About New Orleans
New Orleans has a long history as one of America’s most vibrant and unique cities. Located in southeastern Louisiana, French settlers founded the city in 1718, making it one of the nation’s oldest. New Orleans soon developed a reputation for its rich culture, with a blend of international influences.
It also became known for its distinct cuisine, from seafood, gumbo, and jambalaya, to crawfish boils and beignets. The city is also known for its festive and party atmosphere, thanks to the Mardi Gras season when massive parades fill the streets. However, these celebrations are common occurrences throughout the year, with everyday intimate occasions such as birthdays or anniversary parties hosted across town.
These celebrations involve groups gathering to commemorate someone’s special day. No matter what type of celebration is being held in New Orleans, you can expect great food, fantastic music, lively dancing, and plenty of fun!
Small Birthday Party Options in New Orleans
- Flowers
In New Orleans, florists provide beautiful floral arrangements suited for tablescapes and wall decor. Whether you are looking for a simple bouquet to present to the guest of honor or an elaborate floral structure to spruce up the birthday venue, there is a local flower shop that can meet your demands.
- Musicians
New Orleans is known for its music, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the city is also home to some of the nation’s most talented artists. Several of the city’s soloists, bands, and instrumentalists offer their services for various events. From jazz bands to brass bands and soloists, you can find the perfect musician to play the right acoustics at your event.
- Photographers
Pictures freeze time, and with a professional behind the lens, you will have beautifully sentimental photos of your event. Photographers in New Orleans have experience identifying sentimental moments and capturing them on camera for posterity.
- Event Planners
If you are looking for assistance in planning and coordinating your birthday party, team up with a professional event planner. The event experts have experience in coordinating all aspects of an occasion, from selecting the theme to finding caterers and making clean-up arrangements.
- Bakery
Much like bread and butter, birthdays and cakes go hand in hand. Bakeries in New Orleans excel at delivering the most beautiful and scrumptious baked treats. From traditional cakes to unique and creative designs, there is a baker who can satisfy your guests’ sweet teeth.
Small Birthday Party Vendors in New Orleans
- Bywater Bakery
Bywater Bakery is a New Orleans neighborhood staple, serving fresh pastries, coffee, and cakes to locals and tourists alike. The bakery opened its doors in 2017 and has since become known for its delicious bagels, king cakes, and Chantilly cake. In addition to being a great place to grab a quick bite or meet up with friends, Bywater Bakery also offers delivery and catering services for special occasions. So whether you're in the mood for a breakfast pastry or celebrating a birthday, Bywater Bakery will brighten your day.
- Clandestine Events & Experiences
If you're looking for an event planner who can make your special occasion one-of-a-kind, Clandestine Events & Experiences is that business. They excel at putting together everything from weekend getaways to destination weddings. The team of planners also curates successful corporate gatherings, milestone birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, weddings, graduation, and homecoming events.
- Davillier Photography & Graphics
Davillier Photography & Graphics has been in operation for four years. Their business provides contemporary portraiture services, including baby/children pictures, weddings, high school senior yearbook photos, family portraits, and commercial photography. They also offer print and web design solutions for business owners who want help with branding or attracting new customers. DPG makes it a point to know its customers and their needs, in order to provide outstanding service and high-quality products.
Pros and Cons of Small Birthday Parties in New Orleans
When planning a birthday celebration, one must consider all their options. When it comes to hosting a small birthday party in New Orleans, many advantages and disadvantages should be considered:
Advantages
- The central location of New Orleans allows for easy access from all parts of the country and makes it an ideal place to throw a smaller-scale birthday party.
- No matter what kind of food or beverage you want, New Orleans is sure to have something that satisfies your needs -from traditional Southern comfort dishes like jambalaya and gumbo to classic cocktails like hurricanes and sazeracs.
- With its abundance of live music venues, museums, galleries, and historical sites, there is no shortage of exciting activities for guests at your small birthday party.
Disadvantages
- Although much beauty comes with living in such a vibrant city like New Orleans, significant events can be challenging to plan due to traffic congestion or lack of available parking spaces throughout town.
- While many visitors flock here during the summer (which can bring unbearable heat), winter weather brings temperatures low enough that snow flurries can occur!
- Like most large cities, crime is present, so visitors should take precautions when traveling around town.
Tips on How to Organize Small Birthday Parties in New Orleans
Organizing a small birthday party event in New Orleans is a great way to celebrate a particular day. To ensure your event is successful, here are some helpful tips on organizing a small birthday party in New Orleans.
- Choose an Appropriate Venue: When selecting your venue, consider its size and accessibility. Will it comfortably fit all of your guests? If you’re planning on having live entertainment, does it have suitable space for a band or DJ? Make sure that your venue is easily accessible with plenty of parking nearby.
- Make Your Menu Unique: Whether you cater or cook yourself, include local flavors like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets to give your event an authentic Cajun flair. You can also explore chefs who specialize in traditional Southern dishes.
- Consider Themes and Décor: A themed birthday party adds more fun and excitement for you and your guests. Pick out decorations that reflect the theme of your choice - think Mardi Gras masks, feathers, colorful beads, and intricate wrought iron pieces that showcase NOLA’s unique culture.
- Send Out Invitations Early: Give yourself plenty of time when sending out invitations so that everyone has ample time to make their travel arrangements if necessary. Be sure to list all important information, such as dress code and start time, so that everyone arrives prepared on the big day!
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Washington Artillery Park
With a fantastic viewpoint of the St Louis Cathedral, Washington Artillery Park is one of the most beautiful places in New Orleans. This elegant and quintessentially New Orleans provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is located right across Jackson Square, and it features a mounted Civil War cannon in tribute to the Louisiana National Guard and the 141st Field Artillery.
- Cabildo Alley
Cabildo Alley is located in New Orleans' French Quarter, and it is lined with brick buildings. At the end of the block is the Cabildo, a colonial government building that now houses a museum. The balconies and potted plants create a feeling of being transported back in time while still being within walking distance of all the excitement Jackson Square offers.
- Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo
Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo is a popular tourist destination in New Orleans, and it's not hard to see why. The museum showcases a variety of exhibits related to the practice of voodoo, including an altar, books, and spiritual products. But the real draw of the House of Voodoo is its connection to Marie Laveau II, the voodoo queen in New Orleans. Many believe that her ghost still haunts the House of Voodoo, and there have been reports of visitors feeling an icy grip on their arms or shoulders. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, visiting the House of Voodoo is a fascinating and enlightening experience.
