Tips on How to Plan a Baby Shower
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A baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new baby and “shower” the expectant mother with love and support. If you're tasked with planning a baby shower, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you plan a baby shower that will be memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Get Organized, Get Help
The first step in planning a baby shower is to get organized so you can easily keep track of all the moving parts and pieces. Using a free app like Maple will allow you to better prepare, stay organized, and collaborate with the people who are helping you. Maple also has free premade plans that will cut the planning time in half.
Determine the Guest List and Budget
The next step in planning a baby shower is to determine the guest list and budget. You'll need to decide on how many guests you'd like to invite and how much money you have to spend. Once you have a rough idea of the guest list, you can begin thinking about the theme and venue for the shower.
If you’re using Maple, you can utilize the Notes feature to create your guest list, food and drink menu, and keep track of expenses.
Choose a Theme
The theme of the baby shower can be based on the baby's gender, favorite colors, or favorite things. Some popular themes include animals, books, flowers, and movies. The theme should be reflected in the decorations, invitations, and food.
Inside of Maple, you can collaborate on shared To-do lists to better keep track of decorations, what you need to buy, and what you already have.
Decide on the Venue
The venue for the baby shower will depend on the number of guests and the budget. If you're hosting a small shower, you may be able to host it at home. For larger showers, you may need to consider renting a venue such as a community center or restaurant. Outdoor spaces such as a park or backyard can also be a great option for a baby shower.
Send Invitations
Once you have the guest list and venue, it's time to send out invitations. You can create invitations online or purchase them from a store. The invitation should include the date, time, location, the theme of the shower and the parents-to-be’s registry (if no registry has been created, we recommend Poppylist). You should also include an RSVP date and contact information.
Once you have the confirmed guest list, it’s helpful to send out a digital calendar invitation so guests have all the information on-hand. We recommend leveraging Maple calendar events as a way to keep everyone in the loop.
Plan the Menu
The food and drinks for the baby shower can be simple or elaborate, depending on your budget and preferences. Finger foods, such as sandwiches, fruit, and cheese, are easy to prepare and serve. You can also consider having a dessert table with cupcakes and cookies. Don't forget to include non-alcoholic drinks such as lemonade, iced tea, and mocktails.
Organize Games and Activities
Baby shower games and activities can help break the ice and keep guests entertained. Some popular games include guessing the baby's due date and gender, baby shower bingo, guessing baby food flavors, and onesie decorating. You can also consider having a craft station where guests can make something for the baby or Mama.
Decorate the Venue
The decorations for the baby shower should reflect the theme and create a festive atmosphere. Balloons, streamers, and banners can be used to decorate the space. You can also consider creating a photo booth area with props and a backdrop for guests to take pictures.
Plan Favors
Favors are a great way to thank guests for attending the baby shower. Some popular favors include candles, bath bombs, and personalized cookies. The favors should be wrapped and placed on a table for guests to take home at the end of the shower.
Planning a baby shower can be a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun— especially when you use an app like Maple to collaborate with everyone involved in throwing the shower. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a memorable event that the expectant mother will cherish for years to come.