You’ve been tasked with organising the baby-shower-to-end-all-baby-showers, but where do you start? There are so many things to consider, and if it falls flat, well, you’ll be the one left holding the rattle.
We’ve taken the time to collate a list of 7 of our favourite baby shower tips, so planning your shower is as easy as one, two, baby!
1. Save the Date: Baby Shower Invitations
Baby shower invitations are far more critical than simply relaying the ‘who,’ ‘when,’ and ‘where’ of a baby shower. They should reflect the mother-to-be’s personality. Set the tone for the occasion and give guests an idea of what kind of celebration to expect.
Whoever your guest-of-honour may be, discover the perfect design for their celebration from Paperlust’s range of beautiful customisable Baby Shower invitations. And of course, don’t forget to send out the invitations at least 2 weeks prior to the celebration to give everyone time to RSVP and get excited.
Helpful hint: If you have any questions or requests of your guests or if you’re organising a group gift and require funds to be deposited into a bank account prior to the shower.
2. Setting the scene: Baby Shower Decorations
As with your baby shower prep, remember your guest of honour when planning the decor. This is the mommy-to-be’s special time, and it should reflect who they are and how they would like to celebrate this new family member.
The possibilities for decorations are endless, but to start, think about themed items such as:
– Streamers and balloons
– Personalised banners
– Tablecloths and themed table confetti
– Floral table centrepieces
– Coloured and scented candles
– Photo boards and guest books
Keeping the colour choices and theme consistent across your invitations, decorations and party games (below!) will ensure your space is cohesive and welcoming for guests.
3. The big reveal: Gifts
‘Shower’ is the operative word for ‘baby shower’, and it most certainly does not mean pouring water over your mum-to-be. Showering her with thoughtful gifts is the name of this game, and proper planning will ensure she receives gifts she will use and love.
Setting up a gift registry is a no-brainer. It is absolutely acceptable to ask for help from the Mum-to-be as there’s no point in choosing gifts without her input and risking disappointment later on. Check out this impressive range of baby shower gift ideas.
Helpful hint: If your Mum-to-be has her heart is on one big-ticket item, ask guests for a fixed monetary amount on their invite and purchase the gift on everyone’s behalf.
4. They’ll eat it up: Food and drink
Your guests are spending money on gifts and taking time out to celebrate this momentous occasion, and as we all know gift-buying and celebrating is mighty hard work! Your guests will expect to be fed and watered on the day, so make sure you supply a healthy selection catering to all tastes.
Plan to have plenty of food? making the options finger-friendly is a great idea, as no one will be expecting a full meal.
Are your guests bringing children? Make sure you cater to those little mouths with healthy, child-friendly offerings, too.
Lemonade and iced tea are great drinks for young and old. It’s also nice to offer champagne or another festive beverage for those not ‘expecting’ as it will add to the celebratory vibe.
Helpful hint: Remember to supply paper plates and cutlery. Choosing options in colours and styles that are cohesive with the theme is another way to add pizzazz to your shower.
5. A little piece of heaven: The cake
An important part of the Baby Shower tradition is the baby shower cake.
The options for a baby shower cake vary greatly, from simple sponges to elaborate tiered masterpieces and many in between. As with the rest of your planning, take inspiration from your guest of honour and make sure the cake reflects your mom-to-be’s tastes (both in aesthetics and flavour!)
Helpful hint: Attendees with dietary requirements? How about offering a selection of shower-themed cupcakes? These delicious desserts make it much easier to cater for those who are vegan, gluten-free or sugar-free.
6. Playing the part: Baby shower games
Baby Shower Games can transform your shower from a humdrum to an absolute hoot, so it pays to have a selection of interesting and fun games ready for your guests. If you make the games “interesting” and easy to play, everyone will get involved and have a laugh, and it avoids that feeling of ‘we just showed up with a gift, and now we’re going home.’ If all your guests don’t know each other, playing fun baby shower-themed games is a great way to break the ice and get everyone in a merry mood.
Helpful hint: Make sure you have prizes ready for the winners of your games.
7. Saying Thank You: Party Favours
Showing appreciation for your guests is important to the baby shower experience. Guests will expect and appreciate a party favour or gift bag, and the more thoughtful the gift, the better.
Gift something the recipients will treasure by personalising or hand-making a keepsake. A photo in a frame, a succulent in a cute decorated pot, or a baby-themed artwork are all fantastic gift ideas.
The choice is yours, but make it something your guests will appreciate just as they’ve shown how much they care by attending your baby shower and gifting.
Helpful hint: Include a personalised note with your party favour thanking the attendee for coming and gifting. The extra thought will not go unnoticed by your guests.
By April Chaplin
April is a word warrior and self-professed bookworm. She’s a copywriter at Yellow Octopus where you can find Australia’s Coolest Gifts And Gadgets