Welcoming a new life into this world is a big deal. In fact, it’s probably one of the most important events that can happen in anyone’s lifetime. And there’s no doubt that the celebration of it is a cherished tradition all around the world. Hosting events and rituals surrounding pregnancy has been an age-old practice, however, a baby shower that we know today is a newer term that’s believed to first occur during the baby boom era of the 1940s and 1950s.
Baby showers today are an opportunity for parents to prepare for the new role they’re about to embody, while their loved ones shower them with love, support, and of course – gifts! Considering the importance of this event, there’s a certain etiquette that can be followed to keep the event to a high standard and to pay respect to tradition. We’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know about planning your baby shower, from a guest list to Zazzle gifts and favors!
Hosting Responsibilities: Who Takes the Lead?
Traditionally, baby showers should be hosted by a friend, co-worker, or a distant family member, and not a close family member of the expectant parents, to avoid the impression that the shower was thrown just to collect gifts. This rule is often overlooked as siblings or in-laws frequently take this role for more practical reasons. However, the one unbreakable rule is to avoid the shower being organized by the parents-to-be, since this is the occasion when they should be the ones who are supposed to sit back and be the center of attention for the day.
Timing the Celebration: When to Have a Baby Shower?
The usual practice is that baby showers are held between 6 and 8 weeks before the baby’s due date; however, it can also be earlier or later, depending on the circumstances. The 6 to 8 weeks time frame is generally late enough to confirm that the pregnancy is progressing well, while it also leaves enough time for a couple to prepare for the baby’s arrival after the shower. Nevertheless, the best practice would be to communicate with the parents-to-be and check their availability and desires so it can all be organized on time and run smoothly. In the article “How to Plan a Baby Shower – Baby Shower Planning Timeline & Checklist,” we’ve prepared a timeline you can follow week by week for your upcoming baby shower.
Location Perfection: Choosing the Ideal Setting
Typically, baby showers are held at hosts’ or parents-to-be homes, but many people like to take the shower out and about, so restaurants, cafés, or even hotel venues can be fantastic options.
If you’re the one hosting the baby shower, make sure the venue is within convenient proximity to a mom-to-be: then you can avoid unnecessary travel-related stress for mother and baby, and it’ll make the experience more accessible for local guests. If you’re hosting a summer baby shower, you can also consider outdoor options, such as parks, gardens, or outdoor venues where everyone can enjoy the sunshine, while the setting can lead to lovely photographs, thanks to the abundance of natural light!
Themes and Decorations: Enhancing the Ambience
Having a theme for a baby shower isn’t a must, but it can be of help when coordinating decorations, food, and gifts, keeping the look and feel of the party consistent. You can theme your party around a safari in the jungle, a princess’s palace, or a tropical island; they’re just a few of the themes that you can apply to anything – from invitations and banners to cakes and mocktails! Feel free to have fun with choosing the decorations, but don’t forget the ‘less is more’ rule when applying the themes, as they can have the opposite effect if they’re overused, i.e. they’ll look tacky instead of sophisticated.
Navigating the Guest List: Who to Invite?
There’s no question that close family and friends will end up on the baby shower guest list. However, when compiling a guest list, take into account your budget and the capacity of the chosen venue to determine the appropriate number of guests. That will give you room to add other people, such as acquaintances, co-workers, and anyone else that might not be on the primary list. You should always consult with the mother-to-be, in case there’s someone she wishes to invite that you’re not aware of, such as an old friend or a neighbor.
Engaging Fun: Games and Activities for Baby Showers
Games at baby showers can be fantastic icebreakers or optional activities that fill the time and involve all the guests in the event. If you decide to go with it, make sure to check in with the mom-to-be about what games she is comfortable with; maybe she’s not into everyone guessing her baby’s name or playing the dirty diaper game. Check out our article “Baby Shower Games & Activity Inspiration” on various baby shower games with instructions on how to play each. The most important rule of game etiquette during the baby shower is that everyone has a good laugh!
Thoughtful Giving: Gift Etiquette and Gifting Ideas
The act of gifting at baby showers varies across cultures, and it greatly depends on personal preferences. For example, some parents don’t like the idea of registering for shower gifts as they see it as greedy. Others believe it’s more appropriate since it lists everything the parents need, which makes it easier for guests to pick the gifts, and to make them more usable and practical. If you like the idea of registering, you can do it via various baby stores, or online baby shops. You can add anything, from disposable diapers to a car seat. What To Expect has an excellent list of baby shower registry must-haves that may make your life easier.
If you’re a guest looking for ideas beyond the registry, you may be interested in something personal, since it’s such an intimate event. Now, when it comes to that, this is something right up our alley! Here at Zazzle, we love combining practicality with personality, so for that reason, we suggest looking into customizable baby bibs, baby blankets, or burp cloths. Furthermore, take a look at our fantastic baby shower prints and posters as they’ll make beautiful keepsakes.
Delectable Delights: Food Ideas for Your Baby Shower
When it comes to food, your event can include a variety of options, such as appetizers, finger foods, desserts, and beverages. Some of the most popular choices are vegetable platters, cheese plates, spring rolls, and tea sandwiches. Remember that pregnancy means avoiding certain foods, so soft cheeses, raw shellfish, pâté, or deli meat are a no-no. You’d also want to check if any of the guests have any specific allergies or intolerances, or follow a particular diet, which is information that can be requested in the baby shower invitation. When it comes to serving food, a common practice is to have a buffet-style set up, with disposable plates and cutlery so the guests can serve themselves. You can be creative and make a wonderful food presentation by inserting theme details through various decorations, such as banners or tablecloths.
Heartfelt Tokens: Baby Shower Favors and Thank You Gifts
This one’s for moms and parents-to-be! After the shower, your heart is full and all you want to do is give everyone a group hug. To show gratitude for everyone who showed up, it’s always a wonderful idea to shower your guests back with favors, such as pencils, soaps, coffee, or tea. Pack them nicely in one of our adorable favor boxes and decorate them with favor tags. Don’t forget to send the thank you cards after the event, and if you incorporated a theme into your party, it’s a good idea to add it to the design, which will make a cute detail.
If you’ve already experienced a baby shower with your firstborn, maybe you feel like you want to tone down the celebration with your second or third (and onward!), so why not check our “What’s a Baby ‘Sprinkle’ Party?,” which offers a new perspective on traditional baby shower. Whether it’s a grandiose event or an intimate gathering, baby showers are a wonderful opportunity for loved ones to come together, shower the parents-to-be with love and support, and create treasured memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Tena is a Content Specialist hailing from Croatia. She’s always on the lookout for new travel adventures and loves to explore new lands and cultures. You can also find her spending quality time with her pup or wandering around the city in search of new artsy cafés.
