1St Birthday Party - Edison, NJ

Hi, I celebreted my sons 1st Birthday in our backyard on Memorial Day Weekend we where going to have a pool party and I had everything planed but I wasn't thinking about the rain. 2 days before the party I looked at the wheather and it gave rain. My first reaction was to rent a canopy which I found a place where it was available I went crazy because it was last minute and they where not available. I had the canopy they set it all up it was white and yellow it look as a circus one but I was able to fit all my 25 guests and I had the buffet table inside also. We couldn't dip into the pool but it only poor for a bit and then we play games on the deck. Everyone was happy to be there. Even if it doesn't rain it's always good to have I rented every year now even if its for shade only as you said. Hope all works well for you.

Kimberely,

First I wish you luck with the weather...we have had a serious rain problem two times for parties. It was a mansoon for my DS' 1st...it was so bad ppl HAD to be inside. It all worked out thank goodness. I think that if you have the alternate in case of rain plan that will be good. Here on SI there is a place called Chelsea's playground that I have heard is amazing. Get a bunch of magna dooldles and if it rains they kids can "draw" pics and have a blast. Good luck! Happy Birthday to your son. And hoooray for you...the 1st year flew by didn't it?

Just watch the weather as the weeks go by and have a back up plan incase the weather doesn't turn out to be too great for your son's birthday.

Have something set up for indoors just in case you can't do it outdoors. Let those invited be aware that there can be a possible changen in location if the weather turns out to be bad.

i personally like the thought of an outdoor party for children. if you have the option, ask a family member, or friend, who has a house, and backyard if you don't think they'd mind having the party at their place. i did that last month for my daughter's 1st birthday (we had it at my grandmother's). if you don't have that option, i would still plan for it to be outside. it's not the greatest of things, but a rain-date is usually not that bad. and a canopy would be perfect. not only can you keep your guests in shade if they prefer, but you can also keep anything falling from the trees out of your food (we always get something like that if we plan anything in the park, or a yard with trees over the eating area). just remember, it's always fun for the little ones to just run around, and if you're lucky enough to be close to a "jungle-gym" or swings and slides, it'll just add to the fun for the children (plus you won't have to worry about anything in your home (or someone else's) getting ruined, and it's an easy clean up! just have fun with this, let the hardest part of the party be getting the food and decorations together, don't let the thought of weather be a problem, if it rains, just have that plan of the rain-date and hope for the best. remember, it's all about your child having fun on their birthday, AND TAKE TONS OF PICTURES! good luck, i wish the best for you and your child the best on his big day!

I'm not sure where you live, but can you have it at a park that already has a covered area? We have Dansbury Park close to me, and I see people there all the time having parties.

My name is J. and I am the mom of a 20 month old girl. I live in an apartment complex and for my daugheter's 1st birthday I had her party at a park. I do not recommend it becasue the day of her party it rained cats and dogs. A majority of the guests showed up but some did not come. We had to end the party early because of all the rain. I think you should invite a limited amount of guests, your closest family and friends and have the party at your house. Good luck in whatever you decided to do.

Hi K., I also live in an apartment and made the mistake of having a first bday party for my daughter at our place. There were so many people here! It was the end of Sept. but still felt like Aug. in our apt. I felt that people were uncomfortable and I was stressed through the whole thing. If I had it to do over again I would definitely do what you are doing. If it rains you will all hang out under the canopy and the kids will have plenty of room to run around if it's nice. I will say a prayer for you to have great weather! Good luck, Jen L.

You could still do the park party. That sounds great! My son was born in June and every yr since his 1st b'day, I have had his b'days outside. Don't worry about the rain. There have been times when I had it planned for a Saturday and then had to call everyone that Friday to let them know that the party would be on Sunday due to the incliment weather. (I think I had to do that twice). Party still went on. Enjoy your son's first b'day!

You can always check the advance weather forcast- almanac sites.
It sounds like a funday, don't worry.

Have a plan B printed on the invitation:
"In case of rain party will reconvene at "chuck e cheese" on Route 5" or whatever.

Kim, I am in you shoes right now. My son turns one Memorial day weekend, and I live in an apt also. I did not schedule a rain date and I am just praying for great weather. The local park I reserved has a pavilion in case it rains however I want to find some sort of activity to keep kids busy in case it rains.

Well good luck to you and I will pray for sunny skies for you.

L.