In my younger years, my fridge was a gallery of intricately designed invitations, beckoning me to witness the joyous union of my friends. Fast forward to today, and those formal invites have been replaced by superhero-themed requests to attend little Emma’s ninth birthday bash at the local bowling alley. It dawned on me that my social calendar is still dictated by life events, whether they’re a wedding or a child’s birthday party. Here are ten ways these two celebrations mirror each other.
1. Weekend Plans Galore
Wedding season was a time to don a fancy dress, write a hefty check, and head to the open bar. Now, my weekends revolve around my child’s social events. “What’s on the agenda today?” is the daily morning question, often followed by “We’re going to a craft party with Olivia!” Weekend plans are officially in motion.
2. Initial Excitement Wanes
Remember the thrill of receiving your first wedding invite? The open bar, the delicious appetizers, and endless dancing felt exhilarating at first. But soon enough, the excitement dwindles as invites keep flooding in. The same goes for birthday parties; the joy of attending diminishes after countless celebrations, leading to dreams of being chased by oversized mascots.
3. Guaranteed Meals at Odd Hours
Who doesn’t love dining on a mediocre meal at 11 PM? Kids’ birthday parties often feature pizza served at bizarre times, like 3 PM. Is it lunch? Is it dinner? Who knows, but it certainly counts!
4. Gift Opening is a Side Note
At weddings, guests typically don’t hang around to see gifts opened; that’s what bridal showers are for. Similarly, birthday parties often skip the gift-unwrapping ceremony. Kids are allowed to skip this part, which is a relief if your child happens to exclaim, “Didn’t Grandma give me that toy already?”
5. Crummy Party Favors
Tiny picture frames engraved with wedding dates may seem thoughtful, but they often end up collecting dust. Birthday goodie bags filled with trinkets and candy might seem disposable to adults, yet to kids, they are treasures. A plastic whistle! A candy bracelet! However, they’ll likely vanish into the depths of the toy box within a week.
6. Dancing in Circles
Whether it’s the Chicken Dance or a spontaneous spin, both weddings and kids’ parties involve a lot of circular dancing. The joy is contagious, especially when kids get involved in their own silly dances.
7. Cake is Overrated
As soon as the wedding cake-cutting is announced, I often stealthily head to the restroom. Watching adults navigate a cake is rarely interesting. Meanwhile, watching a child blow out their birthday candles is a spectacle full of applause and laughter.
8. Endless Photo Opportunities
You don’t realize how many combinations of family members exist until you’re stuck posing for photos at weddings and birthday parties. One with Mom, one with Dad, another with the birthday kid—it can go on forever! And yes, capturing the cake moment is mandatory.
9. Gossip About How to Do It Better
At weddings, whispers about costs and guest lists circulate. “If it were my wedding…” is a common refrain. The same sentiments echo at birthday parties, where parents critique everything from the theme to the noise level.
10. Time Flies
One moment, your child is taking their first steps at a playdate, and the next, you’re contemplating their wedding. Time has a way of sneaking up on us.
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In summary, both children’s birthday parties and weddings share numerous similarities, from weekend planning and meal times to the excitement that fades over time. Despite the challenges and chaos of both events, they remain cherished moments that mark the passing of time in our lives.