Baby Shower Checklists

Tips for Planning Great Baby Showers

Baby showers are special occasions where friends and family are able to celebrate the entrance of a new life into the world.  In recent years a baby shower celebration has become more elaborate and festive.

This party gives friends and family the opportunity to provide support to the expectant mother.  Providing her with the chance to feel loved and taken care of as family and friends provide not only moral, but financial support.  These parties can be organized by friends, family members, coworkers, church members as well as other groups the expectant mother maybe a part of.

In order to have a smooth baby shower it is important to have an expectation that is in line with the expectant mother’s needs.  The best way to ensure that your party follows the proper baby shower etiquette is to create a baby shower checklist that allows you to plan a great baby shower.

The checklist will allow you to narrow down the time line to choose between baby shower cake ideas as well as the baby shower decorations and sending out invitations to the guest.  Having a great plan will allow you to have a great baby shower.

Inviting the Guests

A baby shower should be a fun and social event.  So it is definitely important to invite those who are close and well known by the expectant mother.  In order to make the most of the party, it would not hurt if you let the guest of honor take a peek at the guest list.  If the baby shower is a surprise, ask some of her friends and family members about who should attend instead of the new mother.

When making up the guest list, take into consideration the new mothers needs and expectations.  Is she pretty social and enjoys parties or does she like to have close intimate affairs. Make sure to take into consideration what would be best for the mother before making your decision.

How to Invite the Guest

Before sending out invitations consider the type of baby shower you will be having.  Will it be a non-formal event or a more elaborate occasion?  There are several ways to invite guest either by email, phone or a card.  The best way is by sending an invitation which will help the guest keep track of the time and place of the baby shower as well as any expectations of the party.  With the baby shower invitations make sure to include the baby shower registry checklist to help the guest select the best gift for the new mother.

Will the Baby Shower be Co-ed?

In most cases the party will only be attended by women, but there are some that may be open to men.  Inviting men should not be a problem, but consider the topics you will discuss at the shower.  Pregnancy, breast feeding, diaper changes may not make some men comfortable. Try to incorporate baby shower games that the men may enjoy as well.

Venue

The site of the party can truly be anywhere!  Locations for a baby shower can include a backyard, restaurant, banquet hall or in someone’s living room.  This will be based on your budget and the bride’s expectations.  The larger the guest list, the larger the venue should be.  Despite the size of the venue, it is important to keep in mind that a baby shower is an intimate event. Everything involved in setting up the baby shower from choosing the baby shower centerpieces to the baby shower gift basket themes you choose will help create the atmosphere.  In order to make sure that the shower is a success makes sure that the bride will feel loved.

When to Throw a Baby Shower

The best time to throw the baby shower is one to two months before the due date of the baby.  This will allow your friend enough time to organize her gifts and make any additional purchases for the baby.  Also a shower that is not too close to the due date will allow the new mother to still enjoy the excitement of her new baby.

Remember that a baby shower is a great way to help an expectant mother to welcome a new life into the world.  The shower also takes a lot of stress off the family as they are able to focus on taking care of the new born instead of the stress of purchasing items for the baby.

A well planned baby shower with a baby shower planning checklist will make for a grateful new mother and the ability to make memories that will last a life time.