A Joint First Birthday and Christening

By Annette McIntosh March 21, 2017

It makes my heart sing when I meet a client who is as obsessed with parties as I am… and making a living from it! I found that in super stylish mumma Lauren, who along with her husband owns The Big Letter Co. Imagine.. your name in lights!! Lauren came to us to create her gorgeous daughter’s first birthday and christening invites. She had a clear vision of what she wanted and the result, as you’ll see below is mind blowing! Here, Lauren shares her fave business's and details for the day. Read on for her hot tips.

When you have a big event coming, the biggest question is always where to have it? Lauren luckily stumbled across the Canterbury Stables when searching online and new it was perfect for the rustic chic theme they wanted. This theme came easily to Lauren from her love of pastels and inspired by Sascha’s nursery – soft greys and lilacs with a pop of rose gold.

As a secret surprise Lauren's friend Yvette contacted us to make a custom print to match Sacha's invitation, complete with heartfelt message with much meaning for the two friends. Yvette also had a similar print made for her own daughter's nursery, who was born prematurely, ready for when she can finally go home. It was such an honour to share in a truly wonderful memory.

First Birthday and Christening Invitation wording

The invitations we created featured a hand sketched unicorn with watercolour splashes and rose gold foil printing. Lauren supplied us with images from Sascha’s nursery so we could really get a feel for her style. The invites in turn inspired the stunning cake unicorn cake (those wings!!)

Sascha's unicorn cake and ONE light up letters

As owner of The Big Letter Co, Lauren was able to utilise their amazing props like Sascha’s name in marquee letter lights and customising the hot dog stand with artwork we supplied. Fairly sure we need THAT at our next party! Lauren says giant light up letters really provide that “wow” factor in any setting. Her best styling tip is to add lots of balloons (garlands and juxtaposing sizes are SO hot right now) and if the event is indoors use flowers and greenery.

Balloon garland and swing photo wall

We also provided artwork for welcome signs and a gorgeous birthday board featuring fun facts about Sascha. The cascade of tulle pom poms was a DIY project made by Lauren herself. I defintely need a lesson in this!

First birthday board and tulle pom poms

It can be hard to know where to be restrained a save some dollars on a party and where to just say “bugger it!” and splurge. Lauren says definitely splurge on food and styling. Their guests were treat to hotdogs, ice-cream and even fresh coffee and lattes from Tempus Espresso Labs. Full bellies almost guarantees happy guests!

Guests enjoyed coffee from Tempus Espresso Labs

In our experience, styling is often one area people generally have less confidence in or tend to try and save money on. Trust us, when you’re styling is on point your guests may not even realise what exactly it is that is blowing them away but the atmosphere it creates amplifies the vibe of your party. Lauren agrees, saying “Save money on your venue by browsing your local council venues for hidden gems like we did. This gives you more room to spend money on the styling and good food”.

When it comes to first birthday’s there can often be kids of all ages about and keeping them entertained is key! Lauren set up a central picket fenced area that the little ones could play safely in (this is seriously the BEST idea!). For the older kids (and young at heart) there was balloon twisting, face painting and a jumping castle.

Face painting