Saajan's 2nd Space Themed Birthday by The Mini Maniacs

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I’m no stranger to party planning – it’s definitely my forte and what makes me tick! From Arjun’s first jungle themed party, to his second birthday construction themed party (which was inspired by our building work and his love for building!), his third birthday Paw Patrol party to his fourth birthday PJ masks and superhero party to Saajan’s first birthday Winter Onderland party, it’s fair to say it’s something that I absolutely love doing! As much as I love the creativity that comes with party planning, being back at work, managing the boys and life in general, coupled with the bursting storage room that houses all of the items from the above parties, I knew teaming up with a company that has the same intricate attention to detail which manifests in to a beautiful overall masterpiece, would be the solution to not creating even more work for myself (and having to find hidden pockets of potential storage space in the house!)! Mini Maniacs specialise in organising bespoke magical parties and events for children of all ages. You only have to have a quick glimpse of their Instagram page which looks like an immaculate display of the various parties that they’ve themed to know that this was absolutely the right company for me to team up with! They are a one stop shop for parents looking to organise the dreamiest birthday party for their children however do not have the time to do so – just what I need. Given it’s my passion, I wouldn’t settle for anything other than the very best and I was definitely not disappointed! Mini Maniacs work together with their clients to provide an end to end party planning service from venue sourcing right to the very end – party bags! They carefully help select a theme according to the age. Rav sent me several options for Saajan’s birthday based on the feedback I’d provided her on his interests. We decided on a space theme as a far greater meaning than just bright coloured rockets…

I want Saajan to know that the entire universe is his oyster …

He can achieve whatever he puts his mind to despite the challenges he may face on the way! Plus, he made such an adorable little astronaut! When deciding on the décor, Rav sent me several options to get a feel for what I had in mind. Rav and I met up twice before the party to discuss our ideas and for her to see the space we had to work with – so that we could visualise. Rav really took the time to understand my likes and dislikes and to figure out what really makes me tick and what I look for when hosting a party. I think I’m probably one of her most challenging clients to date – not because I was a partyzilla, more because I have the same passion for party planning as her and that in itself I know she found nerve wracking! We worked together and bounced our ideas off of each other. One thing that I adore about Rav is how down to earth she is – she’s so willing to listen to her client’s needs with patience and her love for what she does really shines through. Rav sent me a few invitation mock ups for me to select my preference – something that I really loved, having options! She provided me with both an e-invite option and also a few hard copies.

I must admit, the night before the party where I’d usually have the entire backdrop done (because it’s my own house!), I was feeling slightly panicked at the thought of most things being done the morning before the party forgetting that actually Rav is a pro at this and her team usually only have about 2 hours to set up when doing so at an outside venue! The end product was absolutely breath taking – from the star cloth backdrop, to the epic rocket and planet balloons, to the table styling and the cake table set up, I truly was blown away. We also ended up deciding on a fabulous starry backdrop for the entertainment area which really made the theme come to life and provided a gorgeous backdrop for the images.

It felt so amazing to not have to worry about preparing decorations weeks and months in advance, or worrying about storing them or how I’d manage the children while putting it all together but STILL having an amazing outcome without all the hard work! It meant I wasn’t as stressed on the day as I’d usually be. It meant I went to bed on time the night before. The food table styling, balloons, cake plinths and backdrop would cost approximately £650 (excluding delivery and setup). As well as the décor and party styling, Mini Maniacs also provide children’s entertainment ranging from an entertainer in a costume to crafts tables to science parties! Rav and I discussed Saajan’s love for lights, music and bubbles and the entertainment was so beautifully created for him in mind. To see Saajan having the absolute time of his life is something we will never forget – Leanne and Rav were so attentive in ensuring he was the focus of the entertainment and he sure did lap it up! Leanne dressed up as an astronaut and the entertainment included dancing, music, sensory, a light show, story time, parachute and of course, baby shark! I literally can’t express in to words how beautiful it was for us to see Saajan enjoying himself so much – I received so many messages from our guests commenting on how heart-warming it was to see him having so much fun! Their entertainment packages with a character/princess start from £179 for 1 hour and go up to £279 for 2 hours.

Rav was also able to source the kiddies tables and chairs which the team styled and also these incredible cake pops which looked like a work of art! She was able to fulfil any request I had for the party!

Although Mini Maniacs also offer a party bag service, I’d spotted these “paint your own” rocket and star shaped money boxes and decided to go with those. I made the colourful rockets filled with goodies for the younger guests.

A huge thank you to Sonal of Photography by Sonal S for donating her time to photograph the event – a wonderful soul who was non-stop behind the lens that day to capture our special moments. Sonal contacted me in advance of the event to discuss the layout of the day, key things I’d like captured and the type of photography I like. She arrived on the day an hour earlier than the event to get to know the children and also to get a feel for the space. Thank you so much Sonal. All the images I’ve shared, were taken by Sonal. The main birthday cake was by Rozay Cakes who never fails to impress – the rainbow sponge wowed Arjun especially and everyone commented on how delicious the cake tasted! Tranam always ensures she tailors our cakes to be personalised – I’ll always find a cloud in ours!

A huge thank you to Kelly’s Occasions for the crepe stall – it always goes down a treat especially when it’s nippy outside! I got my Nutella fix and they were also kind enough to make us savoury crepes! We’ve used them so many times and they never fail to impress!

“We believe every child is unique, and their birthday should be personal and magical to encourage their wildest worlds of make believe.” … We were over joyed with the outcome and it was an absolute pleasure to work with Rav and her team … Thank you Rav and all at Mini Maniacs for throwing such a magical party for Saajan’s second birthday and for bringing my vision to life and leaving us with memories of a life time! We are so grateful!

Disclosure: The party décor and entertainment was gifted by The Mini Maniacs in exchange for an honest and open blog post – all opinions stated above are my own. The photography and images was gifted by Sonal Photography in exchange for social media coverage. The crepe stall was provided at a discounted rate in exchange for social media coverage by Kelly’s Occasions.