Guests
It is tempting to not want to leave anyone out when planning a shower. Be sure to consult with the guest of honor, friends and family to make sure the guest list is complete.
Couples showers are growing in popularity. Be sure to give your mum-to-be the option of girls only or couples shower prior to developing the guest list. We now have couples themed invitations and tableware.
Decorations
The theme of your shower will provide the overall direction for the decorations you use. Shower My Baby can provide you with all the decorations you need including balloons, banners, centrepieces, tableware, table sprinkles and much more.
Be creative! Think of ways to apply the shower theme in fun ways your guests will enjoy. For example, if you are using a teddy bear theme, you may want to have stuffed teddy bears as centerpieces that the expectant mother can take home with her. If your theme is baby clothes, hang a clothesline and attach cute baby items or clothes that the new mum can take home after the party. Think of creative ways to incorporate expectant mother’s due date into the décor with signage, plastic or foam toy numbers, candles or number confetti.
If your party is at home, do not forget to decorate the outside of your house with coordinating decorations and balloons! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address. We can provide you with door and lawn signs.
Games can be a terrific way to involve all of your guests, especially if they may not know each other. The types of games and number of games will be somewhat dependent on your guest list. Plan on 2 - 4 games depending on the size of your group. If you are having a couples shower you may want to eliminate the games altogether and focus more on the menu and guest interactions and of course involve both the mother and the father in the opening of the gifts. We have an excellent selection of party games guaranteed to raise a few laughs at you baby shower.
Other Ideas
If you are having a couples shower remember to make it “guy approved”. As you plan the events think about how this might affect your selections for the theme, the decorations, the colours and the games (or lack of games). Overall, think about how to tone down the “adorable” factor and play up the interaction among guests.
We have lovely hand finished guest signing books to pass around at the shower for all your guests to sign and write their special messages to mum. A lovely keepsake for mum.
Create a memory book or box of the event. Take lots of photos, everything from the guests, to the food, to the games and the gifts. Make special note of the current events of the day. Include a few small decorations or mementos.
Your guest of honour will welcome some help with the thank you cards. When you purchase the invitations also purchase coordinating thank you cards. As your guests arrive, have each guest write her address on the front of the envelope. This will be a welcome time saver as the due date approaches.
The mother-to-be will welcome motherhood advice from your guests. Pass our Shower My Baby Mum’s Advice cards and have your guests write down their ideas on everything from feedings, to naptime to bedtime. Provide a list of topics to get your guests started. Gather the cards and create a book to prevent to the new mum.
Include your guests in a group photo. Make duplicate copies of the photo and give to the guest of honor to include as a memento in her thank you notes. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness and treasure the memory for years to come!
Favours
Depending on the size of your guest list, the favours can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make them. Depending on your centerpiece these could also be used as favours. We have a lovely range of favours which can be made extra special by adding a personalised label to soap, candles, magnets, mini frames, small potted flowers are all possibilities.
Personalisation is hot! We have a beautiful collection of personalised items ranging from labels, bookmarks, invitations, sashes, hand painted pottery, chocolate bar wrappers, plus teddies, bibs and blankets which make great gifts.
Prizes
If you decide to play games at your shower, make sure to have prizes on hand for the winners. These can be as simple as chocolates and other simple food treats or simple little toy prizes that may reinforce the shower theme. Our favours and personalised chocolate bars also make great game prizes.
Food
The type of food you serve will be dependent on several factors, including the location, the size of the group and the time of the day. Taking all these things into consideration, as well as your budget, you may opt for a luncheon, appetizers, or a light buffet dinner. Whatever you choose, take the extra step to coordinate the food to the theme of the party. Your guests will be impressed and you will make the event even more memorable for the mother to be!
When preparing your menu, consider foods that you have made previously that are easy to prepare or that can be made ahead of time and frozen. Now is not the time to experiment. The party will be much more enjoyable for you as the host if you are mingling with the guests rather than hanging out alone in the kitchen!
Don’t Forget
The cake! We have lovely glitter candles especially for your baby shower cake.
Think about all of the little things you might need during the shower and have these ready prior to guests arriving. If you are playing games you may need props, paper and pencils. Be prepared to record gifts as they are opened.
If the shower is in your home, plan ahead for the entertaining items you will need during the party. This includes chairs, serving dishes, extra tables, ice, candles etc. If your shower will be outside of the home, make reservations in advance for the size of your group and confirm a week before the shower.
Music is a nice touch! Make sure to have a nice selection on hand if it is appropriate for the type of shower you are hosting.
Depending on your group, you might find nametags and/or place cards to be beneficial. These can be bought from our party material and decorations.
Be prepared to handle the gift wrappings with plenty of large bin bags on hand. Also be ready to help the guest of honor pack up the gifts and/or transport to her home. She will appreciate this extra effort.
Unexpected!
No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera!
Most of all HAVE LOTS OF FUN and we are always here to help you to plan your Baby Shower!
