Give a "Super" Shower! Baby Shower Planning, Do' and Don'ts, Themes, Games, Recipes & More!

Setting the Date

The first thing you should do as host is set a date and time for the shower. Begin by asking the expectant mom (and dad, if he's included) at least two to three months before the baby's due date about available dates. Because her schedule will likely be hectic in the weeks prior to and
right after the baby's birth, ask her whether she'd prefer a shower before or after the baby's mom. Both times have advantages. Parents expecting their first child may need the baby-related items they'd receive at a shower held three to six weeks before the birth. And because the last weeks of pregnancy can be trying, a pre-baby shower can give the mom-to-be valuable emotional support.

If the mom-to-be prefers a shower after the baby's birth, you'll have the advantage of knowing the baby's sex (which some parents still choose not to learn or make public before the baby arrives). Guests can then buy or make sex-specific gifts. Of course, this shower also sets the stage for an appearance by the real guest of honor-the baby! 

Anticipate potential scheduling problems for your guests, particularly if your list includes people traveling long distances. Try to find a date and time that accommodates everyone.

Don't forget to check the calendar for major holidays or cultural events that may conflict with your shower date, such as Memorial Day weekend or the Super Bowl.



The Guest List

Prepare your guest list by talking to the mom-to-be first. She'll know who should or should not be invited. If you're planning a surprise shower, the couple's parents or close friends will be happy to furnish you with a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers. Ask for this information well ahead of time.

If you know the mom-to-be through a club or organization, if you work with her, or if you have a group of mutual friends, you may already have a ready-made guest list, one in which the guests know one another. Nevertheless, always consult with the mom-to-be before finalizing the list.

Choosing a Location

The location and availability of a given venue will influence your shower date and guest list, so think about the where well in advance. Also consider that while your home may be a convenient and inexpensive shower site for you, the location may be inconvenient for many of your guests, who may be forced to travel far. If that's the case, consider a more central location.

While restaurants and clubs are obvious party spots, don't hesitate to try someplace different, such as a day spa, bed-and-breakfast, and so on. Try to find a place that will create the right ambiance for your celebration or that offers an activity your guests will enjoy.

Invitations

Depending upon the style of the shower and the size of the guest list, you can either send written invitations or invite people by phone. A written invitation insures that important party details are communicated correctly and serves as a nice keepsake for the baby's scrapbook.


Be sure to include the following items on written invitations: the date, time, and address (including directions) of the party; the name(s) of the expectant parent(s); your name, address, and phone number; gift registry information; theme information; and RSVP information. If you ask guests to RSVP, they're expected to notify you whether they'll be attending. If you write "Regrets only," guests are expected to respond only if they won't be attending. You should also give a deadline for the response. To get a good response, mail the invitations at least three weeks before the shower date.

Thank You Notes

Buy thank you notes for the mother-to-be. Have everyone self address an envelope, and then use the stack to draw a name for a door prize. Then the mother-to-be doesn't have to write out the envelopes for her thank you's! This is a great gift. I speak from experience!!

Door prizes or prizes for games.

I usually use something pretty generic. A gift certificate for dinner, or candles, a book store gift certificate. These don't have to be extravagant and should be fun.
Celebrate Every Baby

Remember, baby showers aren't just for celebrating first babies. Every baby deserves a special
welcome. Besides, it's likely that the more children expectant parents have, the more they will appreciate baby-related gifts. Showers are also appropriate for adopted babies.

Showers Across the Miles

Want to throw your friend a baby shower but you are miles away? You can with MommyParty.com...the virtual baby shower site.  Invite all your friends and family across the USA & even the world to attend.  You can send e-mailed or paper shower invitations to all of your guests.  Click on the MommyParty.com banner for more information!