Planning a Baby Shower

When To Begin Planning

The hostesses of a baby shower should begin planning that shower at least two or three months in advance. The mom-to-be will of course need to approve the date of the shower. Keep in mind that she may have several more showers given in her honor, so choosing a date early is very important.

Who Are the Hostesses?

Tradition dictates that the hostess of a baby shower should be a close friend or friends of the mom-to-be. This isn't set in stone, however, and there are many times when cousins, sisters-in-law, and even siblings want to host or at least help to give a baby shower. The point of the shower is a celebration of the birth of a new baby, so really, who cares who throws the shower!

Co-ed or Not?

Should the shower be co-ed? That depends. It's perfectly alright for a baby shower to be a co-ed or couples affair. However, it's always best to check with the mom-to-be and get her thoughts on just who should attend her shower. If she wants her husband there, then go ahead and open the shower up to guys, too!

Planning a Baby Shower

It is important for the hostesses to have at least a couple of meetings to plan the details of the baby shower. This can be conducted at someone's house or at a local restaurant or coffee shop. In fact, planning a baby shower can be a fun excuse to socialize with a few friends! As you begin planning, jot down the job that each person is responsible for. This will make the organization of the shower go a little easier. Jobs could include the following:

• Overall Project-There should be one person who spearheads the whole project. Other hostesses should check in periodically with this person and give her an update on their individual duties.
• Budget-A budget should be created, and one person can be responsible for keeping track of all the purchases and expenses.
• Invitations-One person can be in charge of ordering, picking up, and sending out the baby shower invitations. This person will also be responsible for choosing the best invitation wording as well.
• Decorations-While several people may help with the decorations, one person should oversee this project. Decorations usually include some type of centerpiece, too.
• Refreshments-The baby shower menu is a big part of the shower. Although most of the hostesses will be in charge of bringing some type of food, one hostess should organize the entire menu and delegate duties and responsibilities to the other hostesses. The hostess should either take care of ordering the cake or ask someone else to do so.
• Shower Supplies-Shower supplies may include cups, plates, forks, spoons, serving utensils, punch bowl, napkins, etc. One person should coordinate all of these.
• Games-Games are typically played at a baby shower. One person should be in charge of planning the games and gathering any supplies that might be needed for these games.
• Favors-Many baby shower hostesses purchase favors to hand out to the guests. These could be given to everyone or only to the winners of the games that are played.
• Gifts-There should be someone in charge of the gift table. This person should record each gift, as well as who has given the gift to the mom-to-be.