If you are planning a baby shower for a friend there is an entire list of issues you must nail down before the celebration. A shower may seem to be a simple event, yet if you want the party to be super successful there are certain issues you must be sure to plan for.
Determine a good place.
If the shower is to be a surprise you won’t be able to have it at the residence of the mum to be. You will have to be sure that the location is large enough to accommodate all the guests, without being too formal. Usually these occasions are simply a group of friends assembling, so it is often better to be able to loosen up in someone’s house or yard than have to be on your best behavior in a restaurant. It’s less costly too. Of course, you might need additional supplies or seating.
Get the arrangements together.
You can have pink or blue developed decorations if you know which sex the baby is going to be, or you can also choose other neutral colors that can still make sense within a baby concept. You can get ceiling streamers with baby or animal shapes cut out of them, or balloons with storks printed on them or a entire host of other arrangements ranging from humorous and tacky to classy and pricey.
Provide some nosh.
Make sure that there is some sort of meal for your guests. Even if you are carrying out the party on a tight budget you will need to organize some snacks. Be sure you check if anyone has food allergies, and if kids are coming you will require child friendly foods as well. You will also need drinks. Determine if you feel it is right to serve alcohol considering the mom to be won’t be able to drink.
Make sure there is a safe area for babies to play, if moms with young children are on the guest list.
You may not want kids at your baby shower, but this is something to think about if you plan to invite mothers (and even more so, couples) with children. If you forget to plan for a safe play area for kids or babies, then you will have to be continually checking that the children aren’t getting in to trouble, making a mess, or playing with things they shouldn’t be.
Put together a gift list.
If you circulate a gift list, once you determine which guests are attending, then you will be certain that the mother to be will not get lots of repeat presents. If you know there are things she desires, then be sure you have these on the list. Instead you may encourage your friend to organize a registry. That way people can see what has been purchased already and choose from the remaining items. Try to make sure there are low cost possibilities too so some people don’t feel they have to buy a present that is more high priced than they want or can afford.
Remember to mail out the invites well in advance!
If you don’t let people know when the baby shower is then all your time and effort will be for naught! Or, people may have already made other plans. If you send composed invites guests are considerably more likely to remember to attend the event than if you just mention it in person or make a call. They will have a penned reminder that they can leave in a memorable place in their home so that they don’t forget to attend!