7 Key Elements in Baby Shower Planning

Throwing a baby shower isn't something you can do at the drop of a hat. It takes careful planning and organizing. If you're in the process of making your to-do list for holding a baby shower, here are five key elements you must include in your plans.

Funds
Who's going to pay for the baby shower? These events can cost a lot of money, and if you're working on a tight budget, you could ask other friends to pitch in and ensure that your guest of honor will be treated with a fabulous baby shower.

Time, Date, and Venue
Somewhere private would be ideal because it allows guests to relax and enjoy the party more. As for the time and date, you'd have to consider the availability of the guest of honor. Pregnant women can sometimes have hectic schedules as well as your other guests. The simplest way to resolve this without ruining the element of surprise is by asking suggestions from the people closest to the guest of honor, like her husband.

Guest List
People closest to the guest of honor should of course be invited. Whether or not the affair would be co-ed depends on the preferences of your guest of honor. If you don't want to ask but you think its safe to invite a few males to the baby shower, try restricting your invitations to close relations like husband, brothers, and your guests spouses.

Menu
First, consider the type of baby shower you're holding as well as the time and venue. If you're holding a baby shower in a hotel and in the afternoon, appetizers that aren't too messy to eat would be best. Of course, any favorite dish of the guest of honor that's suitable to the menu should be included.

Another thing you should consider is whether you wish to have the food catered, ordered, or home cooked.

Activities and Hosting
You can either ask a friend to act as host or hire a professional. Having a host will ensure that the baby shower proceeds smoothly. Make a list of activities, together with back up plans, for the baby shower. Remember to leave time for your guests to enjoy their food and converse with each other.

Decorations
You can create or purchase them. Just make sure they're within your budget and match your overall design and color scheme.

Favors and Souvenirs
While not everyone may receive prizes from your baby shower, every guest must, however, go home with a souvenir. Have extras prepared in case of unexpected guests!