baby's first birthday!! thinking of having a party at a hall. is this going overboard?

The baby will sleep through most of it and not remember it anyways. I think renting a hall is a little to much. Friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere is all that you need.

Spoiling kids rotten and going overboard is very common among many American families. Typically, it seems these sorts of parties are more for the parents who have some kind of warped mindset of "keeping up with the Jones' " type of competition rather than the general welfare and happiness of their children. Regardless, having a lavish birthday party with tons of people may backfire on you as the baby may become distraught and afraid of its seemingly loud and confusing surroundings. An alternative, though, would be as simple as an old fashioned traditional "first birthday" with close family at home. As pictures/video are taken, this could be a very special and intimate family birthday party where the focus is on a happy baby that you can see time and time again.

Sounds expensive if you are able to pay for it go ahead. Is the party something you think your child would want or something she wants? Sounds elaborate, but baby's first birthday, any birthday is special there are several ways you can still have a memorable party without over doing it.

What about in the back yard if you live somewhere nice? Or just at home or a relatives house? It is a 1st b-day and the child isn't going to remember that. Wait until they are a little older to go all out on a b-day party.

I say go for it! We had a huge part for my oldest(16 now) and we look at the video with very fond memories. It really is a time capsule, you'll look back and say OMG, he/she was so little! All the aunts/uncles grandparents etc. were in the video, its just something nice to share with family & friends later on. Do a big cake and a pinata too!Just enjoy it while it last, they grow up so fast!!

way overboard, remember the baby will get tired and cranky easily from all the stimulation

have a party at home where they are comfy

Too much for a first b-day. The baby won't remember it anyway.