Who, What, When Where, and How of Baby Shower Planning

Who will "throw" the baby shower?to carry that into the baby shower theme. The
Just about anyone--but most likely it would be agender of the child may also dictate the colors
friend, relative or coworkers of the mother to beand party ideas. And there is also the availability
or the dad to be. Generally, the baby shower isof ethnic baby shower themes today. Beyond the
not arrange by the closest relatives such as thebaby themes of pink and blue, the trend for
baby's grandmother but an aunt may sometimesparents who love their team is the collegiate
give the shower. In many cases there is moreshower theme complete with collegiate diaper
than just one baby shower given. Since work andcake, party decorations and little collegiate baby
family and church may consist of unrelatedfan clothing featuring their favorite college team.
friendships and connections, it is not uncommon toHow will you invite the guests?
have multiple showers.Invitations will kick off the excitement of and
When should the party be hosted?validate the event if an official printed invitation is
It helps to take into consideration the newsent. We have the tendency today to let word of
mother and new father and their wishes. Mostmouth and email take care of our responsibilities
wait until the third trimester (between 6 and 8but the invitation not only serves as a physical
months along). By then, the nursery colors andreminder, it also makes for a lot of fun and sets
style of decor may have been chosen most likelythe tone for the baby shower attendance and
due to the baby's gender having been determined.the gifts. With home printers you can design and
Also, the time of year may affect your plans.print the invitation at home for the crafty,
Some holidays, such a Christmas, will have aneconomical baby shower. For a more formal or
influence on the timing of the event.themed baby shower, consider having professional
Where should the baby shower be held?or preprinted invitations.
What is so nice about this event is that it can beAny ideas for making this shower different?
held as economically and close to home or asNothing says the shower is for just the mother
lavishly and jam packed as you would prefer. Thealone. Today the father is often included in the
party can be held at a friend or family member'sfestivities. With the innovations in new dad gifts,
home and works nicely with a small group. Manythis is the perfect place to give a gift for new
restaurants, tea houses, and local party housesdad and new baby and celebrates his new status.
make space and catering available for gatheringsDad diaper backpacks and new dad t-shirts are
such as a baby shower. Public and commercialperfect examples. And this also is true for giving
buildings often offer meeting rooms for showers.the new grandparents a little help. They will
What theme should the shower have?certainly need some baby items such as car
Baby showers can be very focused on specificseats, playpens, diaper bags and the like for the
themes either just for entertainment or becausetimes their grandchild comes for an overnight visit.
it has a special meaning for the parents. If aIf you are giving someone a baby shower, takes
circus of primary colors are to be seen in thenotes of the activities, save a copy of the
nursery or a particular cartoon or nursery rhymeinvitation and photographs of the event for the
character are part of the decor, you may wantnew mom and dad to remember always.