Hosting a thriving baby shower requires good planning and organization. Here's a time line and step-by-step planning guide that will help you design and put in order a thriving baby shower, stay in control while the party and ensure the Mommy-to-Be has the time of her life.
Ten Weeks Before:
Home Made Baby Shower Invitations
----- determine on a general plan
----- put in order a budget
----- Set the date of the shower
----- adopt the location for the party
Eight Weeks Before:
----- put in order guest list; ensure addresses are correct
----- determine the theme
----- choose the food for the shower
----- If catering, hire the caterer
----- Order personalized baby shower invitations with matching baby shower thank you cards
Six Weeks Before:
----- Ensure the printed invitations and matching baby shower thank you cards have arrived
----- Start addressing the convention invitations
----- Assign responsibilities for varied duties for the shower
----- Delegate one guest to photograph and / or videotape the shower
Four Weeks Before:
----- Mail unique baby invitations to invited guests
----- Order party supplies
----- Book the entertainer if one is planned or budgeted for
Three Weeks Before:
----- Count the serving ware you have available
----- desist the menu
----- Start buying the nonperishable shower items
----- adopt the games to be played at the party
Two Weeks Before:
----- Call invited guests who have not relied to the invitations
----- Verify all party favors and party supplies will arrive on time
----- create seating arrangements for guests at the shower
----- purchase beverages for the shower
----- Buy the gift for the Mommy-to-Be
One Week Before:
----- Place order with the florist
----- Order cake, if you're not baking it yourself
----- Order any ready foods
----- Order balloons
----- account household supplies
----- If it is a surprise shower, design a plan for Mommy-to-Be to get to the party
----- Assemble the favors and shower decorations
----- Confirm rentals, entertainment and party site, if not at your home
One Day Before:
----- Clean house where shower will be held, if at a home
----- Cook dishes that can be ready in advance
----- Bake the cake and refrigerate
----- Check in delivery of rentals
----- Buy perishable ingredients and ice
----- Wrap gift to the Mommy-to-Be
----- Begin decorating
Day of the Party:
----- Get flowers from the florist, if ordered
----- Pick up cake or frost cake if baked at home
----- Get ready foods, rolls and bread
----- desist assembling homemade food and cooking
----- Set up the gift station for the gifts
----- Final cleanup of the bathroom or powder room
----- Set tables
----- Arrive early if party site is not at your home
During the Party:
----- Greet guests
----- Kick off the party
----- Coordinate with your guest video recorder and / or photographer
After the Party:
----- acquire all the presents
----- Pay balances and tips if baby shower is not at your home
----- Allow others to help you clean up
Baby Showers Planning Guide & Baby Shower Invitations Cards