Imagine the situation: Your best friend or close relative is having a baby and you want to plan a baby shower. Where do you even begin? Since there’s a lot more to planning a baby shower than simply sending out invitations and cutting cake, you might want a few tips on how to make the party a memorable event. For instance, a hostess will need to consider how to decorate the party venue, as well as which baby shower games and activities, if any, should be played. Here are some tips to help you that we have found to be of use to previous customers visiting Babies Babies.
Consider The Baby’s Due Date
Plan the party with the due date in mind. If it’s possible, try planning the baby shower about six weeks before the baby is due. That way, mum-to-be still has time to get any last-minute bits and pieces she needs plus prepare herself for the birth. Ask the parents-to-be if they prefer a certain date, too. When the party date is established, send out invitations or email about four to six weeks before the party so guests can arrange their schedules and purchase gifts.
Be Mindful of Your Budget
Think about money and venue space. Before you even think of ordering invitations, you’ll need to think of your budget, how many guests to invite and the size of the venue you want. The home of the hostess or grandma- to- be is usually a very popular choice.
Guest List
10 to 25 guests seems to be the average number invited to a shower, but you will need to make a list of who you think Mum-to-be would want there and make sure you don’t leave anyone out!! Perhaps ask her partner for a list of contacts from her phone who he knows she would want to invite as this may include an old school friend that you do not know as the hostess, but she would want there at the party.
Party Schedule
Determine the party’s length. Depending on the number of guests you have, two to three hours is plenty of time for a shower. You have time to eat, mingle and open gifts. The most common order is for guests to arrive and mingle, play a few games to get everyone in the party mood, eat whatever food you decide to serve, Mum-to-be opens gifts, cut the cake if you are having one then hand out favours or cupcakes as the guests leave as a thank you for attending.
Consider Your Menu
Think of your menu. Finger food seems to be a favourite as it can be easier to eat especially if seating is limited at the party venue. Smaller plates will also make it easier to balance food on your lap or hold while standing. Be aware that you may need to cater for vegetarians, people with allergies as well as providing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Try to Theme Your Baby Shower
Plan the party around a theme. At Babies Babies we have so many different baby shower tableware themes to choose from that you may be spoilt for choice, but we believe that we have something for all tastes and themes.
Play Some Games
Put a limit on party games. We suggest 3-6 games but remember to include a customer favourite 'mums advice cards and prediction game party pack'. Some people don’t like playing baby shower games, so keep the games light and let people mingle. Again at Babies Babies, we have over 40 games to choose fun so we are certain that you will find games suitable for your guest list and party. The most popular is Pin the Dummy on the Baby and this is available in both white and ethnic origin babies.
Baby Shower Favours
It isn’t a must-do, but it is a nice gesture to hand something to each guest as they leave as a thank you for attending the baby shower. Some ideas for favours are bags of sweets, bookmarks, candles, handmade favours, cupcakes or simply a thank you card and a slice of cake.
We hope this has given you some good ideas for your baby shower and will help with the planning of it and you will find all you need at Babies Babies including lovely gifts for Mum-to-be, the baby and even Dad! Happy planning. www.babiesbabies.co.uk
