Baby Shower Planning!

Its time to plan the shower to honor the new mother and to assist with the financial responsibilities of a newborn! We have lots of things for you to think about when throwing a baby shower........

Who will plan the baby shower? Baby showers can be arranged by family, friends, co-workers, or even a group of people.

Budget Baby shower budget is determined by location of the party, number of guests, menu selections, favors & prizes, decorations, & invitations.

Shower Type & Themes Decide what type of baby shower you want this will be. Do you think the new mom want a girls only party or should dad and other men be included? Does mom want the shower before or after the baby is born? Will this be a family only shower? Do you need to plan a distance shower because mom and other family & friends are not located near each other? Does it need to be an office party? Do you want a theme (i.e. Hawaiin, Disney, Seasonal)? Whatever type of shower or theme you select, try to ensure that is going to make the new mom most comfortable, afterall its not easy being pregnant and its not easy raising a newborn baby.

Guest Lists Baby shower guestlists normally includes friends, family, and a few close co-workers. Its a good idea to ask the new parents to be who they would like to invite to ensure you dont overlook anyone. You will need addresses or email addresses, and phone numbers.

Invitations The baby shower invitations should be sent about 2 months in advance. The invitations can be created and delivered in a variety of ways. Telephone or mailing invitations are good options. Emailing invitations is another great option to consider. Emailing is free and creative. You can use websites like evite.com to design & send your personalized invitations. The evite will allow your the guest to rsvp and will help you track their responses. The other great feature is it can provide guests with access to maps, driving directions and other event details. Dont forget to include where the new mom is registered in the invitations.

Food & Menu The food is the fun part of planning a shower. Always consider the number of guests when planning the menu. If your shower has a theme the food should reflect that theme. Choose a menu that will fit in well the venue, if its in a small space choose foods that are easy to eat while standing or sitting with a plate. If its more upscale maybe you want to have it catered. Plan the meal based on the amount of time you have alotted for the party. You can find some great recipes at recipezaar.com. Dont forget to plan your menu around any special dietary needs of the Mother-to-be and her guests may have.

Location You want the party venue to be at location that is easy for guest to find and at one that the mom will feel most comfortable. Many times it is held at the house of the person who is hosting the party.

Shower Date & Time Baby showers are typically given to most moms about 6 weeks prior to their due date incase mom delivers the baby early. If mosts guests live closeby a weeknight is accptable. If on the other hand many guests are coming from out of town than a weekend might be better. Select a date that is convenient for the majority, and choose a time that is early enough for those who must travel to attend.

Games & Prizes. Most baby showers include games and prizes.

Gift Ideas Many people like to purchase essential gifts for the new baby that are practical that can be used by the new baby as soon as he/she arrives from ..... to....... Other people like to

Decorations You're going to want to buy balloons, streamers and other decorations. If you're hosting the baby shower at a restaurant, find out what decorations the venue will allow. Table centerpieces make nice additions to any party.

Cake Every baby shower needs a cake! Make one or pick one up at the local bakery. Some bakeries will put an actual photo on the cake if requested to help personalize the event.

Remember to have fun with the planning and take lots of pictures at the shower!

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