How to Have the Baby Shower Right for You

Image Credit: Tamiris Evangenlista

It’s one of the questions that pregnant ladies hear most often after they find out what they are having: have you thought about your baby shower? Traditionally the job of close friends or family members, planning a baby shower usually isn’t the mom-to-be’s job.

However, just because she isn’t in charge of planning or hosting the happy event doesn’t mean that an expectant mother shouldn’t be involved. Here are some tips to help you plan a baby shower that is not only fun, but fits into your wants and needs for the celebration. After all, you and baby are the stars!

Be open and direct about who is hosting your shower (and it’s okay to ask).

If you have a lot of people in your life it’s not a stretch to consider that there might be more than one person who wants the honor of throwing the baby shower. That’s awesome, but it can also accidentally create stress for you as well as potential competition between friends. No one wants that. A way to avoid this is to be clear about who is hosting your shower. When friends start tossing out the idea, ask them if they really can commit to planning and hosting the shower. You can also simply ask someone if you want them to be in charge of your shower. And if you really have a wealth of people who want to be involved? Connect them to each other! Let them work together to pull off your special day.

Tell people what you want and what you don’t.

There are dozens if not hundreds of baby shower ideas on the internet, but they might not all be right for you. Some women love cheesy games while others? They would much rather spend time relaxing and enjoying the company of friends and family without games. Some women are all about cake while others would much prefer a savory treat at her shower. To ensure that your party is all about you and your bundle, be sure to tell people planning your baby shower the kinds of things that you would enjoy, and be especially clear about what you wouldn’t.  It will not only allow you to better enjoy the day, but will also make the planning easier for your friends and family.

Set the date and set it early.

Baby showers are about more than the party planning, it’s also about making sure that you have a chance to plan. Pregnancy can be unpredictable, but one thing that is certain is that your schedule gets crazier as you progress. Your doctor’s appointments increase in frequency, you may have a variety of tasks and things you need to do to prepare for maternity leave, and all of this is in addition to the regular things on your social calendar. Setting the date early on will give you not only something to look forward to, but also have it carved into your calendar. Your friends and family who may have to travel will be happy to know well in advance, too!

Remember it’s okay to have more than one shower.

Some people simply won’t be able to get along with each other, no matter how much you love them. Some people may not be able to travel at the time the party is planned for, but still want to honor you. Some family traditions might even call for two separate showers! In the end, don’t stress about having one perfect shower. It’s okay to have different showers for various reasons. Some people even choose to have a ladies’ baby shower (no dads allowed!) and a couple’s shower. It’s completely acceptable to have more than one baby shower so there is no need to stress.

Don’t forget to relax.

In the end, a baby shower is just a party. It’s a gathering of the people who love you and your baby. It’s food and presents and joy. The best way to have a baby shower that is just right for you is to sit back, relax, and just let people spoil and celebrate you for the day. In the end the games, the decorations, the location, even the gifts don’t matter. What really matters is the celebration of your new baby as well as the new chapter of your life that matters. Sit back and let yourself be loved.

What are your best suggestions for making sure mom-to-be has a great baby shower? Please let us know in the comments!