One of your good friends is having a baby and you get the honor of throwing her a baby shower to celebrate! You want to make the party a day she will never forget, but are unsure where to start. We want to help! The following is a general timeline to get you started with the planning. Feel free to follow it exactly, or tweak it to fit the unique personality of the mom-to-be!
Timeline
6 to 8 Weeks Before the Shower
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Sit down with your friend and decide on the type of shower she wants. Some things to consider are day vs. night, indoor vs. outdoor, traditional vs. contemporary, and theme.
- Choose a date, time, location, and theme for the party.
- Develop a guest list with addresses and phone numbers.
- Purchase shower supplies and invitations.
- Make a list of gifts that your friend would like, or help her register at a few stores, such as Babies 'R' Us.
3 to 4 Weeks Before the Shower-
Mail invitations.
- Place a list of invitees by the phone to record RSVPs. Consider keeping a list of requested gifts or places the mother-to-be is registered by the phone, too, in case some of the guests ask for ideas when they call.
- Decide which games you will play and purchase any supplies you will need.
- Decide on the menu.
- Select shower favors. A few ideas include small potted plants, decorative soaps, or chocolates.
- Order a cake (unless you plan to bake one).
- If children will be attending the shower, consider hiring a babysitter.
1 Week Ahead-
Decide on the agenda for the party.
- Try any games or activities with which you are unfamiliar.
- Prepare the favors.
- Call any guests who have not responded.
2 to 3 Days Ahead-
Shop for food and drinks.
- Prepare any food that can be made ahead.
- Charge video camera and/or put fresh batteries in your regular or digital camera. Make sure you have enough video tape/film on hand.
The Day Before the Shower-
Clean the party area.
- Bake or pick up the cake, and purchase flowers.
- Set out a punch bowl and other serving dishes.
- Go through the order of events to ensure that you have everything you need.
4 to 5 Hours Ahead-
Decorate and set the table.
- Prepare the food.
- Get balloons filled/pick up pre-filled latex or Mylar balloons appropriate for the occasion.
- Place any game items in the shower area.
- Locate paper and a pencil for recording gifts (for thank-you notes).
- Set out camera(s).
1 Hour Ahead-
Put your pet(s) in an area away from guests.
- Set out food and drinks.
- If you're having the party at home, tie some balloons to the mailbox or front porch to mark the location of the shower.
At the Shower-
Assign the jobs of recording gifts and taking pictures/videotaping to a couple of your guests.
- Have a great time!
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