Planning a first birthday party in the Philippines
Updated October 2026
A first birthday is really a party for the family: the celebrant will not remember it, and will need a nap halfway through. Planning around that — a shorter programme, an easy venue, food for mostly adults — makes the day enjoyable for everyone. Some families combine it with the christening; if you do, see our christening guide too.
Plan around your baby
- Pick a start time after a nap, not during one. Late morning or mid-afternoon usually works.
- Keep the programme short — around two to three hours is plenty.
- Choose a venue close to home, with a quiet corner for feeding and changing.
2 to 3 months before
- Agree the budget and the guest list. Most guests at a first birthday are adults — count them separately from the kids.
- Book the venue and the caterer or restaurant package.
- Choose a theme if you want one, and order the cake.
- Book a photographer if you want more than phone photos — this is the party you will look back on.
A short programme
- Welcome and opening prayer
- Meal
- A few games for the older kids
- A short video or photo slideshow of the first year
- Cake and the birthday song — before your baby gets tired
Guests and replies
Send invitations about a month before with a reply-by date, and ask each household how many adults and kids are coming. A single invitation link per family, where they name who is coming, gives the caterer a real number without phoning around.