Hosting a baby shower can be a fun and stressful activity; keep well organized and allow plenty of time for planning and everything will run smoothly, like any type of party preparations. Having a baby is one of the most important events in someone’s life so their baby shower should reflect that. The shower is a way to congratulate the expecting parents and provide them with everything they will need to get started in this exciting new endeavor.
Hosting a Baby Shower
Being in charge of hosting the shower is an important responsibility; the mother-to-be doesn’t want to have to worry about anything and shouldn’t have to. All she should have to worry about come party day is to show up, be happy and enjoy the loving attention of friends and family.
Planning the baby shower takes some effort, but with the proper amount of organization it can go off without a hitch. Some of the most important preparations to think about are time and place, guest list and invitations and activities and games.
When and Where to Throw a Baby Shower
The timing of the baby shower is a crucial decision that should be discussed with the parents-to-be. Let them decide if they want one before the baby is born so they can be well prepared, or after the baby arrives so they are able to show off the newest addition to family and friends.
If they decide on having it before hand then it should be planned for a couple of months prior to the due-date. This will allow for them to set up the nursery and figure out what else will be needed before the baby arrives. If they opt for a post-baby shower then plan it for at least a month after delivery to give the mother time to recuperate and allow for the new parents to get acquainted with their newborn.
Choosing a location can be a little more difficult. Depending on season it could be held outside or if the weather is cold a hall could be rented. The space has to be large enough to accommodate all expected guests without feeling too cramped. Most cities have plenty of available halls and there are often pavilions in major parks where the party could be hosted in the warmer weather. If the gathering is expected to be more intimate with fewer guests than hosting the party at home is a viable option. Wherever the shower is to be thrown it is important to make the area as comfortable as possible for the guest of honour.
Unique Baby Shower Invitations
Planning the guest list and sending out the invitations takes more work than may be expected. It can be difficult to include everyone and make sure no one is left out so double check with the expecting parents.
The invitations are the first interaction with all the guests for the shower, so it should stand out and make them remember the party ahead. All the important information must be clearly included: time and place, contact information, registry details and due date. This way all guests are well aware of all the details and won’t be left asking unclear questions close to the day of the party.
The invitations can be homemade for an authentic, original feeling or store bought for a classic, clean appeal. There are also tons of websites selling unique and modern baby shower invitations for anyone who can’t find the time to shop or want something truly original.
Baby Shower Activities
There are several traditional games often played at baby showers that can be planned for the event. Some customary games are to guess the width of the belly, fill-in fact sheets about the mother-to-be, never say the word baby and how many baby items can be named, along with many more. Choose the games that will best suit the crowd and will create a fun, enjoyable atmosphere.
Of course there is the opening gifts activity. This is often done at the front of the room with everyone gathered around the guest of honour. Someone should be close by with a pen and paper to record the gifts and who gave them for the thank you cards.
The expectant parents will be looking forward to the event so make it one they will remember. With the proper planning and organization the baby shower will go smoothly and will be one the guests won’t soon forget.
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