Sweet Swan First Birthday Party

I have a huge family, so I knew the girls first birthday party was going to be a big blowout (our family alone is about 50 people). We decided we were going to do a casual party at our house so that we could include all the people we love (plus some of our close friends). Narrowing down the guest list was actually probably the hardest part of planning the girls’ first birthday party.

Deciding on a Theme

The sweet swan idea started when I was researching invitations and settled on the cutest swan invite linked here. My husband fell in love with the invitation too, so I knew the sweet swan theme was meant to be.I really loved using this company for invitations because they have beautiful invites PLUS they do free printed calligraphy addressing, which was just a gorgeous added touch. *Tip: make sure you have all of your addresses on hand before ordering the invites so you can use the calligraphy feature!

I tried so hard to find cute swan decorations, but there was really not much out there, so I knew we would have to improvise. To start, I figured picking a color scheme would make planning a bit easier.  I decided to go with a light pink, white, silver, and gold color theme because I felt that matched the theme and invitation perfectly.

Cookies

My first idea was to use a large decorated swan cookie as the topper to a two tier cake. I found an awesome cookie decorator in Atlanta and ordered 3 dozen swan themed cookies and asked her to make a large one for the cake topper. *Tip: When ordering personalized things, do not be afraid to ask for exactly what you want. I sent her a picture of my invitation and told her what colors to use and to try to match the invitation.  They turned out perfect!

Cake

I went to Publix for the cake and told them exactly what I wanted — a simple white two tier cake with butter cream ruffles. FYI they give free smash cakes at Publix and did two small versions of the cake in a light pink. If you choose to do a grocery store cake like I did, make sure you go to one that has a reputable baker — one that has a wedding decorator is probably your best bet. I used the large cookie (double-sided) as a cake topper and it looked so cute!

I used this cake topper from Mud Pie for the smash cakes, which I also think turned out perfect!

Swan Sandwiches

I ordered these cute little swan cookie cutters on amazon. I made a bunch of peanut butter and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cut them out using the cookie cutter, and they turned out so cute! Since the sandwiches were on the smaller side, I did cut some square-shaped ones as well.

Other Decor

My next idea was to buy two swan stuffed animals — I ordered these on Amazon. I love the idea of using stuffed animals as a center piece because it is something you can gift your child after the party.

To fill in the decorations, I pre-ordered flowers at Trader Joe’s (best prices by far). To get more “bang for your buck” use small vases like this and this and fillers like eucalyptus and baby’s breath. I added tulips, gerbera daisies, and tea roses for color. I used pink and white candies like this as well to add to the decor — bonus because these centerpieces were edible.

For the high chair we got these one banners and bibs from Mud Pie. They really made the high chairs look special for their smash cake celebration.

Balloon Display

I also decided to attempt a balloon display for over the cake table. I ordered different size/color balloons. I got these and these and filled with smaller pink/white ones as well. I used this to blow the balloons up which made my life so much easier — I can’t imagine trying to blow them all up alone.  I used twine and measured the balloon display size I wanted. Then I cut individual pieces of twine and tied each balloon onto the larger twine individually. See picture below:

I alternated colors and sizes. Make sure you put a piece of tape at each end so the balloons don’t fall off when you go to move the display. I used these hooks to hang the finished balloon display. Thankfully I have the most amazing best friend and recruited her to help me with the balloon project. It took about an hour and I think it turned out great.

I used these ruffled tablecloths because they are so cute, and best of all I could throw them away after the party! I got some in light pink and some in white.

Outfits

I really wanted to dress the girls in cute “one” outfits and loved these ones from Mud Pie. I have found that Mud Pie has the best celebratory outfits and decorations. I paired the outfit with these bows which are the girls favorite! They have a soft clip so it doesn’t pull their hair out.

We had the best time celebrating the girls at their sweet swan first birthday party!

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Rachel

Rachel is a mama to two beautiful identical twin girls, Izzy and Maddy, and lives in Atlanta with her husband, girls, and cute little pup. Rachel graduated with honors from New York University earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and the Founders’ Day Scholar Award. She also received her Masters of Science in Nursing degree from New York University. Rachel has spent the majority of her career as a pediatric nurse and currently works in pediatric oncology.