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| Lots of coordination, lots of cash |
When my oldest turned two, I did the Party Superstore thing. I went to the warehouse-style, we've-got-it-all store and spent nearly $60 to get cake-toppers, balloons, streamers, plastic ware, banners and table toppers in her theme. Honestly, it just wasn't worth it. The guests probably noticed, thought "Oh cute," then moved on. All my coordinating colors were not worth all that cash, cute as they were.
More importantly, I was really disappointed in the store itself. Yes, the prices and selection were better than just about anywhere else, but that's to be expected of a nation-wide party decoration chain. But the service -- oh, the service.
Me: If I pick up the balloons the day before, will they stay inflated for, say, 24 hours?
Party Store Employee: Oh yeah. no problem. |
| 12 hours later |
In their defense, they replace the balloons for free, but only after I called 3 times and demanded to speak to a manager, and after that manager broke policy to help me. Also, when I went to pick them up, they were not ready (though I called ahead) and the staff was giving me the "Oh, you're the b*tch" look. Lovely. I was definitely duped.
Then I realized: I am a graphic designer. What am I doing? I can do this jazz myself. Shoot, I could do this if I wasn't a designer. All it takes is a little ingenuity. After all, what's more impressive: spending money on coordinated, copyrighted characters on paperboard-and-staples centerpieces OR doing it all yourself? Oh, I think you know.
When I decided to throw a baby shower for a couple friends who are expecting, I did all the decorations myself, and I decided to share all those decorations with you, in photos and files that you can print out for your own baby shower. You only have to pay what I did. Nothing.
For photos, ideas, and free printable cupcake toppers and banner pieces, read on!
For photos, ideas, and free printable cupcake toppers and banner pieces, read on!
