Baby Shower 101

BABY SHOWERS are always a good idea. Not only are they the perfect excuse for busy friends to get together and party, but they also provide a possibly anxious mom-to-be the emotional support she needs from female friends. Of course, the gifts for the coming baby will certainly be appreciated as well.

Friends and Family Members Can Help Out
Party planner Evelyn Dizon of Uno Focus Events says that the shower can be hosted by a close friend of the expectant mom. “Traditionally, it is frowned upon when family members of the mother-to-be host such an event because showers are primarily for giving gifts. Today though, family members commonly help and many often plan the showers as well, and that’s okay,” she says.

Have the Baby Shower Two Months Before the Due Date
A good time for the shower would be one to two months before the baby’s due date. “If the shower is held later, the baby might come early and make it to the shower, or the mom and baby may still be at the hospital,” Dizon says. Doing it after the baby is born is also an option since this allows everyone to meet the new arrival, “although it can be a very hectic time for the new parents. So be sure to plan accordingly,” cautions Dizon.

Who To Invite
The immediate female family members of both the mother and father-to-be should be invited, as well as close friends of the mom-to-be. “Consult with the mother-to-be first when thinking of who to invite,” Dizon adds.

Click here to read on about what goes on during a baby shower, baby shower favors, and the program.

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Read on about what goes on during a baby shower, baby shower favors, and the program.

What Goes On in a Baby Shower?
Two hours is a good estimate for the party. Dizon says, “If the mom-to-be is older or not really into games, a nice light dinner or merienda at a restaurant or at the host’s home is the way to go.” If many of the guests do not know each other, provide name tags,and games should probably be part of the shower to help break the ice and get them involved. Discuss the idea with the mom-to-be and find out what she feels would be best.
Typically, heavy meals are not really required at showers. Finger-foods will do—chips, pastries, or any dessert. A fruit or vegetable tray would be a good alternative for the health conscious. Coffee, tea, juice, or soda should be available for the guests. “In consideration of your guest of honor, the mom-to-be, alcoholic drinks are a no-no. If the mother-to-be is not drinking caffeine either, you might choose to forego caffeinated coffee and soft drinks. The food can also vary depend-ing on the theme,” says Dizon.

Baby Shower Favors
What about shower favors? “Shower favors are not necessary as visitors came to shower the mom, not vice-versa. But it would be a thoughtful gesture to acknowledge the presence of the guests with a favor,” says Dizon. If you wish to have favors, some ideas are scented candles, candies wrapped in tulle, photo albums, or potpourri.

WHAT ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
1.    After all or most of the guests have arrived, go around the room and have guests introduce themselves identifying how they know the mother-to-be.
2.    Play two to three games in the beginning to get the relaxed mood going. Keep in mind that some guests may only know just the mother-to-be.
3.    Serve the food and allow your guests time to mingle.
4.    The mother-to-be can begin opening her gifts. To make things more memorable, ask the gift giver to share a special message for the mom-to-be before she opens her present. Don’t forget to assign someone to write down each gift and who it is from. It will make sending thank-you notes a lot easier.
5.    People chat and then usually leave a few at a time. Make sure the mother-to-be gets to say goodbye to everyone, and the hostess thanks everyone for attending. If the hostess has shower favors, this should be given to the guests leaving at this time.

Photo from flickr.com