Throwing a baby shower for a loved one is exciting! It’s the perfect way to honor their new bundle of joy and give them some much needed love and support. But if you’ve never thrown a baby shower before, it can be a daunting task! Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through every step to make sure your baby shower is a hit!
1. Gather a Team
If you can recruit even one or two helpful friends or family members, it can make a world of difference! Someone with a creative eye or someone willing to run errands, help with games, or share expenses can be a big help. You just have to be willing to delegate. And don’t forget to say a big thank you to the amazing people who helped you!
2. Plan the Basics
Eight to ten weeks before your shower date, you should decide on the basics: venue, budget, and even a preliminary guest list. An evening outdoor event with 25 guests will look very different than a midmorning brunch with a large group, so these first decisions will drive most of your other choices.
3. Choose Theme and Invitations
At the same time, decide on a theme. The theme will be the basis for your invitation and decorations. I like to choose a theme that fits the personality of the guest of honor or matches the future nursery. Decide if you want to create an over-the-top feel, something more minimalist, or something in between. I like the ideas on this list to help you get started!
Invitations can be as easy as an instant download and print option or, like these, can be personalized, printed, and mailed to you. Another option is to go completely paperless and use a e-vite – with the benefit of tracking RSVPs for you! Whatever you decide, send out the invitations about a month before the shower.
4. Plan Meals
Decide if you’re going to serve, bake, or do a combination of the two! The time of day may be the best way to decide what to serve: brunch for a mid-morning event, a variety of hors d’oeuvres at sunset, a buffet for lunch, etc. This list is a great reference for foods that work well for a baby shower.
Consider serving dishes that match the theme! For example, you can have finger sandwiches and mini pies for a picnic-themed baby shower. No matter what kind of food you choose, I like to use it guide so I can make sure I’m planning enough food for your guests! Along with food, make sure you have the appropriate plates, cutlery, crockery, cups, and napkins. Also, don’t forget a cake or dessert!
5. Purchase Decorations and Coordinate Rentals
In the weeks leading up to the shower, decide what you want your space to look like and plan decorations to create that atmosphere. Whether you fill the room with fresh flowers, make or buy banners that match your theme, organize a balloon arch and photo ops, or all of the above, make sure it ties together!
If you need to rent tables, chairs, decor, or anything else – now is the time to do it! And remember, sometimes less is more! If decorating isn’t your strong suit, ask a good friend to review your ideas!
6. Plan Games and Activities
Decide what games (if any) you want to plan and gather any necessary supplies. Choose simple, fun games and activities, such as gift bingoyes the test is true or false. Make sure you have some prizes for the winners. Some mamas-to-be may not like games focused on her (or games at all), so run your ideas along with her early.
Activities such as night diapers o block decoration can be an engaging alternative to standard shower games, and the guest of honor can take home finished products for her nursery.
7. Don’t Forget the Favors
Two weeks before the shower, buy or make party favors. You should do this ahead of time if you plan to order personalized favors!
8. Tie up Loose Ends
Create a “week of” to-do list, including last-minute tasks and vendor or venue confirmations. This is when you will assign certain tasks to your team. Anyone who can help with decorations, chores, set-up, and clean-up will be of great help. I suggest finding a special volunteer to write down all the gifts received and another helper to take pictures.
It’s also helpful to create a day of timeline that will help your event run as smoothly as possible and also take a lot of worry off your plate.
9. Enjoy the Special Day
On the day of the shower, follow your timeline to keep guests engaged from the moment they arrive. Make sure you enjoy the time too and truly celebrate the mama-to-be and her little one on the way!
A few days after the shower, take some time to reflect on how everything went and note what went well, what could be improved, and what you would do differently next time. Then use this information to make sure your next baby shower is even better!
celebrate
Remember, the most important element is making sure the mom-to-be feels loved and celebrated. Throwing a baby shower doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. With a little planning ahead, it can be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. I know you have it!!
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