What comes to mind after hearing the four magic words, “We’re having a baby?” A baby shower, certainly. Arranging a party with the hopeful parents’ closest friends and family members is the ideal way of expressing “Congratulations,” or “We’re happy for you,” or “Best wishes.” Aimed at further boosting the parents-to-be’s exhilaration for the future member of their family, the baby shower is regularly hosted by a close friend or relative, at any time through the last months of the pregnancy.
Just like any other party, a baby shower requires cautious planning to make sure that it will go as easily as possible, and be outstanding for everyone. Even though there are no rules cast in stone in preparing for a baby shower, there are various helpful tips to follow to help the host organize every aspect of the event.
1. Decide on the location.
The majority baby showers are held at the parent-to-be’s house, since the hopeful mother’s health needs to be considered. It is optional for small, intimate parties, with only the closest friends and family members. Guests also tend to be more contented if the party’s setting is at home. If the expectant parents love the outdoors, a barbecue party at their garden or a local park may also be an option. Naturally, the weather must be considered – baby shower does not exactly mean soaking the guests in the rain.
For less complication, the host may set aside a secluded area in a restaurant or bar. It may be more expensive, but at least the decoration, food and drinks, as well as the post-party cleanup will already be taken care of.
2. Choose the party’s theme.
For easier decoration ideas, a theme may be decided upon. Mull over the expectant parents’ favorite movies or hangouts. A further option is to adorn the party site by re-creating the place where they had their honeymoon, such as a cruise ship, or Paris-inspired café. As the party will also be a celebration of the future baby, a childish atmosphere may also be measured. Select cartoon characters, bright colors, and other designs depending on the baby’s gender.
3. Finalize the menu.
The party’s menu will depend upon the time of the event. In the majority baby showers, the host serves finger food, pastries and other baked goods for convenience. Though, if the event will be held during lunch or dinner time, heavier meals will logically be served. Alcoholic drinks may also be prepared, depending on the guests’ preference.
4. Design a fun program.
Contrary to what most people consider, a baby shower is not only limited to mingling around, gift giving, eating and drinking. Fun games may also be integrated, such as charades, or those which will bring back the guests’ childhood memories. Memorize that the main point is to make sure everybody will have a good time, and various games will surely liven up the event.
5. Create the guest list and send out invitations.
Arrange a list of the expectant parents’ closest friends and family members. Ensure to seek their consent before sending out invitations, to shun any embarrassing mistakes later. Memorize that it’s the parents’ event, and not the host’s, so their selection of people should matter the most.
Convenient baby shower invitations are eagerly available in gift shops and craft stores. Conversely, homemade invitations may also be used to provide the host’s personal touch.
Send out invitations out two to four weeks before the party to give time for the guests to fix their list. Baby shower invitations chase the same format as any other invitation, it indicates the date, time, place, attire preferred, gift registry, if any, the host’s contact numbers for RSVP. Just to be prepared, arrange a final list of attendees a few days before the baby shower.
thanks to www.showerer.com for these very helpful tips.
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