When the host sees the fruits of her hard work, planning, and time, producing a successful baby shower can be hugely rewarding. The joy and pride in seeing the guest of honor being showered with love and gifts makes all the effort put into the event worthwhile.
Because of the work involved in a baby shower, it's usually hosted by a close friend or family member of the guest of honor. And this honored position carries with it a huge amount of influence in deciding one of the biggest questions about the shower - is it surprise for the mom or will she know about it ahead of time?
A surprise shower requires more coordination between the expectant mother's family or husband and the host. They'll have to make sure that the mom is available on the date and time of the shower while keeping in the dark about the event. This person will be responsible for creating an alibi and transporting the mom to the event since the host will be busy welcoming guests and performing the last-minute party preparations.
A regular shower requires less subterfuge, but it can still be just as much fun with the buildup of anticipation for the event. In either case, I highly recommend setting a theme for the event, since a theme will help you organize and shop for the event for things like invitations, decorations, games, and maybe even for the menu.
How far in advance should shower invitations be mailed out? At least four weeks is my recommendation. This will give family, friends, and co-workers of the expectant mom plenty of time to clear their schedules and plan for sitters. Make sure to have all the necessary information on the invite: time, date, place, contact information, and if the mom's registered, the shower registry.
As guests arrive, the host must greet and welcome them. The expectant mother should be made as comfy as possible since she is, after all, the guest of honor! Usually, party favors are given as each guest arrives and then appetizers or finger foods are served. Baby shower games are great ice breakers, especially since there are bound to be people who don't know each other. Small prizes to the winners can be given like hand lotion, small hand soap, chocolate candies, etc.
The shower wouldn't be complete without the traditional opening of presents. Consider taping this part of the event for the mother-to-be, and by all means, have a designated guest ready to take notes on who gave what gift. This will be immensely helpful later on when the mom is ready to send thank you's to all her friends.
A well-executed, fun baby shower is one of the great joys of hosting any event. Honoring a friend with a celebration is always appreciated, but honoring a friend and her unborn child is even more so! Have fun and I wish you great success!
Because of the work involved in a baby shower, it's usually hosted by a close friend or family member of the guest of honor. And this honored position carries with it a huge amount of influence in deciding one of the biggest questions about the shower - is it surprise for the mom or will she know about it ahead of time?
A surprise shower requires more coordination between the expectant mother's family or husband and the host. They'll have to make sure that the mom is available on the date and time of the shower while keeping in the dark about the event. This person will be responsible for creating an alibi and transporting the mom to the event since the host will be busy welcoming guests and performing the last-minute party preparations.
A regular shower requires less subterfuge, but it can still be just as much fun with the buildup of anticipation for the event. In either case, I highly recommend setting a theme for the event, since a theme will help you organize and shop for the event for things like invitations, decorations, games, and maybe even for the menu.
How far in advance should shower invitations be mailed out? At least four weeks is my recommendation. This will give family, friends, and co-workers of the expectant mom plenty of time to clear their schedules and plan for sitters. Make sure to have all the necessary information on the invite: time, date, place, contact information, and if the mom's registered, the shower registry.
As guests arrive, the host must greet and welcome them. The expectant mother should be made as comfy as possible since she is, after all, the guest of honor! Usually, party favors are given as each guest arrives and then appetizers or finger foods are served. Baby shower games are great ice breakers, especially since there are bound to be people who don't know each other. Small prizes to the winners can be given like hand lotion, small hand soap, chocolate candies, etc.
The shower wouldn't be complete without the traditional opening of presents. Consider taping this part of the event for the mother-to-be, and by all means, have a designated guest ready to take notes on who gave what gift. This will be immensely helpful later on when the mom is ready to send thank you's to all her friends.
A well-executed, fun baby shower is one of the great joys of hosting any event. Honoring a friend with a celebration is always appreciated, but honoring a friend and her unborn child is even more so! Have fun and I wish you great success!
About the Author:
Stuck for fun baby shower gifts for mom? Charmaine L. Smoot has gathered some of the most affordable and memorable baby shower gifts perfect for any budget. Gifts for mom, dad, and baby are just a click away!
