Okay, so C's birthday is in April and we're going to throw her a small party here in England. DH is getting deployed a few short weeks after her birthday and I will be flying home when he leaves to spend the deployment at home with my family.

Since our families have had next to no involvement in her life and really wont until I come home, I want to throw her a big birthday bash in May after I fly home, so that our families can celebrate with us. My mom is on board and we are thinking about doing it on my mom's birthday.

Normally, this wouldn't be an issue but I'm going to be dealing with DH leaving for deployment, planning from overseas, packing us up to fly home for several months, etc. and I'm just not going to have time to plan a big shindig the way I would want it to be planned.

There is a small party planning service that specializes in small events other than weddings. They offer several full-service packages. Now... is it ridiculous to spend this much?

The first package is $595:

-Personalized event invitations
-Interactive tablescape for your Guests to enjoy!
-Decorative table linen
-Your choice of specialty mocktail, punch or lemonade with coordinating glasswares and topped with an adorable drinking straw
-Your choice of one: Two tiered cake or gourmet cupcakes complete with decorative toppers and wrappers
-Your choice of 3-5 coordinating candies, treats or food items
-Party favors – individually wrapped and coordinated with each unique theme. Ideas may include pixie-stick wands, rock candy sticks, lollipops, or bubble-gum wands
-Paper ornaments may include: buffet labels, straw tags, bottle labels, menu cards, etc.
-Handcrafted name banner
-Decor Package to include: hand-crafted backdrop, and decor pieces, all with an impressive attention-to-detail.
-All serving pieces are included: layered cake stands, trays, platters, candy-confectionery jars, scoops and tongs.
-Activity Station – craft and/or activity for Guests
-Delivery & installation to take place one day prior to event date.

The 2nd includes all of that plus "an on-site event fairy to oversee the party, assist with welcoming and departure of guests, tracking of gifts, consistent upkeep on trash and replenishment of food items and upgraded party favors." for $750.

It would take so much stress off of me to just pay someone to deal with everything for me. The price isn't ridiculously out of budget considering it covers everything and their parties are SUPER cute and really well done. Beyond what they provide, we were going to BBQ, so that would be extra. We're planning a cute "retro picnic" kind of thing and are going to rent a cheap park pavilion by a lake.

Now, be honest.... am I insane for wanting to do this?

Disclaimer: We will NOT go all out like this for all of her birthdays. I think a first birthday is a special one.