Baby's first birthday party- would the parents expext a full meal

[Oneanddonemum2025]

For my son's first birthday, I am booking a play session at a local play cafe for him and 4 other babies/kids plus parents (mass booking). The owner agreed that I could bring in a cake and some decorations (football themed so just a tablecloth, some bunting, small banner and baby is wearing a football jersey). Of course i agreed we would buy food but would i be expected to buy a full meal for each parent. Not about money, just interested in what the social norm is as its the first time i am hosting a kids party.

I had a 100 day party for him (chinese cultural tradition) and all the guests had a filling mral . That was very different as we held it at a local members club (had a great cheap bar with unbeatable prices for London where guests bought their beers), ordered a fancy cake and my husband made all the food (sandwiches and i ordered some bits like matcha cake and hummus with veggies, crisps and fruit ) plus dyed red eggs. The decorations were a bit sad as i wasnt able to do much with a 3 month old. Still the venue was ok looking (looks like a lovely old pub) and i think everyone had a good time.

The venue was a bit big for the number of guests plus the food prep was a bit stressful for dh (who made tons of sandwiches with different fillings) so i wanted a simpler option this time.

I found UK children's birthday parties very weird and awkward. People stand around watching their kids while their eating, and everyone looks hungry and uncomfortable.

I'm not from the UK, and I would never host a party where guests aren't offered food. I don't mean a full meal, but at least some mini sandwiches, cakes, snacks, and drinks.
We usually rent a local community hall and bring our own food and drinks.

I’m not from the UK, but had DS there, and we always fed accompanying adults, but this party is going to be just after lunch, so I can’t imagine anyone is going to be that starving.

Making it worth their while for the venue sure, but all they are doing is allowing OP to put up a few decorations. They're still getting the normal entrance fees plus whatever they spend on coffees anyway. Expecting them to buy 8-10 adults full meals mid afternoon on top would be way OTT.

Hope you have a lovely time OP.

If I was invited to a party like that I would expect
something to be provided for my baby but not for me. I would probably message the parents and say something like ‘babies will be given a plate of snacks each and the cafe’s kitchen will be open if any adults want to buy lunch for themselves.’

At that time of day I wouldn't expect a full meal; I'd be please if you offered a coffee anything else would be a bonus. Given the small numbers, on the day you could just speak to people and offer them a slice of cake from the soft play or offer a couple of sharing pizzas/platters?