Baby Shower Planning Checklist

Arranging any function, whether it is a baby shower or a wedding, requires lot of efforts put in a systematic manner. An improper planning of baby shower may bring you great trouble and guilt. Initially, planning a baby shower may seem to be a nightmare. However, time management and step-by-step organization of the occasion will surely result into a successful baby shower. There are so many things that should be considered before planning a baby shower, like the baby shower food, baby shower invitation, etc. So, are you planning to throw a baby shower for your best friend but are stuck up with its planning? Then here is a baby shower planning checklist, that will help you with step-by-step preparations for the baby shower.

Basic Baby Shower Planning
Before you start with any other preparation of baby shower, you need to first decide the date, time and venue of the baby shower. This should be done at least two months before the baby shower day. You need to decide the date and time that will be convenient for the expectant mother and also the guests. Usually a baby shower is planned on a date, 6 weeks before the delivery. If you want to arrange a coed baby shower, make sure you have consulted the to-be-mom. Some women may not be comfortable if male guests are present at the baby shower. Then, make a list of guests with help of the expectant mother. Make sure you jot down the addresses of all the guests. Decide the location of the baby shower, such that it will be convenient for the guests and the to-be-mom.

Baby Shower Planning - Food
Once you are ready with the guests list, baby shower date, time and venue, you must concentrate on other aspects. Plan the menu of the baby shower with help of expectant parents. Ask them what is their favorite food, or what would they like to serve to their guests. Preparation of the baby shower food will depend on the number of guests, type of food and most importantly your budget. If the menu is simple and there are less number of guests, you can always prepare the food by yourself. For a large variety of food and more guests, you can hire professional caterers. Also, decide whether you will be having formal or buffet serving system. If you are preparing the food by yourself, make sure you have bought all the require grocery one week before the event. The baby shower cake should be ordered a week before and do remember to pick it up from the bakery on the baby shower day.

Baby Shower Planning - Invitations
Baby shower wordings, date, time, venue, R.S.V.P., baby shower theme (if any), etc., are some of the important elements of a baby shower invitation. You can download an invitation template from a website or design it by yourself. If it's a coed baby shower or a baby shower with some specific theme, make sure you mention it in your invitation card. Do not forget to mention the name and contact number of R.S.V.P. You can also print the map of the road to the venue on your invitation card. Baby shower invitations can be sent through e-mail also. For this you will require e-mail ids of all the guests. The acknowledgment that the e-mail is received is also necessary to confirm the arrival of the guests at the event. Baby shower invitations should be sent at least 2 to 3 weeks before the event.

Baby Shower Planning - Favors
Baby shower party favors are necessary to appreciate the arrival of the guests at the event. It is a token of love for the guests, since they spared their precious time to attend the function. Baby shower favors can be handmade or they can be store-bought. Depending on your budget, you can choose either of them. Baby key-chains, homemade cookies, thank you cards, photo frames, etc. are some of the baby shower favors. You should make or buy, the baby shower favors, two to three weeks before the event.

Baby Shower Planning - Decorations
The baby shower venue should be decorated, a day before the event. If you are having the baby shower at your home, you can decorate the venue the way you want. In case the baby shower is arranged at some restaurant, then you may have to ask the concerned authority regarding the decoration. If the baby shower is based on a theme, the decorations will change accordingly. Make sure you have all the decoration supplies like, diaper cake, balloons, flowers, confetti, etc. a day before the event. Also ensure that you have all the supplies required for baby shower centerpieces. If you are arranging baby shower games, then plan the games a week before the event and keep the required supplies ready.

These were some suggestions on planning a baby shower. Planning a baby shower will surely become easy with some systematic steps. I hope the baby shower planning checklist given above will prove useful to you. All the Best!