How to organize the perfect baby shower

Planning a baby shower can be both an exciting and stressful time for the expectant mum. While the goal is to have a great get together celebrating the impending arrival, you want it to be a fun and light hearted affair. Ideally a close friend or family member should organize it for you, but we know it can be a fun part of your pregnancy.

We’ve decided to answer some of the key questions on organizing your perfect baby shower, as well as providing you with our free baby shower invites. Simply sign up below get yours today.

When should I hold my baby shower?

Most mums-to-be tend to hold their baby shower a little later in their pregnancy, usually after 5 months. This makes sure that everything is going well and also acts as wonderful occasion to mark the second half of your pregnancy. Plus, it’s always more fun to have a lovely big belly to rub during your shower!

We recommend always preparing a list of who you really want to be there. Make sure you remember grandparents too! It’s always worth checking the key guests availability before sending out invitations. Once you have your list, create some invitations that really show your personality. If you’re also inviting guests to buy gifts, you may like to give them some thoughts or even create a registry.

Where should I hold the shower?

If you're organizing the baby shower yourself or with a friend, try to host the shower away from your home. Who want’s to be clearing up party food and mess when you're pregnant! Even if you do have it in your own home, perhaps some of your nearest and dearest could help with the clear up?

• If it’s summer, why not have a cook-out at local park?
• If it’s winter, how about a cabin with a roaring fire?
• Why not go to your favorite restaurant? Many restaurants now cater especially for baby showers.

How should I invite my baby shower guests?

In a time where social media and email has become the norm in our communications, it can be tempting to simply send out a short message with the details. But making the baby shower an occasion to look forward to is a great move. Even if you don’t want to send out the invites by mail, it's great to take the time to craft a beautiful looking invite to send as an attachment to an email. We recommend giving at least 5 weeks notice and remember to make it clear how and when they need to RSVP.

What should I plan for the baby shower?

We think a theme is a great way to plan your baby shower - this can help with ideas for food, games and even how to dress. For example:

Twinkle Twinkle

Courtesy of Kara's Party Ideas

https://goo.gl/PTFsN9

Gender reveal

Courtesy of the11best

https://goo.gl/PXBuod

Rustic

Courtesy of Found Vintage Rentals

https://goo.gl/X85MeP

It’s also great to have some fun finger food too and of course some drinks! For example, why not get some baby bottles and fill them with some homemade pink lemonade if you're having a girl? Or what about making some gingerbread cookies and have your guests decorate them with delicious sweet treats for an activity?

Talking of activities, it’s always great to have some games too. Some of our favorites are:

• Don't Say Baby - As you greet each guest, give each a diaper pin to wear on their shirt. Tell the guests that they can't say 'baby' for the whole of the baby shower. If anyone hears ‘baby’, they can steal the person's pin. At the end of the game, the person with the most diaper pins wins.
• Guess the Baby Food - If you've ever thought that baby food in jars looks less like the 'peas' or 'carrots' they purport to be and more like miscellaneous mush, this is the game for you. Gather seven to ten unique flavors of baby food jars, number each lid and tear off the labels. Ask each guest to grab a spoon and start sampling! The guest with the keenest taste buds wins a prize for getting the most correct.
• Baby Sketch Artists - Pass out paper plates and markers to everyone at the shower. Let them know they'll be drawing a picture of the coming baby, and the best sketch will win. Simple right? Wrong! You have to draw with the paper plate on your head! It's a great sight and will certainly get some laughs.