Planning the Ultimate Baby Shower

When planning a shower, CHECK LIST's (with timelines!) are essential! For the sake of your sanity, don't try to plan one without them! 

And if you are anything like me, as soon as my bestie falls pregnant, I automatically start thinking of ideas for the 'perfect' baby shower for her. The "for her" part is the most crucial part of that sentence. When it's YOUR shower you have full rights to make it all about YOU. But when planning a shower for someone else, think of THEM, and what would make THEM feel comfortable, happy and above all... special!

Where to start??? 

Decide on WHO will be planning the shower

Are you going to do it on your own? Or are there friends or family members who may want to pitch in and help? Remember that a shower can be quite an expensive little gathering, so splitting the costs may come in handy down the line. 

Decide on a DATE & TIME

But before you do, talk to the "expectant mommy or daddy" and possibly the "expectant grandmother" too. Find out what day and 'time of the day' suits them. It can still be a surprise, but this information might be very helpful for you.

These days parties happen any time, both day and night, weekdays and weekends. Keep in mind who the guests are (business woman who work long hours, busy moms with lots of kids etc. etc.)

With regards to the timing of the party, take into account how much time will be required to set everything up. A Saturday afternoon or late morning is usually a great time to have it! Also think about how long the party will go on for. 2 hours is generally a reasonable length of time. There is always a lot of hype, laughter and cheer at baby showers (which is great). But, any longer than 2-3 hours and your guests or expectant mommy may fall asleep. 

Select a THEME

If you already know the sex of the baby than that is quite helpful. But either way, the options are endless... you could go with the theme of the baby's nursery (which is a subtle yet ideal way of letting the guests know what type of gifts to buy), or something completely random. You could have a party that is totally cute with the most adorable baby decor OR you could go in the opposite direction and have a bit of a 'hen's night' vibe! I've been to all kinds of showers... one that had over 50 guests and everyone was baby-crazy, and another that had 12 guests who weren't interested in baby's at all (but we were served caviar & champagne!!!) 

So again, think of the "expectant mommy" and the setting in which she'd feel most comfortable, happy and above all... special!

Having a theme is VERY helpful for you when it comes down to the invites, decor, snacks etc. So get set on a theme before moving on!

Establish the 'ever important' GUEST LIST

But prior to this, establish whether or not spouses are invited. Most likely it will just be for the ladies, but once again, check with the "expectant mommy" first! To avoid leaving someone out, ask the "expectant mommy" for a list of people she'd like to have (ie. family members, friends, coworkers etc.) Make sure to have both their email addresses and mobile numbers!

Decide whether children are allowed to attend, and feel free to say no! It's totally up to the hostess of the party. However, it you decide to let children attend, make sure you have loads of extra food and something for them to do!

Decide on a BUDGET

Determine a realistic and reasonable budget. The cost of a baby shower depends on how many guests are invited, where it is held, what kind of snacks & beverages you'll provide, the type of invitations, decor, games & prizes there will be... and on it goes! This is where co-hosting helps as you can split the costs 50/50.

Choose a LOCATION

It's very common for the 'event organizer' (yourself) to host the party in your home. This saves you from hiring a place! However, it all depends on the 'feel' and 'vibe' you're wanting to create. It's not unusual to have it at a hotel or restaurant, in a park under a tree or even in the "expectant mommy's" home! Think about the atmosphere, noise level, parking, space etc. 

Decide on the FOOD & BEVERAGES

When making your decision, take into account the following:

How many guests are coming?

What time of day is the party?

How much time do you have to prepare?

The location of the party?

The theme of the party?

What type of guests are coming? (The chip & dip kind or the shrimp cocktail kind? Know your guests and plan your menu accordingly!)

Who will prepare the food? (Yourself, bring & share, caterers etc?)

Create and send out the INVITATIONS

This is the first impression of the baby shower your guests will have, so think about what you want to ay and how you want the invite to look/. Evites are very common, as are facebook invites.

Important information to include:

Date

Start & end time

Location with directions or a map

Theme of the party 

When & where to RSVP

Your contact details

What to bring (ie. if it's a bring & share, or if they need to bring something to participate in a game (baby photo) etc.)

The "expectant mommy's gift registry or gift list

Lastly, if the party is a SURPRISE make sure to really emphasize it!!!

Decide what you will need to buy/borrow/steal for the party

Cups & Saucers, Glasses, Plates, Cutlery, Serving Spoons, Serving Trays, Hot Plates, Table cloths, Napkins, Tables, Chairs, Lighting etc. 

Decorations!!! For the table, walls, front door, "expectant mommy's" chair, etc.(flowers, balloons and diaper cakes are always a winner!)

Games & Prizes!!! Again the options are endless, just google it!

Party Favours??? (Very traditional and very American... all depends on the budget and the 'feel' of the party!)

Name tags for the guests???

Arrange for someone to BRING the "expectant mommy"! (And possibly a suitcase for all her gifts!)

If you can prepare the food and decorate the room the day before, that will help to relieve you of some unwanted stress!

YOUR check list for the day of the shower:

Check the weather forecast  - You can never be too prepared ;)

RSVP list

Clear parking area for guests 

Camera (fully charged)

Video camera (fully charged)

A specific chair for the "expectant mommy"

A place in the room for all the gifts!

Clean guest bathroom (with enough toilet paper - what is with pregnant woman ;)

Paper & pen to record each gift and who it's from

AC (if you live in Dubai)

Music... this will help you relax in those crazy moments before everyone arrives!

Set the table - Snacks & Drinks

Games & prizes

Now ENJOY yourself ;)