While it may seem that anyone in an expectant mother’s life can host a baby shower - friends, relatives, and spouses - in order to truly pull off something magical, you need to know what you are doing. Not to worry, Dear host, Infants, Toddlers and Beyond has you covered. With this perfect guide to the perfect baby shower, you’ll be asked to plan party after party when your guests and the mother-to-be see what a wonderful job you’ve done in planning.
Find a Location for the Baby Shower
You may want to have a baby shower in your home, but it is often better to rent a venue where there are plenty of tables and chairs for the party. Make sure that the venue has plenty of parking spaces for everyone, and also, have the address for the location.
Sending Out the Invitations
Determine how many people you want to invite to the baby shower before sending out invitations to the event. Today, some individuals think that it is okay to send invitations in texts or by email, but it is better to mail a paper invitation. Have your telephone number and the venue’s address and telephone number listed, along with the directions to the location, on the invitation.
Have a Gift Registry
The expectant mother should have a gift registry at one or more stores. You can tell the guests where to look for the gift registry online, and this can prevent duplicate gifts. As someone buys one of the items mentioned on the gift registry, it is deleted from the list. Looking at the gift registry makes it easier for guests to find a gift that doesn’t require a return.
Consider the Food for the Party
You will want to have food at the baby shower, but it can take a lot of time to prepare everything at home. It is better to buy the food needed for the baby shower at a supermarket, but you can also hire a caterer to bake a cake and other treats. Make sure to have enough food for all of your guests.
Decorating the Venue
It is essential to decorate the venue with a variety of fun items, such as balloons, streamers and tabletop decorations. Protect the tabletops with attractive disposable tablecloths, and also, choose attractive disposable dishware. Arrange the tables so that there is a place for the food and another table for the gifts.
Advice about Gifts for the Baby
Some of the baby shower guests may call you before the event to ask about the most appropriate gifts for the child. While the new mother will have a gift registry, it is fun for her to receive surprising gifts, such as beautiful baby jewelry. Baby jewelry is traditionally worn for special events or for photography sessions, and some of the items available include ankle bracelets, earrings or necklaces.
Baby Shower Party Games
One of the best things about a baby shower is the party games, and you can learn more about these games by reading about some of the choices. With baby shower games, the guests have a chance to have fun along with mingling with the other guests.
Have Party Favors
Party favors are little gifts that the guests can take home after the event. These items are often placed on the tables at the event, and the items are often embellished with the baby’s name and vital information about the child.
Hire a Professional Photographer
The new mother will appreciate having photographs of her baby shower, so you can hire a professional photographer for the event. The photographer may arrive early to the venue to take pictures of the baby shower cake and decorations, and this person will remain at the party.