Baby Shower Checklist: How to Plan the Perfect Day for the Mom-to-Be
Finding out that someone you love is having a baby is truly special and being asked to plan the baby shower is an absolute honor. For those who are not natural party planners here is a basic checklist to help you mark the occasion and keep your stress levels to a minimum!
Timing
So, how do you decide when to celebrate?
Generally, it's a good idea to plan the party when the mother-to-be is between 6 and 7 months pregnant. During this time, she'll be visibly pregnant (which is more fun photo-wise), but is still comfortable enough to enjoy the proceedings. Get too close to the due date and you risk mom being too heavily pregnant to have much fun or having the actual birth get in the way (babies tend to come when they're ready, not when you're ready!).
Creating a Guest List
While creating a guest list is not necessarily the job of the party planner, you will have to be on top of it. Make sure the future mom gives you a list of the people she'd like to attend along with their contact details. This will make it significantly easier to determine where host the gathering and what kind of budget you’re likely looking at. Make sure to double check things like food allergies and any other needs the guests may have before you choose a venue.
Theme and Location
Choosing a theme or color palette for a baby shower can go hand in hand with selecting a location and the mom-to-be's needs and wishes must absolutely be taken into account.
Is she having a difficult pregnancy? Too tired or unwell to go out? Is cabin fever driving her nuts? Where you go depends on how the pregnancy is affecting her. Stay home? Go to a friend's place? Her mom's? A favorite park or coffee shop? It doesn't need to be fancy to be fun. Just be sure to keep in mind that the location is accessible to the future mom and the people she will want there with her.
Building a Baby Registry
Generally, building a baby registry is the happy job of the mother-to-be, but don't be shy if you think you've got a good idea or two (especially if you are a mother yourself). First time moms often have trouble figuring out what they will actually need and what they won't, so it isn't a bad idea for them to have another mom around to help out. Make sure you have access to it in any case, so that you can help out if guests have any questions about baby gifts.
Invitations
Whether they're homemade or store bought, we'd recommend sending baby shower invitations out at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance giving all of the attendees time to prepare.
If your party has a more formal vibe, sending the invitations by snail mail is a nice touch, but the standard email invite is also a great choice. Along with an RSVP date, ask for dietary restrictions and any other needs they may have to be mentioned when they announce their attendance. Letting them know where to find the baby registry right from the start may also save you some time in the long run.
Agenda and Menu
Now that the hardest part is done, it's time to start thinking about the actual party. How will you keep your guests entertained? Games and photo booths are always a great idea and can be created to fit any space and budget. Naturally, a party can't possibly be good without nibbles (everybody loves nibbles!). Try a potluck affair for a more homey, laid back vibe, do it yourself, or hire a caterer - just make sure no one's left hangry and that any dietary requirements or restrictions are accommodated.
Party Favors
Once the gifts have been opened and party is over, a perfect way to finish everything off is with some simple party favors for your guests to take home. It serves as a lovely reminder of the occasion and is a wonderful way to say thank you.
Candles, snacks, or even drinks can be easily wrapped or personalized to add an extra layer of attention to those who attended. Homemade favors can also be particularly special, but there are also many that can be purchased online. To really show your guests how grateful you are, send them a short thank you note along with a picture or two from the photo booth in the days after the party. This small gesture is guaranteed to make their day.
NEED A BABY SHOWER GIFT?
Did the mom-to-be not create a baby registry? Or did you just want to surprise her with something extra? If that's your plan, we've got a couple of sure fire suggestions that are sure to impress.
Georgie is Born
This personalized book, Georgie is Born, from our Mini Heroes Collection is a fabulously unique way to celebrate the arrival of any precious bundle! With 3 gender options (male, female and unisex) and a variety of customization options, not knowing the name or gender of the baby is no obstacle.
This book is filled with stunningly beautiful illustrations including a black and white spread to really gets baby's attention and is a fabulous way to tell baby (and mommy) that no matter who or what they are, they will always be loved. Top it off with a free greeting card and you're all set!💗
Silas's Guide for Mommy and Daddy
This personalized book, Silas's Guide for Mommy and Daddy is the gift to give to any mom-to-be or new mom with a wicked sense of humor and the guide book that we don't generally get when baby is born.
Mixing together the ups and downs of parenthood in hilarious fashion, this is a fabulous way to prepare new parents for what is to come! With highly detailed illustrations and stories told from the perspective of the baby, this is a forever gift sure to earn a special place on the bookshelf.
Image source: Pixabay