Baby's 1st birthday. Who to invite?

[LittleA456]

Hi everyone. My DD is tuning one in August so not long now and we are going to have a garden party but I don't have a clue who to invite as close family it is 30 people! And that's only with one other child (4yo) what am struggling with is I had two surprise baby showers so do I invite all my friends who attended them as well? As if so thats to 60 people almost and I didn't want a massive party just something nice and little. But also don't want to upset any one at the same time. What would yous all do?

A baby's first birthday is a non-event for most people other than very close family (grandparents, maybe aunts and uncles). Lots of people won't really want to spend a day going anyway.

60 people or even 30 will overwhelm the baby and most of your guests won't get to spend any time with the little one. Can you break it down a bit? Maybe have a party for the very closest people, then open house for cake and drinks another day?

@LittleA456

Thanks for the replies and to the people who have said people won't care half of them are asking if we are having on and half of them haven't seen DD yet because of covid! My DD won't remember your right but after the year every one has had people are looking forward to a bit normality and to see our DD for the first time. I would be more than happy to attend a baby's first birthday especially if I haven't seen them yet so for the people who wouldn't be bothered and don't care yous obviously are great friends

If seeing the baby is that important to them and to you, they're not going to wait until its birthday are they?

Just invite whatever family and close friends you need to, and invite the others to meet the baby as and when it suits them/you.

There's no need to gather them all at once. Besides, with so many people there, they're not going to be able to spend any meaningful time with the baby.

We had a party in the garden a few weeks ago for my son's first birthday. We had grandparents and two uncles and aunts over with 3 children.
With us and our children it was 15 in total. More than enough. Although I think my son did enjoy having so many people to admire him I think his favourite bit was the wrapping paper.
It's totally up to you who you invite but I'd stick to 30 or less. Might be a bit overwhelming for your baby otherwise.