Am I Obligated to Invite Aunts and Uncles to First Birthday Party

Hey L.,
I agree with the females that say you don't have to if you don't want to. I truely understand about that one. My husband comes from a family of 6 sibs (including him) and they all have kids. Plus he has family all over the california area (not including mexico) ha ha ha. And when it was our daughter's or son's birthday we have to thing like that to. Even thought we would want to, can we afford it or will it be to much for us. Don't worried about hearing about it from everyone else. If they care like they should, they will understand completely and if they don't then you know where their heart is. But when we keep it small (only the sibs) we explain to everyone else why and they understand it. They to go through the same situation because our family is so big. No worries!!! If you can not then so be it. Because it is really about your kids and what you and your husband can do for them right now. There will always be parties for them when they are bigger and that will be a pain as well ha ha ha!!! Have fun and enjoy their day with them!

This is such a cultural issue that I think you will have to find your own answer. Obviously the party is not for your baby, it is a family celebration of life. Even if your child sleeps through the whole thing, it won't matter, and she would probably be just as happy without all of those people being in her face. That being said, I think you should ask one of the aunt & uncles on the sly how big of an issue this is. They will either say "well, it really is a family tradition to invite the whole family..." or else "No, no honey, don't worry about inviting the whole family!" My husband's family is Chinese, and there would have been major offense taken if all were not invited. My family has never even thought of inviting anyone other than their own generation to such an event. Good luck!

For my sons first birthday it was family only. If you feel bad about not inviting friends, just have a small party at the park another day. The first birthday is an important one for families. They are in your life forever. Friends will come a go.

Hi
I wouldn't fee obligated at all. Remember too, your daughter is still young, so all these people (even the 40 guests coming) may be a bit overwhelming for her. We just had a small candle blowing party for both our sons when they turned one. I used the free cake coupons I received from Vons and thats all we had. We only had a handful of people over. The little ones didn't seem to mind or even notice who was there and who wasn't, I don't even think they knew it was their birthday. My other friend threw a huge bash for her one year old and he cried the entire time and was very grouchy, so it wasn't much fun for him or his mama. Of course, this is my humble opinion, but I guess thats what you came here for! :o)
As she gets older, birthdays will become more expensive as she makes more friends and is able to understand fully what is going on. Of course, I know this is a special birthday party because she's turning one....but, there will be many more birthdays and stresses, maybe you should leave this one the least stressful of all...she won't remember anything and she may be much happier with just a few people around.

I think you have to go with your gut on this one. What works for one family will not work for anouther. I personally would want to be asked, if it were my neice or nephew.

For us, a birthday party is all about family. Our sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews (and there are a ton) would be so hurt not to be invited to such a celebration.
Your one year old will not be playing with other kids at the party, so the idea of only inviting people with kids seems a bit odd to me.

Oh Boy. I ran into the same dilema actually. I didn't invite them because I am not close with them. I only see and interact with them on holidays for the most part. I kept it to our immediate family only because I too have stepbothers and sisters along with my actual brother. That is just my personal opinion.

If it was a wedding that would be a whole different story, but it is a 1yr olds birthday party. You will find that you are going to be running around like a chicken with your head cut off anyway, so having to entertain that many more adults will just be stress you don't need. (At least that is what happened to me as far as the chicken/head thing ;).)

L.

No! You invite who you want. 70 people to a 1st birthday party is ridiculous! I invited my immediate family and my husbands, plus one set of Aunt/Uncle on my husbands side (ONLY because the Aunt was like a mother to my husband growing up - as his mom died when he was very young.) I have 2 sisters, married with kids - a mom, dad, he has a dad, sister/married with kids. We also invited our closest friends, as they inquired about her 1st bday party. It came to about 30 people! And that was TOO MANY. My baby girl had a blast but it took her some time to not be so overwhelmed by all the people. In hindsight, I would not have invited our friends, but still invited the immediate family members. But for her 2nd, it will be a much more intimate party! Do what you feel comfortable with - but I think venturing into more than 50 people is silly, unless it's what YOU want. It's not as if your baby will have a clue. Good luck. It can be a stressful day when it should just be fun!
K.
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Hi L.,
I think it depends on how close your family is. Where the party would be held and what type of food you would be serving. You might even consider having two parties to make everyone happy. What does your husband want? Can you afford a huge event? Will you have any help to pull this off? Good luck and a Happy Birthday to your daughter.

go for it girl cuz if you dont you'll hear about it later!!!most wont come anyways cuz really who wants to be around a bunch of crying babies!

L.,

First off I am going to say that you don't HAVE to do anything. As with many issues that will be coming up, you and your husband need to discuss and decide what is best for your family (the 3 of you). Your parents and in-laws should have the freedom of giving advice but you are not bound by their views.

That said I think this is a very important time and careful consideration is needed. I am assuming that your step-siblings and their families have been invited and you are talking about your own aunts and uncles. I don't think there needs to be a
limit on the amount of people to a child's party unless the space you have is too small. I would then say to move it to a neighborhood park so that everyone can celebrate this milestone in your daughters life. I agree with the previous person in keeping it simple (especially since she is only one). A handful of vegie trays, drinks and cake is plenty. If cost is a factor, I would forgo excessive decorations (a few streamers and balloons would be fine). The real decorations that you will have there will be all the friends and family members that come. Remember just because you invite them doesn't mean that they will come.

My daughter's 4th birthday had over 75 guests. We didn't start off with that many but as we ran into people we knew, we invited them. Anyway I can say that we all had a blast. Everyone was talking with everyone. We were at a park and we could have had 3 times as many people easily.

I hope this info. can help you in your decisions. Just remember you are blessed to have so many friends and family who care about you. I guess I am saying to invite them all. What is the worst thing that could happen? It might be a time of mending rifts (if there) and coming together to celebrate your adorable baby girl. I would say however that you should have your parents and in-laws help with anything you need for the party if you invite more.

Good Luck

Evelyn,

When we had my son's 1st b-day, we invited everyone to come. My hubby is youngest of 7 and I'm youngest of 3. Our son has 16 1st cousins, plus a few "cousins" that are our friends kids. Granted, OUR aunts and uncles live 40+ miles away, but I think if they'd have lived closer i'd have invited them and let them choose for themself whether of not to attend. If you want to make the party less finacially constricting, make it a cake and punch only party. If you plan the party from 1:30 to 3:30, you are after lunch and before dinner.

Another option you could have would be ask the family to come for a Pot-Luck lunch/dinner the week-end before/after to celabrate the birthday with a home-made cake and family fun. This may allow them to feel included, without being bored be 1 year old b-day.

I hope it helped~ J.

BTW~ One thing I do remember is that he had NO clue or intrest in opening the gifts. I would ask that your guest bring the gifts either unwrapped or in gift bags. The paper is SOO messy, and the child won't be able to open it anyway. And, if they are a very orally fixated child, the paper actually poses a choking hazzard. Just a thought. :O)