Throwing Your First Baby Shower
by: PamelaKazmierczak |
Total views: 20 |
Word Count: 814 |
View PDF | Print View
Share This Article
Many people have either attended a baby shower or had one thrown for them. However, when trying to organize a baby shower these same people may be at a loss, not knowing where to start. This article will cover the basics of a baby shower, especially in the planning stages.
The first question that comes to mind is who should throw the shower. Now traditionalists say that only friends of the mother to be should throw the party and that it is inappropriate for a family member to do so. If you are looking to be proper a family member should not throw the shower because some people may feel that action sends the message that the family is trying to illicit gifts. However, this is usually not the case and in today's world it is just as common for a parent or sibling to throw the party as it is for a close friend.
Now that we established that just about anyone close to the mother to be can throw the shower the next question is who should be invited. Unless this is a surprise shower, at some point the guest of honor should be consulted. When this is done the guest list should be something that is discussed. If the guest wants a more traditional shower which allows her to spend quality time with all the guests the list should be trimmed to fewer than 25 people. However, sometimes this is not feasible. What needs to be decided is who is invited. The type of people needs to be divided into groups. For instance family and close friends should make the list as well as the father's family and friends. However it needs to be decided if neighbors or co-workers will be included. This depends on the relationship as well as how large or small the shower will be. The mother to be should also be consulted on the final list as they may notice someone you forgot to include or a conflict on inviting two people to the same event that do not get along and may make her day less than relaxing.
In the ever changing world of baby showers one thing that might need to be considered is throwing a modern co-ed shower. This would allow both the men and the women to celebrate together in one place. If this is the way you want to go you may want to reconsider the decorations, the food or the activities to best suit everyone's tastes.
If the couple wants something in between the traditional and the modern you might consider two parties, one a traditional baby shower and the other a dinner or activity for the men. The woman's shower would not be affected by the men's festivities but the new father to be will still be able to celebrate in his own way with his male family and friends.
The next thing that should be determined is when exactly this party will take place. A good time for the part is between the sixth and the seventh months. This will ensure that most likely the mother to be will not go into labor before than and after the party to expecting parents will have time to organize all their gifts, finish getting the nursery ready and be able to determine what they still need to purchase. Invitations should be sent at least 2-3 weeks in advance for in town guests and 4-6 weeks in advance for any out of town guests.
The invitation design can be anything from a basic white to a theme that is being used in the nursery. If possible the invitation should either correspond with the nursery theme or the party theme. The invitation should include the guest(s) of honors name, where and when the shower is being held, a map to the shower, the hostess's name and number, when to RSVP by, the sex of the baby is known, the shower theme if any and any places the parents to be are registered to and under what names.
Now that all preparations have been completed it is time to look forward to the shower. A typical shower is 2 to 3 hours in length. The beginning is usually when the hostess and the guest of honor will thank each guest for coming. During the period of everyone's arrival is usually time for people to mingle. After everyone is there, there is usually some king of food either a sit down meal like a brunch or a variety of finger foods and desserts. After the food you may choose to play a couple of games. Finally, the guest of honor gets to open her presents. As the hostess besides providing the party and the food, you may also want to buy door prizes, prizes for the baby shower games and party favors.
There you have it, the basics of throwing a successful shower.
Share This Article
Rating: Not yet rated Next Article - Buying A Childrens Playhouse and Previous Article - Special Concerns of Pregancy
About the Author
Pamela Kazmierczak runs an ecommerce shopping site specializing in all your gift purchasing needs such as Baby and Children Gifts and Baby Gift Baskets
Comments
No comments posted.Add Comment
Popular Articles about: Kids
1: Simple Baby Toys2: Outdoor Toys For Girls And Boys
3: Great Outdoor Kit - A Wooden Sandpit
4: Are traditional toys making a comeback?
5: How to Shift your Glass Furniture safely
6: Ensure That Your Teen is Driving Safely
7: Birthday Party Invitations For Kids Done The Easy Way
8: Ten Simple Tips for Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe
9: Automobile Safety for Children
10: Choosing quality toddler toys
11: Teen Driving Safety and Licenses
12: Birthday Parties For Children - Hire The Right Entertainer
13: Fly Your Child to A Good Night's Sleep with Airplane Crib Bedding
14: Safety Of Baby Toys
15: Are Wooden Toys Worth The Money?
16: Special Concerns of Pregancy
17: Head Injuries in Children
18: Buying A Childrens Playhouse
19: Fantasy Fiction Did Not Cease with the Final Harry Potter & Twilight Sagas
20: Helping Homeless Children in Brazil
21: Vampire Costume is Never Obsolete for Halloween
22: Wooden Toys For Working Brains
23: Life Lessons - Having Fun
24: Nanny Cam's - Convenience at Your House to Care for Your Child.
25: Secure Your House and Family with the Installation of Spy Cam
26: Tips on How to Improve Your Childs Uniqueness
27: Magazines for Kids - A New Generation
28: Lego Star Wars History
29: Physical Therapy and Kids
30: The Benefits Of Online Coloring Websites