For Lauren Oakes, every child deserves to feel celebrated. That simple belief is at the heart of Celebrate Forward, a locally owned business dedicated to creating personalized birthday celebrations that allow families to slow down, make memories, and focus on what matters most.
The inspiration for Celebrate Forward began at home. "After becoming a mom, I wanted to celebrate every milestone in my son's life," Oakes says. "When his first birthday came around, I planned a celebration that was over the top in the best way and I haven't stopped creating ever since."
Her love of creativity, combined with 13 years working in education, shaped a business with a purpose beyond party planning. "One thing I've learned is that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated," she says.
That philosophy led Oakes to create her signature party boxes—beautifully coordinated kits filled with themed décor that make it easy for families to host memorable celebrations, regardless of their budget or schedule. Celebrate Forward also offers custom party favors, personalized decorations, and full-service party planning that includes design, setup, and vendor coordination, giving parents the opportunity to enjoy the celebration right alongside their child.
No matter the package, personalization is always the priority. "I don't believe celebrations should feel generic. Every child has their own personality, interests, and story, and I love bringing those details to life," Oakes says. From favorite characters and colors to custom banners, cake toppers, family photos, and meaningful keepsakes, she thoughtfully designs each celebration to reflect the child at its center. It's those intentional details that transform a birthday party into a cherished family memory.
Celebrate Forward also offers plushie parties, a fun, interactive experience that's become a favorite for families. Each party includes a stuffed animal of the child's choice, stuffing, a heart insert, a T-shirt to decorate for their new furry friend, and an adoption-style birth certificate. With a wide variety of plush animals to choose from, children can create a keepsake that's uniquely their own. Optional add-ons, including pet carriers, custom collars, and costumes, make the experience even more memorable.
One of the most meaningful parts of her business happens quietly behind the scenes—providing donated party boxes to families in need so every child has the chance to experience the joy of a special celebration; one of Celebrate Forward's most impactful initiatives. Through donated party boxes, gently used decorations from previous celebrations are collected, refreshed, and thoughtfully repackaged for families facing financial hardship. Decorations that might otherwise be discarded are given new life, reducing waste while spreading joy throughout the community.
It's a mission that reflects the heart behind Celebrate Forward: ensuring every child feels loved, valued, and worthy of celebration, regardless of circumstance.
For Oakes, the greatest success isn't measured by perfectly coordinated décor or picture-perfect tablescapes. It's found in the smiles of children, the traditions families build together, and the memories they'll carry long after the candles have been blown out.
Because every celebration tells a story—and thanks to Celebrate Forward, more children have the chance to know theirs is worth celebrating.