9 Easy Tips to Planning a Baby Shower

Planning a baby shower can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider when throwing the perfect party! But, don't worry - we've put together some tips that will make planning your event much easier.

Whether you're hosting or attending, this blog post is sure to help in your quest for the perfect baby shower!

1. Make a list of your friends and family who you want to invite. This way, you can start planning the location with them in mind. 
   
   
2. Decide if it's going to be formal or informal - this will help determine many other items such as food choices and decorations.
   
   
3. Consider what kind of party you would like: small cocktail style or large sit-down dinner? If hosting at home, consider how much room is available for guests since baby showers often have larger turnouts than regular parties do!
4. Think about budget too. It doesn't need to be expensive but try not to forget any additional costs that may pop up during the course of planning (i.e., an extra dishwasher rental). Be sure to set limits.
   
   
5. Decide on the location. Most baby showers are held at the parent-to-be's house, since the expectant mother's health needs to be considered. It is recommended for small, intimate parties, with only the closest friends and family members. Guests also tend to be more comfortable if the party's setting is at home.
   
   If the expectant parents love the outdoors, a barbecue party at their garden, or a local park may also be an option. Naturally, the weather must be considered ñ baby shower does not literally mean soaking the guests in the rain.
   
   For less complications, the host may reserve a secluded area in a restaurant or bar. It may be more costly, but at least the decoration, food and drinks, as well as the post-party cleanup will already be taken care of.
   
   
6. Choose the party's theme. For easier decoration ideas, a theme may be decided upon. Consider the expectant parents' favourite movies or hangouts. Another option is to decorate the party site by re-creating the place where they had their honeymoon, such as a cruise ship, or Paris-inspired cafe.
   
   Since the party will also be a celebration of the future baby, a childish atmosphere may also be considered. Choose cartoon characters, bright colours, and other designs depending on the baby's gender.
   
   
7. Finalise the menu. The party's menu will depend upon the time of the event. In most baby showers, the host serves finger food, pastries and other baked goods for convenience. However, if the event will be held during lunch or dinner time, heavier meals will naturally be served. Alcoholic drinks may also be prepared, depending on the guests' preference.
   
   
8. Design a fun programme. Contrary to what most people believe, a baby shower is not only limited to mingling around, gift giving, eating and drinking. Fun games may also be included, such as charades, or those which will bring back the guests' childhood memories. Remember that the main point is to make sure everyone will have a good time, and various games will surely liven up the event.
   
   
9. Create the guest list and send out invitations. Prepare a list of the expectant parents' closest friends and family members. Make sure to seek their approval before sending out invitations, to avoid any embarrassing mistakes later. Bear in mind that it's the parents' event, and not the host's, so their choice of people should matter the most.
   
   Ready-made baby shower invitations are readily available in gift shops and craft stores. However, homemade invitations may also be used to provide the host's personal touch.
   
   Send out invitations out two to four weeks before the party to give time for the guests to fix their schedule. Baby shower invitations follow the same format as any other invitation ó it indicates the date, time, place, attire preferred, gift registry, if any, the host's contact numbers for RSVP. Just to be organised, prepare a final list of attendees a few days before the baby shower.