First birthday planning

We have a big family. The guest list starts at about 80 (!!) and we end up with about 60 people show up. I’ve thrown about 10 parties for my kids over the years.First, food. Easiest and cheapest thing is pizza honestly. But my parents like having other food so either bbq burgers and hot dogs or order from a Mexican restaurant. Mexican restaurant is tasty but pricey. Then we do chips and a fruit salad type. Plus cake (Costco) or cupcakes. Drinks...2 litter bottles of soda are cheaper and juice boxes for kids and don’t forget waters! Second, make sure you get rsvps! That way you don’t over do it. I don’t sent out invites more than a month before. Third, decorations. The more parties I throw the less decorations I buy. I stick to colors and do balloons and table cloths in those colors, a banner, and centerpieces. That’s all you really need. Our first party’s I had huge cut outs and a bunch of the themes decoration. Now I just pick colors and throw in a little of the theme. I.e unicorn party..... pink, and purple. Table cloths, streamers, balloons and utensils all in pink and purple. Made a couple unicorn centerpieces, cake, banner and maybe one or 2 other smaller things and that’s it. Fourth, don’t do a registry. I don’t pay attention to those for birthday parties 🤷🏻‍♀️. We always end up getting mostly clothes anyway and most have gift receipts. Fifth, party favors. Either you do one nice item, (like a superhero party, a cape) or a goodie bag with a couple small items. Again our first parties I went all out and got like 20 things. Now I know nobody cares and kids are happy with some candy, one or 2 toys and some stickers. That’s it. Sixth, for older kids you need games. For babies not really, maybe a piñata. Those are always fun. And last, a house is always easier but parks are a good second. Or you can go somewhere that throws parties and you pay them and they do everything for you. Our budgets are always about $400/$500 but we also have parties with 60+ people. Hope that helps

Following because I have so many ideas yet have no idea where to even start

I feel the same way it stresses me out thinking about it. We are looking for a place to have it that isnt too expensive and thinking about food too. I feel like it's going to be like $500.

Same! I really wanted to do a big first birthday- but we have such large families it was over $100 people and was turning into a super large expensive party. So just doing immediate family at our house for some games, food, and cake. - still about 30 people. Hoping the weather is nice and can do it outside. Also gonna do a trip to a toddler play area the day of my daughters birthday with just myself, my husband and our daughter !

Son loves the water so doing inside pool party for about 30 kids ranging in ages and adults can come swim as well. Renting out party room and doing pizza chips and cake. Spending roughly 500 on party between me and his dad. Rugrat theme