Your dearest friend just gave you the call and shared the wonderful news that she is expecting a child with you.
As soon as you have recovered from the initial shock and joy, the next step that you will likely do is to start preparing a shower for her.
When organizing a baby shower for someone, there are a lot of details to take into consideration, such as the guest list, décor, activities, and refreshments, and the list may go on and on.
In spite of the fact that most people like being surprised at parties, you should take into consideration the expectant mother's point of view when organizing her baby shower.
There may be some individuals that she would want to invite as well as some things that she would like to have (such as a certain theme for the shower).
In addition, the expectant mother may be going through a period of intense anxiety over the upcoming delivery of the baby at this stage in her pregnancy; therefore, an additional surprise may not be what she requires at this time.
Place
Find out when and how she would like the baby shower to take place, as well as the location she would prefer to have it at.
Depending on the number of people on the guest list, the position of the shower could change. If you are simply inviting a select group of close friends, you want to offer to host the event at your own home if at all possible.
Some individuals who have bigger showers could be required to locate an other site, such as a country club, a church, a conference room at their place of employment, a restaurant (in a section that has been cordoned off), or a restaurant.
If the baby shower is going to be held during the months in which the weather is particularly nice, you may even think of holding it outside; however, you should always keep the comfort of the mother-to-be in mind.
Guest List
There is a lot of weight placed on the guest list for the shower. You want to make sure that everyone who is significant in your friend's life is invited.
You might ask your friend to meet you someplace pleasant for a leisurely lunch, and then use that time to read through the list while you're there.
This is a terrific method to decide what should put on the list. You could also give her the gift of a pedicure and discuss the issue while you get your nails done, which would be a nice alternative.
Simply ensure that she has her address book with her so that you can obtain the contact information you want.
It would be best if you gave her the option of choose whether the shower will be exclusive to women or open to everyone. If she would like the father-to-be to be present, he could feel more at ease with the presence of other males.
Therefore, she should think about inviting her brothers, her father, her stepfather, her uncles, and any other men she would like to have present in addition to the father-to-be.
Try to assist her in thinking of individuals she would like to invite from places such as her place of employment, high school, college, or church given that she most likely already has a lot on her mind.
Registry
If the expecting mother has not already registered herself anywhere, you should do everything you can to persuade her to do so. Since she can sign up online at a number of locations, including Wal-Mart and
Target, she doesn't even have to get out of the house to complete the process. This will provide the visitors with a clear understanding of what she requires and will avoid her from purchasing three strollers.
Make sure that the information about her registry is included on the invitations that are sent out to the guests.
Invitations
After you have finalized the guest list, it is time to choose the invites for the event. Again, all of this is contingent on the dimensions of the shower.
In the event that you will be hosting a small gathering, it is recommended that you obtain invites from a local party store and then personally address each envelope.
On the other hand, if you are throwing a more elaborate shower, you might want to consider ordering engraved invitations from a company that will take care of all of the addressing for you.
Involve the expectant mother in the decision-making process as much as possible, no matter what you end up deciding.
Itinerary
After you have sent out the invites, the next step is to arrange the actual baby shower. Again, you should discuss this matter with the expectant mother.
Would you like there to be a particular theme for the decorations at the party?
This is a fantastic idea if you already know whether you are going to have a boy or a girl.
You always have the option of going with a generic theme such as Disney or Blues Clues if you don't have any idea what it's going to be.
Because some women enjoy baby showers with games and others do not, you will need to inquire with her on her preferences in this matter.
You will also be responsible for making the decision on the sort of cuisine that will be served. You may serve a complete meal, appetizers, or simply cake and sweets if you don't feel like cooking.
Remember to keep the expectant mother in mind at all times. If she has been complaining of terrible heartburn, you probably shouldn't serve her any dishes that are really spicy.
In addition, some pregnant women develop gestational diabetes, which might require them to adhere to particular dietary restrictions.
Also, don't forget about the beverages; would you want punch, soda, or tea?
Keeping track of the number of people who intend to attend the event, taking photographs (this is a great option if you have a digital camera), delegating someone to keep track of the names and gifts brought, and cleaning up after the event are some of the additional considerations that should be given some thought.
Don't forget to plan out a way for the expecting mother to transport all of her presents to her house.
If the father-to-be is there, he will be able to help with loading and unloading the items; but, if he is not, you will need to either delegate someone to accompany the mother-to-be home with the presents or offer to bring them over yourself at a later time.
The baby shower that you throw for your friend will require a lot of planning, but in the end, she will appreciate it, and she will be grateful to you for doing so.