A baby shower is not like any party or event, it is a special and momentous one. It is a celebration for the parents-to-be and the impending bundle of joy. It is a very sweet milestone for the parents-to-be and their family. It has a couple of traditions that has to be taken into consideration.
It is significant to have everything organized ahead of time. It helps to always have a list of everything, not only the list of guests or gift registry, but everything from the menu to games and activities. Having a list will guide you thru each component or detail of your baby shower – what are already accomplished and those that are yet to be done.
Here is an experts’ guide to help you plan your baby shower:
1. Pick a Date
Usually, a baby shower is held around the last 2 months of pregnancy. But, it does not mean it really has to be around that time, because baby showers can be done before and after the baby is born. It is signifcant though to always check on the parents-to-be’s comfort especially the mom-to-be. The best place to start is when the mom-to-be is most comfortable to party and be around friends and family.
But which ever time you and the parents-to-be decide on, it is best to already have a sense or vision of what the baby shower would be like in advance. How do the expecting parents envision the baby shower. It is best to sit down with them and discuss all the basics and the essential details, this way the shower will be in the right track.
2. Who will Host
A baby shower can either have one or multiple hosts, and can either be one of the parents-to-be’s closest family or friends. It is the host or hosts who will plan and work on everything for the shower, that is why it is such a sweet and thoughful gesture, whoever will be the host. The only contribution of the parents-to-be are the gift registry, and guest list and their contact details. The host or hosts then are the ones responsible of planning for the event from the location to decors, menu to sending invites, and coordinating activities and games to party favors, among others.
3. Sending Invites
Yes a phone call can serve enough as a way of sending the word out, it is more intimate and special to send out printed invitation.
Make sure that everyone in the guest list gets an invitation and make sure too that you worked out the guest list with the parents-to-be to ensure that noone is missed out.
The guests need ample time to prepare and make room for the scheduled date and also prepare for their baby shower gift. Especially for the guests who needed to travel from afar only to get to the event. So the best time to send invites is 3-4 weeks before the day.
4. Baby Shower for the Siblings
You can throw a party for the second, third or so baby, and this one is called “baby sprinkle.” This one does not have to be as big as the baby shower thrown for the first born. It does not mean that first born are way more special, but because the expecting parents already have most of the essentials they will need. Hence, no need to invite a lot of guests and for them to keep on giving the same gifts over and over again, unless if there is a huge gap between the siblings.
So a baby sprinkle is a smaller and simplier version of the baby shower, but the spirit of celebraring the imprending bundle of joy is still the same if not sweeter. Sweeter because it is not so much about gifts, but more of celebrating a new blessing.
5. Curate the Menu
A party is not a party without food and beverages to munch on and drink while having great conversations and having fun.
Choose food that are tasty and easy to prepare. Finger foods or single servings are the best, because not only are they easy to prepare, but saves you with dining wares and cutleries and prevent sharing of utensils.
One significant detail to consider is the guests dietary requirements or restrictions. And although it is fine to serve alcohol, it is best to serve non-alcoholoc drinks like mocktails to ensure that you are safe while having fun. Plus there are possibly under 21 years old and kids in attendance.
6. Activities and Games
It is essential to have fun activities to make everyone feel at ease comfortable. You and the guests can either play group games like physical and mental games or get them to do DIY activities for the parents-to-be’s nursery or as a simple keepsake.
7. Gift Registry
This one is important to help ensure parents-to-be gets all the essentials they need. Make sure that you include it in the invites you sent to the guests, so they are guided when they purchase gifts. It is also good to keep in touch with the guests to check on what they picked from the registry so that they don’t end up picking similar items.
Finally, whether you are having a huge baby shower or a small intimate one with only the immediate family and closest friends, the shower’s focus must be centered around the parents-to-be and their impending bundle of joy.
And no matter what happens along the way or after, don’t stress or worry too much, because the parents-to-be will be more than appreciative of your thoughtfulness and generosity. It is not easy to host a baby shower. They will remember your sweet gesture and they will talk about the party for years and years. So give yourself a tap on the shoulder for doing such a sweet gesture and one heck of a job.