I love being able to look back on memories in beautiful photos. Photography is a passion of mine, and there is something about capturing a party in a visually pleasing way that pulls me back into the memory. It romanticizes the moment just a little, which I have no problem with. My goal is to look back with love and gratitude, remembering the positive and joyful parts of the day. Making parties aesthetic is not about perfection, it’s about creating moments that feel special and are easy to remember through photos.

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Choosing a Theme

When selecting a theme, I always let my kids have a say. I encourage them to choose something they have loved throughout the past year rather than a recent obsession. This way, the photos will capture the things that truly defined that year for them, rather than a fleeting interest. Once the theme is chosen, I focus on making it visually appealing. I love the challenge of styling a party so it looks cohesive, beautiful, and photogenic.

Decor Tips

The first rule I follow is to avoid buying an entire matching set from the store. Repeating the same character or image on every surface can quickly make a party look tacky. Instead, I start with a mood board and gather inspiration on Pinterest.

Here’s my approach:

Select a backdrop early: Find a backdrop first for the cake table or photos, and choose colors from it to coordinate everything else
Choose colors first: Decide on a palette that fits the theme and the vibe you want for the photos
Mix and match items: Pick cups, plates, hats, utensils, napkins, and balloons that fit the color scheme instead of matching character prints

This method is affordable, simple, and creates a mellow, visually appealing party that photographs beautifully.

Food and Treat Presentation

The cake is the main focus when it comes to food:

Use one or two cake stands to elevate the display
Decide whether to include a cake, cupcakes, or both based on the mood board
Keep designs simple and stick to the theme and color palette

Other snacks or food items usually take a back seat in presentation, except for special exceptions, like a themed party where food is part of the decor.

Photographing The Party

I mostly let the kids free play unless the party is centered around a specific activity. I focus on capturing a few key moments instead of trying to photograph everything:

Detailed photos of the decor
A portrait of the birthday child
The birthday child blowing out the candles in front of the backdrop

These shots capture the essence of the day while allowing me to relax and enjoy the party. The rest of the time, the kids can play freely, keeping the atmosphere natural and fun.

Lighting and Photography Tips

Good lighting is key for beautiful photos. I plan party times based on whether the event is indoors or outdoors:

Outdoors: Schedule parties around dinner time for the best natural light. Position decor so it is backlit by the sun for a soft, glowing effect
Indoors: Schedule closer to midday when sunlight is strongest. Place displays near windows for bright, clear photos

Paying attention to natural light makes even simple setups look photogenic and visually appealing.

Putting It All Together

Some final tips for cohesive, photogenic parties:

Buy washable tablecloths and reuse them. This keeps costs down and helps the setup feel polished - I love these ones
Use a party planner with a timeline for everything, from setting up decor to taking photos
Plan each element in advance: theme, color palette, decorations, cake, and lighting

By organizing ahead and focusing on small details, you can create a beautiful, memorable, and photogenic birthday party without feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

How to Make Kids’ Birthday Parties Aesthetic, Photogenic, and Budget-Friendly