Baby Shower Checklist
- If it is a surprise shower, ask for help from her family and friends to ensure no-one is left out.
- Figure out how much funds are available, and allocate carefully.
- Pick a day when most people will be able to come - this is usually a weekend, and in fact, after church on Sunday is a traditional time.
- The home of a friend or family member, a restaurant or recreation center, or even the church family center are great places to hold a baby shower.
- If you know the gender of the baby, this may be easy - if not, be creative
- Have invitations made up and sent out with directions to the location included.
- Catered is best! Finger sandwiches and cake are traditional - sort of a 'high tea' type of party. Couples' parties may require more substantial food.
- Now is the time for the mom and dad to register online - create a wish list that updates every time an item is purchased.
- Place your order for flowers - simple arrangements of baby breath and carnations or rosebuds are ideal for an elegant party
- If you are having a more casual bash, go all out with balloons that match your theme and add a banner that guests can sign for a keepsake.
- Reserve extra tables and chairs if needed to ensure everyone is comfortable. Make sure the expectant mom has a comfy place to sit.
- A baby shower cake can be so fun and creative. Get one big enough for everyone to have a piece; half chocolate, half yellow or white is best.
- Decide what games you will play at the party, and get supplies
- Games should have prizes, and you will want a favor for each guest to take home.
- Themed paper products and utensils should be stocked well in advance of the party.
- You should have nailed down a game plan and menu at this point, and all systems should be go.
- Check with invitees who haven't confirmed their attendance.
- Make sure someone is designated to capture the event on film.
- Purchase gifts for the shower, and check the wish list to ensure no major gifts are overlooked.
- Arrange for deliveries to be made early or even the day before to ease stress.
- Pick up the cake or have it delivered in the morning.
- These should be delivered by the florist or picked up.
- Assign someone to keep track of who gave what in order to send out thank-you notes later.
- Have large plastic bags placed in corners for easy discarding of wrapping paper and other trash during the event.
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Traditionally, baby showers were held for the firstborn child in the family. Today, more and more people hold baby showers for each child coming into the family, no matter how they joined. Having the perfect baby shower takes a lot of love and a little advance planning to give the mom-to-be the best day possible!
Tips
Showers are best held around the seventh month of pregnancy, so the mother to be can enjoy it and still move actively without discomfort and getting too tired. Usually a family member from one side or the other plans and hosts the shower, although in some cases the woman's friends may step in and take over. Co-workers and employers may also choose to throw a baby shower. Guests for the shower should include immediate family, close friends and even neighbors. You may decide on a woman only shower, or opt for a couples shower. Men can have fun at a baby shower too! Themes are fun - especially if some of the gifts are décor oriented: furniture, bedding, wall art and accessories come in myriad designs, and can be used to set the tone for the party. Sports themes for a baby boy are popular, and princess themes for girls. One thing to remember is to be considerate if a close friend or family member has suffered a loss or had trouble having a child themselves; in cases such as these, contact them personally before invitations are sent and find out if they would be uncomfortable and rather not attend. Planning ahead for the shower is important. Guests may need to coordinate gifts to avoid duplication. In some cases (particularly for subsequent children) you may choose to hold a shower where all the gifts are diapers or other sensible items, since furniture, bedding and even clothing may be available from a previous child. Baby registries are also an option to avoid any mishaps.
