How much does a first birthday party cost in Metro Vancouver?
Short answer: in 2026, a decorated first birthday in Metro Vancouver usually costs anywhere from a few hundred dollars for grab-and-go balloons to $2,000 or more for a fully styled party, before cake, food and venue. Here's where the money goes, based on prices published by local party businesses in October 2026.
Typical décor prices
| What you get | Typical published price | Who sets it up |
|---|---|---|
| Grab-and-go balloon garland or bouquets | $100–$450 | You |
| Single-panel backdrop with garland and sign | $685–$750 | Usually the stylist; some charge extra |
| Two- or three-panel styled backdrop | $850–$1,200 | The stylist |
| Custom or luxe installation | $1,500–$2,000+ | The stylist |
Watch for what's included. Some packages include delivery, installation and teardown; others add them on top or set a minimum order.
The other costs
- Cake: custom cakes from Lower Mainland designers run about $8–$20 per serving, often with a minimum order and delivery fee.
- Venue: play-centre party packages for 8 to 12 kids are commonly $375–$475, and private buyouts can reach $1,200. Hosting at home saves this.
- Entertainment: face painters or balloon artists are around $150–$200 per session, and costumed characters start near $290.
- Food: caterers commonly quote $25–$45 per person depending on the style of service.
Three realistic budgets
Simple and pretty: about $700–$1,000
A styled backdrop with a balloon garland and name sign, installed and taken down for you, plus a bakery cake. This is our Confetti package, from $695.
Fully styled at home: about $1,800–$3,000
Backdrop, dessert table, a kids' table or lounge corner, and a design consult, plus cake and simple food. This is our Celebration package, from $1,795.
Done for you: $4,000 and up
Full planning and styling with the cake, catering and entertainment booked and managed for you. This is our Caviar package, from $3,995 plus vendors.
How to spend less without it looking cheap
- Spend on one statement backdrop where the photos happen, and keep the rest of the room simple.
- Pick two or three colours and repeat them everywhere.
- Host at home or in a building amenity room to put the venue budget into décor.
- Book early. Popular weekends fill first, and rushed orders cost more.
Planning a first birthday in the Tri-Cities or Vancouver? See how we style first birthdays or tell us about yours.
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Let's plan your milestone.
Tell us the date and what you're celebrating. We'll come back with ideas, a mood board and a clear quote.