Tips for Baby Shower

A baby shower is usually held for expectant parents in the final months of pregnancy. The idea of having a baby shower is to celebrate the gift of new life and to shower the expecting parents with advice and gifts to assist with bringing up a new baby. Friends or family members typically arrange the shower, taking the stress of the expecting mother.

Here's some things to considering if you're holding the occasion

-Guests & Invites

Create a guest list, including their address, phone number and email addresses. Go over the list with the expecting parents, make sure they're happy with your choice. The number of guests will play a big part in deciding other elements of the shower, impacting on budget, food, location and games. For the invites you could simply phone up each person or send them out a cute printed card, make sure you include important information such as - time and date, location and your own contact details.

Budget

When the guest list is complete it's time to consider the cost the occasion, you may require the following - food & drink, dinnerware, table & chairs, a shower location and party games.

Time & Date

The shower can be held on any day the expecting parents wish, in the last months of pregnancy or just after the birth, there are no hard and fast rules. When setting a time and date try to accommodate all guests, try planning around those who work or have a long distant to travel. Check the calendar, pick a day that won't conflict with someone's birthday or any similar occasion.

Location

Most baby showers are held at the hosts home although you can use someone else's house or rent out a venue. Keep in mind the number of visitors you're expecting and their travelling times.

Menu

Create a menu that will work well with the time of day or location. What type of food would the expecting mother and guests enjoy? How much food will you need? Try to keep the amount of work invloved on the light side; snacks & nibbles work well as you wont be tied up in the kitchen for hours. Keep in mind that some of your guests may be sensitive to certain foods or have special dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans etc).

Games & Prizes

Games can be a fun way to create memorable moments and meet new people, see the games page for some great ideas!

Surprise Parties

You could consider a surprise party as long as the mother will appericate it, is she the type of person who likes surprises? Do you think you could keep her from finding out? You'll have to get help from family and friends for creating a guest list, taking care to make sure you havent missed anyone the expecting parents would like to attend.