Inside Melbourne’s most extravagant kids parties

We may not all be able to afford a live performance of Baby Shark at a first birthday a la Kylie Jenner, or drop $30k on a baby’s birthday like Roxy Jacenko, but plenty of Melbourne parents are splashing the cash in lavish ways when it comes to kiddie celebrations.

There’s nothing a parent wouldn’t do for their kids and throwing lavish birthday parties are no exception.

While Bec Judd might be copping flack online over her daughter’s LOL doll birthday bash, she’s not the only one trying to create a birthday to remember.

We may not all be able to afford a live performance of Baby Shark at a first birthday a la Kylie Jenner, or drop $30k on a baby bash like Roxy Jacenko, but plenty of Melbourne parents are splashing the cash in lavish ways when it comes to kiddie celebrations.

READ MORE:

BACKLASH OVER BEC JUDD’S DAUGHTER’S PARTY

ROXY JACENKO SPENT $30K ON FIRST BIRTHDAY

KYLIE JENNER’S EXTRAVAGANT PARTY FOR STORMI

A modern take on a slumber party, styled by Lenzo. Picture: Kas Richards

Maria Staveley, owner of Event Floristry, says one-year-old birthday parties have become as big as weddings, despite babies being too young to appreciate it.

“What we’ve found with one-year-old birthdays, they can be really, really extreme,” Ms Staveley said.

“It’s like you’re going to a wedding, they’re that big.

“I had one couple where I had to pull together table centrepieces and do full on fresh flower arrangements at a reception centre for a one-year-old baby.

“I did pretty much what I would do for a wedding for a first birthday.”

Swan Princess party, styled by Lenzo. Picture: Bianca Virtue

Billie Judd's Paw Patrol Party, styled by Lenzo. Picture: My Little Tribe

Slumber party, styled by Lenzo. Picture: Kas Richards

Pretty pastel bath bomb party, styled by Lenzo. Picture: Sarah Tee

Director of Lenzo, Elleni Pearce says while budgets often vary, parents were definitely willing to spend more to get that “wow factor”.

They have fielded unusual requests from eager parents such as turning a pony into a unicorn, filling an entire ceiling with colour coordinated balloons or providing life-sized animal cut-outs for a jungle theme.

“They’re willing to spend more to make the event as amazing as it can possibly be,” Ms Pearce said.

“They’re spending more to get those details - like the cake stands and the matching stationary and the signage and the balloon installations, and they’re definitely willing to pay to get that wow factor.

“Especially with those first birthdays.”

Ms Pearce spoke out in defence of celebrity mum Bec Judd, who last week copped critcism online for her LOL doll-themed party for daughter Billie, with some claiming she was spoiling her.

“I think that was so unfair, she didn’t go out and buy the designer party wear, she clearly just went to Kmart and made an effort,” Ms Pearce said.

“You don’t actually have to have a big budget to make something amazing today, just putting in a bit of effort for your kids and watching their face light up on the day.”

Some people were outraged by Bec Judd's LOL doll themed birthday party for daughter Billie.

Ms Staveley however says some parents are paying “fifty to sixty dollars per child” who attend their parties and the lavish bashes can take a team of 10 to 12 people to create one event.

“It’s what the mums see on Pinterest and Instagram and then everyone wants to add their little bits to it,” Ms Staveley said.

“There’s not much parents won’t pay for any more - personalised cupcakes, personalised cookies, they give kids thank you gifts as well and we personalise them,” Ms Stavelely said.

“If parents can afford to do it and kids are enjoying it though, why not?”

Parents are opting for themes for their children’s first birthdays. Picture: Memories 2 Remember

Emma from Memories 2 Remember says her photography business has been in high demand from parents determined to capture pictures from their child’s event.

“I highly contemplated marketing my business just toward kids parties, I just opened my business last year and it’s been ridiculous,” she said.

“The parties have these awesome themes and awesome photos, but it’s just so lavish.”

She said most parents have a theme chosen months in advance and “stockpile” party items to suit the theme.

“I take a whole heap of photos before anyone is even there, so no one has wrecked any displays and it’s still looking schmick,” Emma said.