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Baby Shower Guest List
* The guest list for a baby shower typically includes the friends, family members (both new mom & dad's relatives), co-workers and church friends. If you are hosting a shower for "work friends", or a "church" shower, you would not be obligated to include anyone outside that circle of friends. This is especially true if the paths of the different groups of friends do not often cross each other. * Today, more and more baby showers are co-ed events that celebrate both of the new parents' involvement in the joyous event. Some people refer to this type of shower as a Jack & Jill Party, and it really is much more like a "party" than the traditional baby shower. If you are hosting a co-ed baby shower, husbands/partners, male relatives and confirmed bachelor friends of the new dad would also be included. Gifts are still the hi-light of the event! * How many people should be included? There are no rules as to the number of guests that should be included. The feelings of the expectant mother need to be considered, and the hostess also needs to define the number that she feels comfortable with. Location and/or budget may be determining factors in the decision. * Many new parents today are fortunate enough to have multiple showers held in their honor. The only "rule" that generally applies to this situation is that with the exception of immediate family, each friend or extended family member should appear on only one guest list. For most people, purchasing two nice gifts in a short time frame can be a strain on the budget. * In order to assure that mistakes are not made, consult with the mom-to-be about the guest list. If the shower is a surprise party, consult with the husband/partner or another close friend of the guest of honor as to the makeup of the guest list. Baby Shower Location Ideas Traditionally, the most popular location for a baby shower has been the home of the hostess. That remains a popular option for the following reasons: * Least expensive option – no rental fees * Easy to prepare for if your time is limited (no scouting, negotiating fees, contract signing, etc.) * You won't have to transport your shower goodies (gifts, decorations, favors, etc.) to another location * Decorating and cooking can be done in advance * Regardless of what the invitation says, whoever's home the party is held at will receive the majority of thanks for the party. The following factors have caused some busy hosts to consider alternative locations to their own home: * After the party is over, the mess will be yours to contend with * Amongst all the other preparations, your home will have to be cleaned and tidied * For a few hours, you will need to empty your home of children and pets * Guest list may be limited by size considerations * Someone else can see to all the fun details (for a fee) If you are co-hosting a shower, choose the home that will be most practical in terms of convenience for other guests, and space requirements. For some of the reasons listed above, and also because so many showers are built around a theme today, more and more hosts are choosing alternative locations for their party. Consider one of the following, but don't blow your budget on the location! * A hotel tearoom * A favorite restaurant (many have private rooms, and don't add a surcharge for using them) * The home or grounds of the proud new grandparents, or a favorite aunt * The beach * A park * A zoo * A community center or reception hall * A church hall * The Country Club * An art gallery or museum * An athletic facility or field * A barn (great for a Western theme – complete with bonfire) Baby Shower Invitations: Start with adorable ShindigZ baby shower invitations! Baby Shower Decorations: Baby Shower Favors: ShindigZ supplies cute baby shower favors and discount party favors, which guests will love. It’s sure to be a party your favorite, new mom will love! Find all of your party supplies at ShindigZ Party Supplies! MORE Baby Shower Planning Tips * Consider the expectant mother's feelings in your planning – This is a very emotional time for the mother-to-be. She will be feeling elated, excited, anxious, or exhausted…moods subject to change at a moment's notice! With that in mind, decide what type of shower to host. Select a theme to start your planning. It is perfectly acceptable to include the father-to-be and his friends. Make sure the activities planned are a blend for all invited, and most of all, comfortable for the guest of honor. * When should the shower be held? The choice between a "pre-birth" shower (generally best if held before the 8th month) or a "post-birth" shower (4 to 6 weeks after the blessed event) should be left to the guest of honor. Where there is a history of complications or if an adoption is involved, it is most appropriate to have the shower after the baby's birth. A post-birth shower also allows the guests to "shower" the new bundle of joy with love! * Who should host? – A good friend, sister or sister-in-law is an appropriate host for a baby shower. * Create a guest list - Check with the mother-to-be to see if she wants to invite family, friends and co-workers. She may want to keep this a "family and friends" only affair if she will be having a Shower at work as well. Send out invitations at least 4 weeks in advance of the shower…in keeping with the theme of course! * Track the RSVPs Ask that guests let you know if they will be able to attend the Shower via phone or email. If you prefer to make things simple, write "Regrets Only" on the invitation to receive responses only from those who are unable to attend. * Be aware of diet restrictions of the mother-to-be and the rest of the guests - Check with the mother-to-be to see if she has any allergies, or is unable to eat certain foods during her pregnancy. If you do plan to serve alcohol, be sure to inform all guests (especially if it is in a punch and not clearly identifiable). Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available, as well as caffeine-free drinks for the mother-to-be. * Assign one or two responsible guests to help with the gifts - Your guest-of-honor will need help unwrapping her gifts, so be sure to have someone at her side with a garbage bag ready. Assign another guest to record the gifts so the mother-to-be can send her thank you notes after the Shower. * Keep the party short and sweet - The mother-to-be will tire easily from all the attention and fuss. Serve the food shortly after guests arrive to expedite the party. * Don't play games that are embarrassing or awkward - Be sensitive to the feelings of both the guest-of-honor and the other guests. Bear in mind that not everyone is fortunate enough to experience a trouble-free pregnancy and birth. * What to serve? - Feel free to serve anything that suits your theme and budget. Cake and punch, a hardy meal, an elegant catered offering, a potluck plethora, finger foods and munchies…the choice is yours! For a couple's shower, serve heartier fare. If you choose to serve a full, sit-down meal, be sure to limit the number of guests to the amount you can seat comfortably around tables. It's no fun to balance a full plate on your lap! * Use gifts for the baby as decorative pieces Teething rings or pacifiers can be used as napkin rings, and baby bottles make perfect serving pieces for nuts and candy…the guest of honor will be delighted! * Gift ideas – Group gifts such as a treasury of best-loved books with a personalized bookcase, a basket filled to the brim with much needed items that a new mom might not know about, a stroller, a high chair, or a giant Patrick from FAO Schwartz™ make wonderful group gifts. Engraved calling cards, blankets, a supply of diapers, or clothing would also be appreciated |
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