Baby showers can be so much fun if they are well organized. In general baby showers are thrown either by a close friend of the mother to be or by a family member about a month before the baby is due. The father-to-be can be a great source of information but he should not be used exclusively. The main categories for planning are:
The Venue – ideally the venue should be as easy to reach for everyone you are likely to invite. This of course is impossible so make it a priority to think ahead to guests who might find it hard to get there i.e. elderly or infirm or disabled friends.
The Guest List – it is really important to get the guest list right, it is nearly as fraught with danger as a wedding guest list. Try to include everyone that you can. Make enquiries with friends, family and work colleagues if you can in order to make sure that no one crucial in the mother-to-be’s life is over looked.
The Format – the format is generally fairly casual. The gifts are usually opened first and then everyone settles down to chat, eat, drink and even play games. A casual gathering with finger food, cake, soft drinks, hot drinks and wine are all perfectly acceptable. A full meal is not a requirement but again if this is the type of format that you think the mother-to-be would enjoy then anything goes!
Gifts – it is possible that the expectant couple are registered for baby gifts, find out if this is the case and have the details ready for when you get RSVPs to the invitations or for when you send them out. If they are not then you will need to compile a list with the father-to-be and co-ordinate that.
Baby Shower Invitations – Once you have the guest list ready and you have decided on a theme make sure that the invitations are sent out in good time. This is usually done at least 30 days in advance of the baby shower.
