By: Jordan Matthews
Updated: Aug. 10, 2023
In my younger years, my fridge was a collage of beautifully embossed invitations, beckoning me to witness the “joining of hearts” between various friends. Fast forward, and those elegant cards have been swapped for colorful invites featuring superheroes, inviting me to celebrate little Alex’s monumental 9th birthday at the local arcade. It’s funny how, despite the change in age and occasion, my social calendar still revolves around other people’s milestones. A child’s birthday bash isn’t so different from a wedding, as you might find out.
1. Weekends Get Booked Up
Ah, wedding season—don a nice dress, write a hefty check, and head straight for the free drinks. Now, my toddler’s morning greeting is usually, “Where are we off to today?” Replacing “We need to pick up Dad’s suit” with “We’re going to the trampoline park for Emily’s party” makes weekend planning feel much more exciting.
2. Initial Excitement Dwindles
Remember the thrill of receiving your first wedding invite? The open bar and endless dancing felt like a dream come true. But as the invites kept flooding in, the excitement waned. The same goes for kid’s parties; the joy of attending seems to fade as you start having nightmares about oversized inflatable animals.
3. Guaranteed Meals at Odd Hours
Who doesn’t love a fancy dinner served at an ungodly hour? Whether it’s a wedding feast at 11 p.m. or birthday pizza at 4 p.m., both occasions redefine meal times and leave you questioning your choices.
4. Gift Opening is a Separate Event
At weddings, the gifts are opened later, often at a shower or in a private setting—once the check clears, I’m out. For kids’ parties, there’s no expectation for toddlers to unwrap gifts in front of a crowd, which saves everyone from the awkwardness of gift comparisons.
5. Crummy Favors Galore
That tiny engraved frame from the wedding? Sure, it’s “meaningful,” but I know it’s destined for the back of a drawer. Similarly, party goodie bags filled with cheap trinkets may seem like treasures to kids, but they often end up in the trash in a week.
6. Circle Dancing is a Must
From the Chicken Dance to spontaneous twirls, both weddings and kids’ parties feature a lot of dancing in circles. It’s a sight to behold, especially when the attendees are a mix of adults and sugar-fueled children.
7. Cake Ceremonies Are Overrated
At most weddings, the cake-cutting ceremony is a cue for me to sneak away. And at birthday parties, the focus is often on the child’s attempt to blow out candles, with cheers drowning out the cake cutting itself.
8. Photo Ops are Abundant
Who knew there were so many combinations of family and friends for photos? From posing with grandparents to snapping shots with costumed characters, both events require a lot of picture-perfect moments, often involving cake.
9. Whispers of “I’d Do It Differently”
At weddings, guests love to critique everything from the guest list to the music. The same goes for birthday parties; you can be sure attendees are mentally rearranging the event to fit their preferences, even if it’s just in their heads.
10. Time Seems to Fly
One moment, you’re celebrating a child’s first steps, and the next, you’re planning their wedding. It’s all a beautiful blur, reminding us to cherish every moment, as they go by in a flash.
In conclusion, whether it’s a wedding or a child’s birthday celebration, both events share a lot in common, showcasing the joys, chaos, and fleeting moments of life. For more insights on creating memorable celebrations, check out this post. And if you’re considering starting a family, reputable retailers like Cryobaby offer excellent at-home insemination kits, while ASRM provides great resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
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