Your due date is approaching, and before the big day comes another almost-as-big day. It’s a time when your closest friends and family come together to celebrate you as the queen mother-to-be and to enjoy time together before your new baby arrives.
That’s right: We’re talking about the big day — a really fun baby shower to celebrate you and your little one! But how do you know where to start with baby shower planning in order to have the perfect baby shower?
Look no further because Hatch has you covered. We’re here today to talk about everything shower related. That’s right, we’ve got the ultimate baby shower planning checklist coming right up for you.
Theme
You totally don’t have to choose a theme, and some people prefer to go without one. If you do want a theme, you’ll have to decide pretty early on in your baby shower planning because the theme will influence the rest of your ideas for all your party planning needs.
A big reason many hosts decide to center the baby shower party around a theme is that a theme can make planning a lot easier. The theme is like the glue that holds the party together because it brings coherency to all the before, during, and after plans.
Some parents-to-be choose to go all-out on a theme, with coordinated decorations, invitations, food options, games, and party favors. However, other expectant parents prefer to have a more simple theme, such as an event like a brunch. A theme can be as simple as a color, like pastel green, to guide the party invitations and decoration options.
For some trending baby shower ideas, check out our ultimate list of fav baby shower themes. Then, let’s discuss a virtual baby shower option, including the absolute perf fit choices to pair with each theme idea.
Invitations
Once you’ve decided on a theme for the party, choose a template for your baby shower invitations. You could find a printable template online, make your own with a little DIY magic, or ask mom-to-be for a pic or two and design a photo card invitation.
Invitations are an integral part of the earliest planning stages for a baby shower. Try to send them out in enough time for all the guests to RSVP well ahead of the party date.
With invitations comes a guest list, which you’ll want to consult the guest of honor about. Likely, they’ll ask you as the party planner to send the invitations to their family members, best friends, and other close friends once you have the lucky invitees (and addresses) in hand.
It may be helpful to have them write down their desired guests so that you have a list to reference for the number of guests to plan the party around.
Decorations
Now that you’ve sent out invitations and those RSVPs are flowing in, it’s time to think about the decor! Baby shower decorations create the aura of the party space and set the tone for the events of the day.
Some common decoration items for your baby shower list might include tablecloths, centerpieces, wall hangings, flowers, and balloons. For example, if your baby shower theme is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, have candles, glitter, star confetti, and white flowers as the centerpieces on your table. Star garlands, fairy string lights, and star and moon-shaped cutouts or balloons make for other great decorations for this theme.
Food and Drink
Whether you decide to have a full-on meal or some light refreshments, food and drink are an essential part of a baby shower that will help keep all your guests energized for all the party fun. When planning what to serve, ask guests if they have any food allergies (you can ask them to notify you of any allergies with their RSVP for an easy way to keep track).
If the day calls for a full meal, such as a brunch or a picnic, you’ll probably need to do a bit more planning around food and beverage options. However, you can also serve light refreshments or have a dessert table with cupcakes or a baby shower cake instead.
Entertainment
Decor for glitz and glamor, party guests to fill the room with joy … you’ve got the party space covered, but what about the time that also fills that space? What will the guests do to help celebrate this momentous and fabulous occasion?
When it comes to entertainment, most people opt for a few baby shower games for the party itinerary. Games can help break the ice between guests who might not know each other and can be a fun way to pass the time at a party. Check out our suggestions for totally captivating baby shower games that your guests actually want to play.
Baby Registry
A baby gift registry is mom’s ultimate wish list for all her needs, wants, and dreams when it comes to her new little one.
Setting up a gift registry online is an important part of pre-party planning that you probably want to have the mom-to-be finish before you even send out invitations. That way, you can include gift registry information on the party invitations that you send out to guests.
Check out six gifts you can’t go wrong with for some inspo when you and the guest of honor are building her ideal gift registry. Gifts such as the Hatch to Hospital box are a heart-warming and empathetic way to make mom feel special and, at the same time, pamper her with luxury.
Party Favors
Baby shower favors are a nice way to show love and appreciation to your guests. They’re also a great way to give your guests a little keepsake so that they’ll remember this special event for a long time.
Mini photo frames, polaroid pictures, baked goods, soaps, or jewelry are all fabulous party favor options that your guests can take home with them to enjoy after the party.
Feel Ready the Day of the Baby Shower
As long as you come up with your guest list and send out invitations ahead of time, as well as prep for the baby shower itself a couple of weeks ahead of time with this checklist, then it’s likely the party will go smoothly, and everyone will have a good time. No matter the theme or the number of guests, we’re here to walk you through the best baby shower experience possible.
PS: Don’t forget to rock a stunning maternity dress on the big celebration day!
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