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Baby Shower Idea PlanningPlanning a Baby Shower? Need a baby shower idea? Here are a number of ideas for you. Planning and Organising the Baby Shower As with any other celebration or party there are a number of decisions and choices you need to make. Just having a baby shower idea isn't enough. A well planned function always runs smoother. Here are the 9 most important aspects to take into account when Planning a Baby Shower Idea:
To help you co-ordinate your activities from a month prior to the shower, through to the big day we have a convenient Hostess Checklist for you. HostessThe hostess usually a friend or family member of the mom-to-be. She is the one with the responsibility to come up with the baby shower idea, plan the shower and organize it. The hostess may be appointed by the expectant mom or take it on herself to organize a surprise baby shower. Some expectant mom's even organize and host their own shower. Some lucky new mom's get three showers - one at work, one organized by friends and another family function. This is the first and most important decision. It affects all the other decisions and choices you will make.Decide if this shower will be:
Many moms are choosing to have their baby shower after the baby's birth. This makes it easier to buy the right gifts. Also the guests are given an opportunity to see the new family addition. Special Circumstances. Sometimes, like with my shower, the baby may be born prematurely and be the guest of honor at the shower. If this is the case you will need to be sensitive to the mom's wishes. She may want to hold the shower or if baby is still in hospital she may elect to wait until he first comes home. Check with the mom first. If you are wanting to plan a surprise shower co-ordinate with her husband and trust his judgment of when the best time would be. If baby is sickly don't think a shower will perk mom up - it won't. Rather support the parents with prepared meals, offers to babysit and taxi older siblings, run errands, etc. There will be enough time when little one comes home to throw a big celebration shower. Traditionally showers are attended by female family and friends of both the mom-to-be and her husband. The most important guests being the respective grandmothers and the child's godmother. An emerging baby shower idea is to have a couple's shower and include the dad-to-be. Therefore couples are invited, rather then just the wife. This tends to mean that children will attend as well and it becomes more of a family occasion. Take this into account when planning the menu, games and decorations. Get the names of friends, colleagues and family whom the expectant mom would like to invite. Ensure you have contact numbers (preferably more then 1), postal address and e-mail addresses. Ask the expectant dad, her mom or good friends to help draw up the guest list for a surprise party. Tip: Identify guests who could assist you with purchasing food and decorations, to provide food, decorate, or help organize activities. People enjoy helping and feeling useful - so let them! VenueThe party is often held at the hostesses home. Hiring a venue makes it a lot easier on the hostess but is far more expensive. For an office shower, a conference room or the local coffee shop can be used. Regardless of the location the venue must do three things, the fourth is optional:
Invitations can be bought from printers or any stationary store. You could also design your own invitations to match the theme. It is perfectly acceptable to send invitations via e-mail or e-cards. Take a look at our Invitations section, for tips and ideas. MenuThe type of food you serve the guests will depend on the type of shower you have chosen. A great baby shower idea is to provide finger foods rather then a dinner. This enables the guests to mingle while eating. Also having enough tables to seat everyone are not an issue. See the food and beverage ideas we have for you in the Menu section of Total Baby Guide.com. Games and ActivitiesThe games and activities you choose will depend on the guests (men & women) and mom-to-be. If she is shy don't play games that will embarrass her. You will find many unique and free baby shower ideas in the Games section of Total Baby Guide. Favors and PrizesNow you know what games you want to play at the shower, you need to decide on the number and kind of prizes to get. You'll need one for each game you play. Remember to get non-gender specific prizes if men are attending. A wonderful way to use favors is to let the future mom (and dad) give one to each guest when they leave, with a thank you note attached. You may need to get small favors for children that are attending too. The most important thing to remember is to have fun! That includes you, the future mom and all the guests. Getting into a tizzy makes the day unpleasant for all involved - especially you. To help you co-ordinate your activities from a month prior to the shower, through to the big day we have a convenient Hostess Checklist for you.
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