A Baby Shower Plan

by savannahchik

Planning a baby shower is exciting. When you start planning the baby shower you will want to have a list of things to do and buy. You can keep it simple or you can go extravagant. Either way your friend will appreciate all you do.

First thing on your list is the theme.

At this time it might be a good idea to talk to the mom-to-be about the theme she might like to have. You might want to stay with the same theme that the new parents will be decorating the baby’s room with. That isn’t a necessary thing to do, but if you have a centerpiece, like an adorable diaper cake you would want it to match the newly decorated baby’s room.

Talk to the mom-to-be to get names of co-workers and other distant family members. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got all the names and addresses of the guest list 6-8 weeks before the shower. If this will be a surprise baby shower then you will want to enlist the help of the mom-to-be’s family and friends.

Will some of the guest be bringing their children?

This is a very important step in planning the shower. You will want to know if there are children coming, so you can plan to have someone there to watch them so parents can enjoy the shower. Parents will also appreciate this very much.

Next you will want to select the location and time for the shower.

Depending on how many guest will be attending you’ll want to have plenty of room. If you attend church somewhere you can always utilize the fellowship hall. You can also have it in your home or a restaurant. If you choose a restaurant you will want to make sure you make reservations now.

Next will be to plan the menu and beverages.

Will you be preparing all of the food yourself, or will you be asking others to make some of the food. If you will be asking others to help, now is a good time to call them. Having the food catered is also an option. If so, you will want to reserve the caterer now.

Start the baby shower invitations.

You will want to have these finished about 5 to 6 weeks before the date of the shower. This may seem a little early, but I can assure you time will go by fast and the date will be upon you. Although the invitations will be finished you won’t send them out until about 4 weeks before the date of the baby shower. Be sure to include the date, time, location, and directions. Also you’ll want to include when and where to RSVP.

Decide on Baby Shower Decorations.

After you have decided on the decorations and finalized how you want to decorate, buy the decorations. Most party supply stores will have everything you need. Also check online line for some great ideas on decorations and party favors. Purchase your prizes that will be given and also gift bags to put them in.

Decide on the games you will be playing and make your list of items needed and directions on how to play the games. You can find a great variety of games on the internet at Baby Stores that specialize in this.

If you plan to have a baby diaper cake as a centerpiece you will need to order that about 3-4 weeks before the shower. Diaper cakes come in a variety of sizes from 1 to 3 tier and they can be used as a gift also. They also come in a variety of styles and designs.

Also about this time if you are having the shower catered or at a restaurant you will want to call and confirm. And now is also a good time to order an edible cake if you plan to have one. If you have enlisted the help of others let each one know what they are to bring and how much.

Next you will want to confirm your guest list. You should have everyone’s RSVP no later than 1 week before that baby shower date. If you are doing name tags you will want to print these off now also.

Make your list for food items that you will need for the baby shower.

You should buy your food, beverage and grocery items for the baby shower no later than the day before the baby shower.

If you are having the baby shower at a restaurant you will need to talk with them about when would be a good time for decorating. If you are having it at your church fellowship hall then you would want to decorate the day before the baby shower. After decorating, go over your checklist for food and confirm that you have everything you need.

On the day of the baby shower arrange your plates and food on the table you have set up for the food items. You can do this about an hour or so before the shower starts. Keep the cold items in the cooler or refrigerator until the last possible minute. It’s usually a good idea to have the edible cake on a table separate from the other food items.

The day of the baby shower put balloons out on the mailbox and in places where they will be easy to spot for the guest to find their way to the baby shower. You can have some music playing in the background, lullabies, baby songs or just some relaxing music. Have your games prepared and ready to play and the order in which your going to play them. Ok, we’re almost there.

The morning of the baby shower call the mom-to-be and and make sure she is doing well.. Even if the shower is a surprise you can call her and check on her. Make sure you’ve enlisted someone to pick her up or have the dad-to-be bring her.

Set out baby shower favors on tables or display them with the baby cake centerpiece. Go through your checklist one more time. Have all pens, papers and handouts in one place.

After you have double checked everything, sit down and relax a minute until guests start arriving.

Have a great time. It will be a perfect baby shower and everyone will have a great time.