XOXO

Suppliers:

• Cake topper @cathscottage 
• Invitations @ecklesinvites 
• Balloons @partiesmadepretty
• Birthday Board – @vinesofthewild 
• Alphabet board – @alphaboardco
• Decorations for pouch, lolly bags, feathers, teepee – Kmart 
• Donuts – Krispy Kreme
• Hunter’s outfit: Loafers: Zara, Blazer: Bardot Junior and Jeans: @beauhudson