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It’s always nice to have some kind of a checklist to go by when planning a baby shower, thereby alleviating some of the stress that can be associated with putting on these types of functions.
Some of the things to first take into consideration are:
Establishing a Budget: How much money, as well as time will be devoted to the planning. Included here is the cost of rental fees, cost of party decorations, cost of game supplies, cost of the meal, and then miscellaneous odds and ends that can surely crop up when planning out a baby shower.
Establishing a Theme that will fall within the range of the budget:
In other words what kind of party is this shower going to be? Coed or just women? (Which is usually the case, although the trend seems to be moving more toward co-ed.)
Another consideration is to become aware of what the circumstances of the parents-to-be are, i.e. will this be a single baby, or are they expecting multiples? Are they adopting? For instance, in the case of expecting multiples, when choosing the invitations for the shower this information can be passed onward so that the invited guests will be aware that the expected parents are indeed requiring two of everything. If the sex of the baby is known, this can be put on the invitations, thereby helping guests decide what to buy when buying a baby gift.
Choosing the Location:
After the guest list is made up, then depending upon the number of guests invited, a private home may prove more than adequate, or a banquet facility may be required instead to fit all the guests. And again, depending on the budget, in order to accommodate a larger party, these limited funds may call for the rental of a hall or a meeting room. Or on the other hand if funds are ample enough then having the shower at a posh country club, or restaurant can be another way to go. If the weather is nice, even someone’s backyard can provide a suitable location.
Selecting Invitations:
Keeping in mind the theme, and depending on how formal and informal this shower will be, fancy monogrammed invitations may be desired. Or depending on budget restraints, less expensive invitations can be easily purchased at a party store. Even handmade ones are appropriate. When making up the invitation list, it is best to check with the guest of honor who will be invited not only to obtain the addresses and phone numbers, but also to ensure that none of the guest of honor’s friends and relatives are inadvertently left off this invitation list.
When making out the invitations the following information is usually provided:
Name of the guest(s) of honor
Name of the host(s)
Phone Number of the host(s)
Date and time of the shower
Location of the shower (A map should be included, also the phone number of where the shower is being held.)
Theme of the shower and appropriate attire
A small list of suggestions for gifts
Shower registry, if there is one (Usually the stores will provide cards.)
RSVP and date by when they should respond
Selecting Decorations:
Again, based on budget limits, these can be either elaborate, simple, handmade or purchased at a party store. And most party stores do offer a wide selection of decorations, which usually fall within anyone’s budget restraints.
Selecting the Entertainment.
This entertainment is in the form of simple games keeping in mind the guest of honor may become tired as the day wears on. These 'simple' enough games should be completed within a reasonable amount of time, usually around 30 minutes. If time is not a factor, and money is, door and game prizes can be handmade ahead of time. But usually party stores do offer a wide variety of door and game prizes that won't task most budgets.
Handling the Gifts:
A designated table should be set aside so that when guests arrive, whatever they bring can be put onto this special table, ensuring the attached cards do not get separated from the gifts. Here again a theme can be created, anywhere from a bassinet to a wishing well decorated with a Stork, can be used to create the focal point for the gifts. Someone should be delegated as a presenter, and sit next to the guest of honor to help her with these gifts and again ensuring that the cards stay with the gifts. The guests then pass these gifts around the room for viewing. Ribbons and bows can be fastened to a paper plate, creating a colorful bouquet, which can then be given to the mother-to-be after the party.
Selecting the Food:
Again, if keeping the cost in mind is a major factor, then a buffet might be a good way to go. This buffet depending on the time the shower is being held, can be a breakfast buffet, a luncheon buffet, or if held outdoors, even a barbecue. Or if held late in the afternoon, just coffee, tea and dessert is appropriate. And if money is not a factor, then a more elaborate formal sit-down dinner can be done. But by making the meal simple enough will ensure that that everyone gets to enjoy the shower.
Many factors must be considered when putting together a baby shower, but by using a checklist similar to the one above, those giving the shower will even have fun.
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