I love planning first birthday parties, because I enjoy a good theme! I recently came across the First Rodeo First Birthday Party theme, and it’s safe to say that I’m obsessed.
In this guide we’ll jump into all the inspo you need to plan the most adorable First Rodeo birthday party for your little cowboy or cowgirl!
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First Rodeo Birthday Party Color Scheme
The first thing I like to do when planning a party is to figure out what my color scheme will be, so I can create the event around it.
There are a variety of color palettes for a First Rodeo 1st birthday party you can go with. A classic choice is a palette of rustic browns, tans, and denim blues, which will give you the “open range” vibe. You can also add in a pop of color with reds or burn orange, which mirrors the colors of a western sunset.
I’ve also seen people opt for a softer, whimsical palette, going with pale blues, pinks, and mint greens which really looks great.
And if you’re celebrating a little cowgirl and want to go with a more feminine vibe, have fun with a mix of hot and soft pinks for a cowgirl disco feel!
First Rodeo Birthday Invitations
Set the scene right away with a First Rodeo birthday party invitation! I prefer printables for invitations, because their inexpensive and always look so much better than store bought! Here are some of my favs.
The above invitation is perfect for a son’s first birthday and a traditional first rodeo themed party!
If you’re celebrating a little cowgirl, these pink invitations are an adorable option!
First Rodeo Birthday Decor
Now that you’ve picked your color scheme, let’s dive into all the adorable first rodeo birthday party decor! Turn your space into the wild west with balloon garland, banners, signs, and more. Here are a few options to go with!
Add in decorative accents of cowboy hats and boots, cacti, and cowhide for a festive touch that will bring the whole first birthday party theme together!
First Rodeo Backdrops + Balloon Garland
Creating a photo backdrop for your event is a must-do in my opinion. It creates an instant focal point to your event, and allows for those instagram-worthy photo ops that you’ll adore for years to come.
How adorable is this balloon arch garland kit? You can grab it here and attach it to a foam board, frame, or even just a wall!
Prop your little one’s high chair near the western theme backdrop you create, so they can be the star of the event’s photo opps! You can create the perfect space for all those smash cake pictures and more.
Here’s another balloon garland option that I love. You can attach it to any wall or surface for an easy, instant focal point!
Highchair Banners
I truly think highchair banners are a must! How adorable are these first rodeo themed ones?
This highchair banner is perfect for a first rodeo party! I love the mix of patterns that also include some cow print!
I love the touch of pinks on this highchair banner, so perfect for a little girl!
Table Decor + Centerpieces
Don’t forget to add some decorative flair to your table decor! Choose some fun centerpieces like mason jars filled with wildflowers or cowboy boot and hat confetti.
I also really love the idea of placing a cowboy hat on each plate setting. Hang it off each chair or place it on every plate. These can double as your party favors too! You can find the above cowboy hats here.
First Rodeo Birthday Food Ideas
There are many food options to play around with for a First Rodeo birthday party. I think having a BBQ type event is a perfect option to go alongside this theme.
Serve up mini sliders or pulled pork sandwiches for a hearty meal. Pair them with classic sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.
Don’t forget to keep the little cowboys and cowgirls hydrated at the “watering hole” with some lemonade or root beer in mason jars.
First Rodeo Cake + Dessert Table
When it comes to the sweet finale of your first rodeo birthday party, you’ll want a cake and dessert spread that’s as delightful as the day itself.
Consider a show-stopping cake decorated with cowboy boots, lassos, or even a mini rodeo arena to capture the theme. To keep it simple and appealing to little ones, opt for cupcakes with cowboy hat toppers or horseshoe-shaped cookies that are easy to handle.
Consider cow print and all things cowboy hats and boots for your dessert table. Be sure to choose a themed cake topper to really drive the theme home!
Games + Activities
You can have a ton of fun with games and activities at a First Rodeo birthday party! Chances are you’ll have some older tots and little ones at the party, so why not put together some activities for them to enjoy too?
Cowboy Hat Decorating Station
Let the little ones saddle up for some “Stick Horse Races” to see who’s the fastest in the wild west. You can also put together “Lasso the Bull” game, where they can practice their roping skills without any real cattle involved, of course. The classic game of horseshoes would also be great idea (with kid-friendly horseshoes).
Cowboy Hat Decorating Station
Set up a “Cowboy Hat Decorating” station, so the kids can jazz up their mini hats with stickers and markers.
Haystack Treasure Hunt
Plus, don’t forget the “Haystack Treasure Hunt” – a wild scavenger hunt filled with hidden surprises.
These games and activities will make your little one’s first rodeo birthday bash one for the books!
Petting Zoo
Adding a petting zoo to a first rodeo birthday party is a fantastic way to create an unforgettable experience for young partygoers. The little cowboys and cowgirls will be thrilled to interact with friendly animals like miniature ponies, goats, sheep, and even some adorable baby farm animals. It perfectly complements the rodeo theme and is sure to be a highlight of the celebration, creating lasting memories for the birthday child and their guests.
Party Favors
Now, let’s talk about the perfect party favors for your little ones at a first rodeo birthday celebration. To keep the rodeo spirit alive, consider creating themed favor bags that are as cute as they are fun.
Mini cowboy hats or bandanas make fantastic additions, allowing your young guests to continue playing cowboy or cowgirl long after the party’s over.
Don’t forget to include some rodeo-themed stickers, temporary tattoos, and perhaps a small toy horse or a sheriff’s badge.
I love these pony sticks for First Rodeo birthday party favors for all the other kids! You can even have each one come with a certification of adoption. How adorable is that?
These favors will serve as a wonderful keepsake of the day and ensure that the excitement of the first rodeo birthday party lives on in the hearts of your little wranglers.
