I have always believed in the magic of a birthday party! Peter Rabbit seemed like the perfect theme as we are huge fans of the latest Sony release (I have watched it so many times, I can quote the movie from start to finish). I wanted a simple, relaxed brunch set in a beautiful garden where the adults could mingle and the children could play.
When I started planning Nunu's second birthday, I really struggled to find local companies that could assist me with the party! A Google search yielded poor results, so I turned to my Instagram moms to help. After researching and investigating each option sent to me, here are the details of the businesses I used for Nunu's party and that I can highly recommend. I hope that it can help you with your birthday party planning and make it a little easier for you!
1) Photographer - Nikki Oliver Photography
I would never have thought I'd be one of "those" mom who would consider having a photographer at my child's party, but its a total game changer. Instead of running around trying to capture some grainy pics on your cell phone and worrying that someone is catching each important moment like the cutting of the cake, etc. - consider hiring a photographer.
It didn't help that Nunu arrived at his own party a bit grumpy... I worried that Nikki wouldn't get any nice photos of the birthday boy. However, I completely underestimated her raw talent as she captured the most beautiful photos of my boy. She also took the most stunning photos of the decor. Nikki was like a shadow in the background - capturing gorgeous photos while you didn't even know she was there!
Nikki is currently running a special - 1hr30 event session for R1600. This includes digital post processing - 75 images - and a private gallery for viewing. This price also includes an A5 28 page personalised hard cover photobook AND a print package (1xA4, 3xA5 and 10x Jumbo prints).
Nikki Oliver Photography - click here.
2) Customized birthday T-shirt - Cotton Candy Floss
Is there anything cuter than your kid running around in a customized birthday T-shirt? I am so glad that Nunu wore one of these and that I can keep it as a momento. He can look back at his shirt from when he was 2 and see how teeny tiny he was! All of their products are handmade and all materials are locally sourced.
To have a look at the T-shirts and onesies available from Cotton Candy Floss, click here. Prices start at R160.
3) Cake Topper - Kikki and Franki
I wanted a 'naked' cake to go with the Peter Rabbit theme. I felt that keeping it simple would be more effective than adding loads of fondant (and also would keep the costs down.) I found the most beautiful cake topper from Kikki and Franki! Their custom cake toppers are R190 and you can quite literally have anything as your cake topper!
This gold cake topper with a simple 'two' really complimented the light blues of the Peter Rabbit theme. Click here to visit the Kikki and Franki online store.
4) Milestone Board - Ma Petite
I cannot sing Pauline's praises enough. She creates the most beautiful milestone boards - all you need to do is send her your invitation so that she can see the theme/style and answer some simple questions about your little one! I feel that these boards are such a wonderful touch to any birthday party and make a great keepsake! Pauline designed Nunu's first birthday board and we have it proudly displayed in the lounge. I plan to keep all of them so that he can look back at them one day (or I can when I have empty nest syndrome one day).
I mean honestly, I may be biased but I think this is the most beautiful board that she has made. Click here to visit Ma Petite and to shop their milestone boards from R200.
5) Memory Block - Yogiblocks
Suzelle from Yogiblocks can pretty much custom make whatever your heart desires. I wanted a block to celebrate Nunu's second birthday: something we could keep but also complimented the theme. I am not very creative, so Suzelle was great in offering suggestions and sending me some previews before making the block. I think it was a really nice touch to the main table!
Visit Suzelle's Instagram business page here.
6) Signs and printing - NutMeg Party Boxes
What a beautiful touch to any party! This really took away a LOT of stress! All of the signs were first e-mailed to me for preview and I didn't even need Meg to make any changes - her designs were just exquisite! All of the goods were couriered to me in the most elegant packaging. I honestly don't have enough synonyms for 'beautiful' to eloquently do her work justice. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.
Meg has many options available. You can get an ENTIRE kiddies 'Party in a Box' (you can choose the appropriate theme or have a custom theme) from only R550! This includes: 10 plates, 10 cups, 20 napkins, 20 straws, 10 wooden spoons, themed foil balloon, themed bunting, 20 cake toppers, 12 food labels, 10 water bottle labels, 10 party bags, 3 decorative fans AND a table cloth!!!! YES!! Say goodbye to all those party stresses. Click here to visit her site.
7) Oh Yay Kids
The gorgeous bunting was designed and made by Emmerentia. She first sent me a preview of the design which matched perfectly with the theme. The bunting is printed on good quality cardboard and will handle the South Easter beautifully! I do need to warn you though, the bunting arrives unstrung so allow some time to complete this. Click here to visit her online store.
Here are some more photos from the party... Nikki did such a great job that I cannot help but share them!
