A baby shower can be one of the best ways to show your love for an expectant friend or family member. Baby showers ensure that the mommy-to-be has everything she needs, and is also an excellent opportunity for everyone to get together and have some fun. Learning how to plan a baby shower isn't as daunting as you might think -- the event can be as simple or as lavish as you choose. Just a little simple planning can result in a great baby shower that everyone will enjoy.
Discover what's needed
Most baby showers are planned as a surprise, so you probably don't want to approach the new mom and say, "We're throwing a baby shower for you, what do you need?" However, there is nothing strange about asking her, "I'd like to get you something for the baby, what do you need?" Or, "Do you have a baby registry anywhere?" Make mental notes whenever she mentions something she doesn't yet have. If she doesn't have a registry list set up, consider putting all of the needed items in a hat and having each baby shower attendee draw one so that several people don't buy the same thing. Large items, such as a crib, may be perfect to buy as a group.
Find a location
Depending on the size of the baby shower, you may be able to hold it at someone's house, or you may want to consider public places such as restaurant meeting rooms, parks, or an extra room in a church. These are generally available for little or no cost; you just have to pick a date that it's not already being used and reserve it for the baby shower.
Get the invites out
In the past, baby shower invitations were one of the most expensive and time-consuming parts of the planning process. You had to get addresses together, purchase the invitations, put stamps on every single one of them, and send them out. Now, many baby shower planners are taking advantage of social media to get the invitation out quickly, easily, and for free. Make sure that everyone RSVPs so you know exactly what you'll need for the event.
Plan activities
After all the other pieces are in place for planning a baby shower, it's time to figure out what you're actually going to do. Get creative, and take advantage of the vast store of information on the Internet for fun, unique baby-related games that you can play. Plan for a variety of refreshments, or choose things that are not likely to trigger anyone's allergies. You can send people home with little tokens from the party or, especially if your attendees are clutter-conscious, plan an additional way (such as a money tree) that people can give more to the mother-to-be. A well-planned baby shower can be fun and relaxing for the prospective mother, as well as help ease any stress she may have had over all of the things she needs for her baby.
Try these baby shower craft ideas that double as baby shower favors or made together by guests as a baby shower activity. |
These baby shower invitation wording suggestions apply whether you are having a boy, a girl or a surprise bundle of joy. |
A diaper cakes is not food! It's made of rolled and stacked baby diapers arranged in "tiers" stacked two or more tier layers high. Between and around the diapers are other thoughtful items such as pacifiers, baby washcloths and more. |
Learn how to make some simple, low-cost homemade baby shower favors that guests will love. |
Baby shower etiquette is slightly different for a second baby. A second-child baby shower guest list is usually limited to immediate family and very close friends. |
Going to a baby shower and need some baby shower gift ideas? Here are some gift ideas for a baby shower that will get you started in the right direction. |
Here are a few easy-to-implement baby shower games that are sure to put your guests at ease. |
These ideas for baby shower centerpieces are practical as they are beautiful. While baby shower centerpieces can be cutesy, they can also be modern and reflect and spirit of the mother to be. |
Your baby shower invitation wording should mix up essential information with a playful rhyme or two. |
Check out our helpful baby shower guide with everything you need to know from baby shower gift ideas to decorations for a baby shower to learning how to make a diaper cake to creative baby shower games and more. |
Learn the etiquette for how to write baby shower thank you cards. Sending thank you notes for a baby shower is an important tradition that shouldn't be forgotten. |
Learn how to turn baby needs into festive baby shower decorations that will be useful after the party. |
When thinking up ideas for baby showers, choose a theme, invitations, decorations, favors and baby shower games that match the mom-to-be's personality. |
Learn how to make a diaper wreath and you will always have a great baby shower gift idea. What's more diaper wreaths are easy to make, serve as baby shower decorations and then the new mom can use the diapers when the the shower is over. |
These baby shower decorating ideas will give you help with everything from the color scheme to diaper cakes. |
