Throwing a Baby Shower: Everything You Need to Know

Throwing a baby shower

What is a baby shower?

A baby shower is a traditional way to gather excited friends and family to celebrate your pregnancy and your soon-to-be new arrival. It is a time for your loved ones to spend time with the expectant parents before their newborn arrives, as well an opportunity to ‘shower’ them with gifts and well wishes before birth.

When should you have a baby shower?

A baby shower can be held at any time you wish – although most mums-to-be tend to opt for a shower later on in pregnancy to ensure that the pregnancy is going well, and to allow guests to choose gifts based on the baby’s gender. It also provides a good opportunity to have a better picture of the items you’re still  missing so that loved ones can choose to gift you with something you still need. (It also means that you get to show off your beautiful bump and take some lovely memorable photographs with your loved ones!) For this reason, many mamas prefer to have their baby shower 4-6 weeks before the baby is born. Although, it is worth speaking to your guests before setting a date so that they can inform you of any other commitments they have – this will ensure that you have everyone who you want attending.

Who should host the baby shower?

Traditionally a relative or close friend plans a baby shower. If you are a mama-to-be and your friends or family haven’t offered to plan a baby shower for you, it is absolutely fine to approach someone to ask them if they would like to do it for you.

Where should we hold the baby shower?

The location of the baby shower will depend on the number of guests that will be attending. A baby shower can be held at someone’s house if the baby shower will be small, however, it is worth noting that the party isn’t best suited for the expected parents’ house. Having a party in the home of a mum-to-be in her third trimester may not only be stressful, but it is unfair to have her worry about clearning up before and after the party. If you wish to hold the party in the expected parents’ home then always ask their permission before hand, and allocate a team of people to set up and clear away the party so that she does not need to do this herself. Alternatively, hosting the party at an alternative venue (such as a community hall, tea room, hotel or restaurant) is also a good option, especially if you are expecting a lot of guests to arrive.

What theme should we choose?

There are a lot of themes that can be chosen for your baby shower, take a look at some below examples as inspiration for your planning:

Baby Shower Theme

Gender neutral baby shower theme, credit to Pinterest.

Baby Shower Theme

Winter baby shower theme, credit to Pinterest.

Baby Shower Theme

Blue baby shower theme, credit to Pinterest.

Baby Shower Theme

Pink baby shower theme, credit to Pinterest.

There are plenty of theme suggestions online, so take a look on Google before deciding.

Things to consider

The below is a list of other aspects you will need to consider when throwing your baby shower:

  • Invitations – Choosing a theme before focusing on your invitations means that you can incorporate the theme within the invites. Ensure that you clearly indicate the basic necessitities such as who, what, where, when, and RSVP instructions. We are lucky enough to live in a time where you can send your invitations in various ways, such as by post, a social media event, or by email. Lastly – remember to send your invitations in advance so that you are giving your guests enough notice!
  • Food – It is always important to ensure you are catering for all needs (a vegetarian and vegan diet are becoming increasingly popular) as well as catering for the mama-to-be herself. Don’t put on a spread of foods that she is advised against during pregnancy (you can check for updated foods list on the NHS website). And remember, everyone loves a baby shower cake!
  • Drink – It is advised against having alcohol at a baby shower. Not only could it have the potential to cause some unwanted behaviour, but it is also unfair for the mama-to-be who cannot indulge. Instead, you could opt for some healthy smoothies, or even some mocktails for everyone to enjoy!
  • Games – There are a lot of fun games to play at a baby shower, from guessing the size of mum-to-be’s tummy to baby bingo. Take a Google search to find some games that would be suitable for your baby shower and games that may incorporate into your chosen theme. It may also be beneficial to consider prizes for the winners.
  • Favours – Favours are a great way to thank your guests for coming to the baby shower. Typically, an organza bag or a box of sweeties is generally sufficient alongside a thank you card.

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