Baby Shower Planning

Baby Shower Planning can seem overwhelming but these are some of the easiest parties to throw. Everyone is so excited for the upcoming arrival and are so happy to share in the celebration of the baby and parents. Baby showers can be for the mother or both the parents. Co-ed baby showers are very common today. So it is nice for everyone to enjoy all the fun.

Try to surprise the mom-to-be with as much as possible. You do want to get the parents input and likes for theme but surprise them as much as you can. It is also nice to find out the babies nursery colors in case they want to save any of the decorations for the babies room. Also, determine if you will be hosting solo or with other people. Then discuss the budget. There are many things you can make and you can always buy as much as your budget allows.

The keys to success for a great baby shower is the planning. So have a general agenda of what you will do during the shower. If you are at a restaurant, timing of how long you have the space will tighten the schedule. So you want to make sure you have enough time to eat, share memories, play games and open presents.

As you can imagine, there are a few things to take care of before you get to shower day. In this post, I will share my tips. I also will share some pics from showers that I have hosted. Good luck and let me know how it goes.

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Baby Shower Staples

Balloon or Decoration Kits
Table Linens
Centerpieces
Dinnerware
Serveware
Games
Signs
Favors

Baby Shower Tips

When planning a baby shower, make sure the timing is best for the mother-to-be. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable so having the shower too late in the day is a lot for an expectant mom. So check with her to see what time she prefers, the afternoon or evening. Also, consider the games as early as possible. For some games, tracking down the candy, baby food, and supplies needed can take some time. Going to multiple stores or shopping on-line can take more time than expected.

Key Planning Tasks

Date and Time
Location or Venue
Theme or Decor
Dress Attire
Invitations
Menu – Seated Dinner or Buffet
Games and Entertainment
Opening of Gifts
Thank You’s and Favors
Create Timeline for planning and Agenda for Shower

3 Months Ahead

Obtain guest list from the expecting couple – contact any guests that may need to travel far away and provide any additional information like date and time as a courtesy.
Host(s) – secure baby shower location.
Determine colors and theme – make list of decorations and who is getting what. For example, flowers, balloons, tables/chairs/linens, centerpieces.

2 Months Ahead

Send out “Save The Date”.
Order or design invitations.
Expecting couple completes gift registry (if not done already).
Place orders to vendors – bakery, caterer, linens, rental companies (ex. drink machines, photo booths), music, etc.
Make requests for anything you plan to borrow, like stands, platters, crockpots, food warmers.
Host assigns tasks to volunteers.

1 Month Ahead

Send out Invitations – make sure everyone that is invited, is also invited to the wedding or things will be awkward. Don’t forget about mentioning the dress attire and if kids are allowed or not.
If people are bringing treats or foods, then confirm what they are bringing.
Order flowers (if applicable).
Purchase decorations.
Determine shower games and get the prizes – don’t forget to buy pens or pencils.
Order or assemble the party favors.

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2 Weeks Ahead

Grocery shop for most things if you are making food as long as it is not perishable.
Shop for hard to find items that are not perishable.
Create a location for guests to upload their pictures from the shower.
Print out games, create Welcome Board, and other signs for shower, menu.
Purchase shower outfit.

1 Week Ahead

Assign a few people to help take pictures.
Confirm reservations.
Validate delivery times and any orders.
Confirm RSVP’s and final head count.
Assemble shower game prizes.
Send out reminder for anyone that is supposed to be bringing something and gather serve ware.
Get hair and nails done (optional).
Clean the house (if applicable).
Wash out coolers, wipe down platters, food serve ware, etc.
Go grocery shopping ( 3 days ahead for the perishable items).
Type party Agenda with times. Having an Agenda guarantees a great party flow with no boring down time. Determine the time for each activity and type it up. This will be your secret weapon to the best shower.

Day Before

Coordinate delivery set ups.
Decorate or if at a home, you can start this a week before – put up signs like for: Favors, Gifts, Advice, Guesses, etc. You can do everything but balloons (if helium filled) and the food.
Make any “Make Ahead” meals.
Food prep – cut up veggies, wash fruits, slice cheeses, make dips, put water in coolers without the ice, etc.
Last minute cleaning – make sure enough toilet paper in bathroom(s).
Set up places for trash and recycling.
Validate the time additional help will be arriving.
Set up the bar (if applicable).
Set up games – make sure you have enough pens and put the prizes in an easy to remember location. Don’t forget to put all the answer keys in a folder and in a location that you will remember.
Have a note pad to record the gifts to the baby.

Day Of The Party

Make sure you have enough ice!
Last minute decorating.
Cook any same day foods in the morning.
Fill food containers.
Don’t forget your help network if you forget something. Have someone else pick it up for you.
Enjoy the party!