Mommy Ar-Ey: DIY

I actually started a long time ago, but I finally able to really start putting things together just this month. We decided the venue to be in the Victoria Place Clubhouse in Potrero Malabon. Actually, it was my in-laws idea since some events of their relatives they attended was held there and they think the place is good. It actually is, since it is super cheap (as compared to SM Grass Residences Clubhouse). There are 2 rooms, the pavilion and the function room, and 2 swimming pools (adult and kid's) and all of them are included in the price. Good right?

The theme was decided a long time ago, I don't know when. The theme would be Princess. At first, I want the colors to be pastel, but upon reading blogs and looking at pictures, pink and white work really nice. The combination creates femininity, innocence and youth. Well, actually I think it will go best with Pipay.

For the caterer, since we want something that is tried and tested, we decided to book Verleo. They were the caterer in one or two of the events that my in-laws attended, and my husband loves their mango crepe.

I decided to DO-IT-MYSELF (DIY --> DIM) because hiring a professional event organizer could be expensive and since I think I can pull it all up. Well, I really hope so. Since my husband trusts me, and because we believe we will save money, he is letting me plan and do things on my own.

So what I did is read a lot of blogs, look at a lot of pictures. I have things in mind, yet they change everytime I read or look, and actually, plans are getting more defined.

I know that I cannot do everything, so from the blog I read, I was able to contact some suppliers.

For the balloon decorations, clowns, and other entertainment I was able to book Whimsical Gatherings. They actually offer whole birthday package (with catering) but since we have the catering, I just chose from their services and asked for quotation.

For the food carts, game booths and photo booths, I booked Rsr Food Express. The have a lot to offer too! And their selections of food carts varied.

For the dessert table, my mother-in-law will take care of the cake. I just provided them with the design. I am still looking for a baker who will do the cupcakes, cakepops and other baked goodies. I will just add candies, waffer sticks and other stuff. For the design of the table, I plan to buy nice glass jars and plates. The backdrop (if possible) would be pompoms and pinwheels.

I already designed the invitation. I used gimp. I looked for free vectors and other free electronic art materials. Some for personal use and some for commercial. I can't put the link since I looked and downloaded from a lot of sources. All are free, mind you! I bought a wax sealing stamp online to seal the envelope (to create a castle/princess impression). I still don't have papers for the printing of the invitations and for the envelope.

I am thinking of giving the kids a crown/tiara to wear for the party. I found a blog that used felt paper/cloth and designed them with glitters and beads. I can do that. However, I am not sure if I have the time. An alternative would be cartons designed with glitters, but that's work too. Another alternative is to buy cheap crowns/tiara, if there is. Or just buy head bands for girls and cape for boys (It is hard to think of an alternative for boys).

I am thinking of a 'take-your-picture-here' booth where I will put some of Pipays old stuff. I have a design in mind, but I'm not sure of the execution yet since I don't have the needed materials yet.

Ahh! The stage! The first plan was to have a castle backdrop, but we cannot find someone who creates such big props. So we decided to use curtains, pompoms and pin wheels instead. We will still put a PIPAY 3-foot letter stand. I found a supplier already, but haven't ordered yet.

There are a lot of things that needed to be done. I still have to buy lots of stuff. Howell, let's do this!

As a confession, it is really hard to plan and do all these. Especially since Pipay moves a lot lately, she crawls (not on 4's yet) a lot. Waaa! My baby is growing old so fast! Soon she'll have her 1st birthday!

I want my baby to have a very nice New Born Pictorial and eventually her 1st birthday. So as early as now, I'll collect things, pictures and DIY instructions for those special days.

I am thinking of a Vintage Theme with lots of roses and pastel colors.

Here are some interesting pics.

1. Center Table