Step by step tips for giving an unforgettable baby shower – Baby Shower Ideas General Information, Baby Shower Ideas & Ten Step Guide, Baby Shower Tips.
Baby Shower Ideas & Scheduling Organization.
Showering the Mom and sometimes the Dad with friendship and love is the purpose of a baby shower.
Many people are electing to hold the shower after the birth of the baby. This way the appropriate clothing can be given. It also gives Mom an easy way for many people to see the baby at one time. (This eliminates a constant stream of visitors right after the baby is born, when both Mother and baby need their rest.) Check with the mother-to-be to see when she would prefer a shower.
If you are going to hold the shower before the baby is born, you should start your planning approximately six weeks before the baby shower. Ask the mother-to-be for a complete list of guests she would like at her shower. Once you have an idea of how large the shower will be you can start making arrangements within your budget and time constraints.
Baby Shower Guide – TEN EASY STEPS:
1. Who will plan
Anyone can host a baby shower for the new “parents to be”. It can be a family member, a friend, or a co-worker. If it is a surprise shower, then the family can help out with the guest list and gift items.
2. Budget
To determine how much the shower will cost, you will need to know the number of guests, the location of the shower, the menu, what type of party favors, and how many game prizes you will need.
3. Guest List
Organize your guest list by asking the parents-to-be who they would like to have at the shower. Usually this includes friends and family, but a few close co-workers may also be invited. Get address, phone numbers, and email addresses. Decide if it will be a “girl’s only” shower or “couples”.
4. Theme
Baby showers are fun! Be a kid again with teddy bears and stuffed animals. Or invite couples and do a buffet or outdoor party. Whatever theme you choose, remember this will be the baby’s first party. Have fun!
5. Selecting the menu
Although your menu should reflect your theme, the time of day is as important – as well as the number of guests. Make this a day of celebration for the Mother-to-be or parents-to-be, her guests, and yourself. Consider the amount of time and room available for the shower, as well as any special dietary needs of the Mother-to-be and her guests.
6. Location
Choose a location that is easy to get to and will accommodate the needs of the party. Generally, baby showers are held at the home of the host. Have an idea of how many people you expect before arranging any final details.
7. Select the date
The baby shower is normally around six weeks before the due date of the baby’s birth. However, some mothers are electing to have the party after the baby is born. Showers are held on weekends and during the week. Try to make the time and day convenient for everyone including any out-of-town guests.
8. Selecting the time
If most of the guests attending the shower work, then an evening or weekend shower will work best. Consider a weeknight for a change of pace if everyone lives near each other. If you choose a weekend date, plan your shower early enough in the day for all who must travel to attend. Be sure to keep in mind the Mother’s schedule (naps, doctors appointments, etc.).
9. Invitations
Invitations can range from the casual (a phone call) to the most formal (printed invitations). You decide what will work for your shower. Be sure to include all necessary contact information. Consider also including your email if you check it every day.
10. Entertainment
As guests arrive, introduce them to one another. As a unique conversational item, ask your guests to wear a small photo of their child on their shirt. Who doesn’t love to brag about their child?!? Another way to break the ice is to provide name tags with a small note, such as, “I attended grammar school with Susie”. This is a sure way to start conversations. Make sure to offer your guests liquid refreshments and whatever else you have provided. Set the mood with lighted candles, flowers, and decorations. You want your guests to enjoy the day (or evening) as much as the guest of honor.
Baby Shower Tips
Choose the kind of party you can do best. Accept your time, budget, and equipment limitations.
Coordinate your invitations, decorations, party favors, and food. Create a mood!
Plan games and activities that your guests will enjoy.
Check your supplies way ahead of time. Linen, silver, tables, dishes.
Select unique party favors. Personalized Party Favors
Employ students for serving and cleanup.
Avoid time consuming dinners. Choose a menu with which you are familiar.
Always overestimate the amount of food you will need. Make sure you have chafing dishes or hot plates.
Buy camera film. Have someone else at the party be in charge of taking pictures. Chances are, you will be busy. If you get a lot of great shots, you can make a memento album for the parents later.
Don’t forget the guest bathroom. Add extra touches like scented soap and lotion. Keep tissue and feminine items in an obvious place.
Clean and cook ahead of time. Do not wait until the last minute.
Plan seating that will encourage lively conversation.
When serving buffet style, be sure you have enough tables or lap trays.
Create your mood through lighting, music, and decorations.
Pay attention to your guests. Know when they are ready to move on to the next phase of the party.
It can be a little awkward at first. A few close friends arriving early can create an instant party buzz.
Do not wait until the last minute!
Baby Shower Scheduling Organization
Six weeks before the baby shower
Set time and date with Mother-to-be
Prepare guest list with couple’s help so you don’t overlook someone
If it is a surprise shower, contact the couple’s friends or parents to help with guest list
Reserve the date as soon as possible if you are planning to hold the shower at a restaurant
Make or purchase invitations
Reserve a caterer if you are using one
Start thinking about decorations
Four weeks before the party
Plan menu and start planning who will bring what (if this is a group effort)
Decide on what games you will play and gather necessary props
Decide on game prizes you will award and start shopping for them
Choose your gift, as you might get so busy you forget
Mail out invitations
Begin your search for anything you may need to rent or borrow for the shower
Purchase or create place cards if you will be using them
Three weeks before the baby shower
Take care of decorations, either buying, making, collecting or borrowing
Ask friends to bring teddy bears or stuffed animals if this is your theme
Purchase and wrap your gift, so you won’t forget at the last minute
Prepare shopping list for all ingredients you need to prepare food
Purchase and wrap favors for guests
Make sure you have extra wrapping paper and ribbon on hand (just in case of last minute gifts)
Purchase prizes for games
Designate someone to pick up the Mother-to-be
Two weeks before the baby shower
Make sure that you have the proper serving dishes and utensils
Check tables and chairs to be sure you have enough
Look over table linens and napkins (if using cloth)
Empty coat closets so you will have a clean space to hang coats
Confirm reservations if the shower is being held outside the home
Order centerpieces and corsage for the Mother-to-be
If it is being catered, contact the caterers
If friends are bringing food, touch base with them
One week before the baby shower
Prepare anything that can be frozen ahead
Call anyone who has not responded to the invitation
Check all recipes and buy the ingredients
Either clean your home or hire someone to do it
If you will need extra refrigerator space, call a neighbor
Decide what you are wearing, making sure it is pressed and ready to wear
Check over your decorations to be sure you have everything you need
Two days before the baby shower
Decorate your home
Set the table, if possible
Wash china and crystal if needed
Arrange transportation for any guest who may need it
Make sure “Mom is feeling good”
Have a footstool and pillow for “Mom”
The day before the baby shower
Purchase, pick up, or make the rest of the food on your menu
Check your home for last minute cleaning
Set up extra chairs for guests
Check to be sure you have enough ice
Try to set up a spot to display baby’s gifts
Check on any last minute details
Have plastic trash bag ready for wrappings
Pick up helium balloons (they’ll be fine overnight if they are mylar!)
The day of the baby shower
Call “Mom” and make sure she feels “great”
If the shower is being held someplace other than your home, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your guests
Make sure designated driver picks up the guest of honor
Try to have someone there to help with last minute details
Light candles to scent the room
Have glassware and light refreshments available
As each guest arrives, make sure she knows someone or introduce her to others
Provide the Mother-to-be with a footstool and a pillow for her back
In a normal baby shower, there are usually 10-15 people that attend. During this time, people get to celebrate the new child as well as have close time with friends and family members and receiving gifts. Save money with Baby Shower Games Free to Print instantly from your printer.
