“Mama, can I have a daisy birthday party?”

My daughter turned six this summer, and in typical kinder-turned-first-grader fashion, she was filled with thoughts on exactly what she wanted for her birthday this year. Daisies. Everything daisies. So, I hit the Pinterest bar and started pulling together the daisy birthday party of her dreams—full of sunshine, fresh blooms, bright colors, and joyful details you can imagine for a summer birthday party in the Chicago suburbs.

I worked with a few incredible party vendors who are based in the west suburbs of Chicago (such as Aurora, Plainfield, and Carol Stream), so make sure to scroll down and check them out if you’re looking to level up your summer parties this year. Disclaimer: I’ve also provided links to some party supplies from Amazon Prime that I used, and as an affiliate may get a small commission from items purchased.

Planning My Girl’s Summer Backyard Party, Her Way

The funny part is that my original Pinterest board looked something like a bridal garden party – white blooms, fresh greenery, and dainty blush details to make a whimsical daisy party. When I showed my daughter, her response was adamant. “No, Mom. I want bright colors. Like, really bright. More pink.” Bless her heart. She was right. Mine looked like something I would plan for me, but this was her party, and I wanted it to reflect her spirited, sunshine personality.

(Moms, it is so important that we allow our kids to play a part in creative expression, especially when it comes to something like their own birthday party!) Sometimes I think we can get so caught up in the curated, social media, Pinterest-perfect vibe that it becomes more about us and less about them. While there is still debate on the science behind the Sad Beige Mom era, I’m all for adding in more life and color to our worlds.

Don’t get me wrong, I still had fun with the creative aspect and making it beautiful. As a single mom with just one child, she really is my whole world so of course I’m going to go all in to celebrate her! Now factor in my creative side as a photographer, artist, and someone who deeply values memory-making, and this summer backyard party was so fun to pull together.

Luxury Party Vendors in Chicago Suburbs

The party took place outdoors in Lombard, in the backyard of the home I grew up in. I knew I wanted it to feel fresh and fun, yet elevated—like a little luxury picnic party just for kids. So thankful for my parents opening their home and hosting us and all her little friends!

Full disclaimer: I was originally just going to DIY the tables and balloon arch. But then I chatted with some local ladies, and the truth is is I couldn’t have done it without them. They are some of the BEST local party connoisseurs and I can’t sing their praises enough!

First up, Jen from XOXO Picnic Co in Plainfield, IL. She’s a gem—fun, creative, and so thoughtful in her design work. Jen helped me curate the perfect color palette of cheerful pinks, yellows, and lavender. I rented out her gorgeous picnic tables, pillows, poufs, blankets, and a table runner that tied everything together like.

Then came Francis from Planned By Francis, right here in Aurora. Her balloon artistry is next level. She created the most beautiful daisy balloon arch and backdrop. It was above and beyond what I expected! She also brought in a dreamy snack cart that we used for lemonade and sweet treats. Francis is the kind of party planner every busy mom needs—creative, dependable, and fun to work with.

And the sweet treats? Caitlyn from Sky + Oak Bakery, based in Carol Stream, helped me out with my homemade cupcakes topped with a homemade whipped frosting that she made. Her artistry and attention to detail are unmatched—truly luxury cookies at its finest. Go check out her work on Instagram because she makes the best cookies in the Chicago suburbs!

Daisy Birthday Party Favors and Decor

We also had thoughtful party favors that doubled as a fun activity. Each child got to decorate their own mini terracotta pot with these super fun, mess-free acrylic markers. A bag of daisy seeds was included for them to take home and plant. We also added these adorable daisy sunglasses as favors, and the kids looked so cute running around in their colorful shades.

A few other Amazon finds I loved:

• Number 6 balloon
• Daisy paper plates – cutest table addition, and best for lighter snacks!
• Cupcake toppers – a perfect final touch to match the daisy vibes
• Daisy balloon arch kit – this set is super cute. We wound up using slightly different color shades, but I am keeping this set for future parties

And a special thank you to my mom, who helped with a fresh fruit platter shaped like a daisy (of course!) and a delicious spread of snacks. She has the gift of hospitality, and it made the day even more meaningful.

This daisy birthday party was more than a Pinterest board come to life. It was laughter, sunshine, sticky fingers, joy in the small things, and watching my daughter feel celebrated in the most beautiful way. It reminded me once again that it’s worth the effort to create these kinds of moments.

Here’s to birthdays that bloom, memories that last, and honoring our little ones with love and intention!

If you liked this, then welcome to my corner of the world! I’m Charity, a family photographer in Aurora, Naperville, and surrounding west suburbs of Chicago. I love celebrating the stories of your life as your family grows. Learn more here or connect with me where I’m most active on Instagram!