Planning a Baby Shower in 4 Easy Steps
Hello friends! Planning baby showers can be so fun with all the different themes, colors and creative ideas out there, but it can get a little stressful too, right? At the end of the day, a baby shower should be a festive affair that makes the parents feel special and allows them time to connect with their beloved family and friends as they prepare for a new chapter in their lives.
Here are four tips to minimize your stress and maximize their joy for a party that’s as special as the new little one who will be joining the world.
1. Consider the couple’s personality
The parents-to-be are the star of the show (that is, until their baby is born and immediately takes center stage!). While they shouldn’t be involved in the details of the party planning process, don’t forget that the event should reflect their personality and style. Consider their food, décor, and activity preferences. Would they feel comfortable opening gifts in front of everyone? Would they prefer more free-flowing social time or a more organized event with lots of fun activities? Are there touches you can add that will make them feel special — like treats from their favorite bakery or hobbies they love that can be incorporated into the décor? A baby shower is all about making the parents-to-be feel celebrated and at ease, after all.
2. Incorporate activities
Although some baby shower games can feel a little silly, they serve an important purpose: to get guests mingling. Remember, guests likely won’t all know each other and will be from different parts of the couple’s life, whether that be from high school or college, work or the neighborhood.
An activity like flower arranging or cookie decorating will get guests engaged and chatting with each other. At this beautiful tented baby shower, everyone knit a square that would eventually be assembled into a baby blanket. The activity was meaningful to guests because they got to contribute to an heirloom piece for the infant to use. A more playful shower game is to have guests cut a ribbon to the size that they predict will fit exactly around the mom-to-be’s belly. It’s quick, easy, and good for a few giggles.
3. Add personal touches
Incorporating some personal elements from the parents-to-be is always heartwarming. Think baby photos, childhood books or keepsakes. Incorporate these into a slideshow for guests’ viewing pleasure (in the background of course) or into a photo book or scrapbook that guests can sign. You can even weave mementos or photos into the décor, signage, or menus.
4. Choose a theme
A theme provides a cohesive feel for any event. For baby showers, in particular, themes can add an element of chic fun. Go with something easy to translate into your décor. This baby shower incorporated the motif of a literal shower — a rain shower. Inverted umbrellas and floral “raindrops” hung over lush patches of flowers at every table to create a whimsical ambiance.
Wordplay themes can be fun too. This “Ahoy, It’s a Boy” shower utilized nautical elements in a clever way with cresting “wave” centerpieces created from petite florals and primary-colored baby clothes suspended like ship signal flags above the tables. Custom napkins proclaimed, “there will soon be someone new to the crew.”
Other fun themes that I’ve worked with include pastels, nursery rhymes, a golden zoo, and a circus vibe. A good, creative, theme is one you can work a little bit into everything, from the décor and food to the activities.
The most important thing to remember when planning an amazing baby shower is that it’s fun for the parents-to-be — if you focus on that, your event will be wonderful!
If you want to know more about outdoor weddings, please click this: The Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Hour Do’s and Don’ts Guide