Home: Baby shower :: baby shower

Making a Baby Shower to Remember

If you happen to be a friend of an expectant mother, and you are physically present to share the excitement of expecting the arrival of a new bundle of joy, you may think about throwing a baby shower. Baby showers are thrown in honor of an expectant mother, and the infant who has yet to come into the world.

A baby shower would normally involve the nearest and dearest members of the young mother's (or mother-to-be's) family or circle of friends, so it is usuall a cozy, intimate affair. It is no longer common practice to hold such an event, however, so bear in mind that if you should decide to hold a baby shower for your friend, you may be thought of as a bit old-fashioned! But if you're willing to risk it for the sake of a warm, inspirational gathering that your friend and her unborn baby are sure to appreciate, you are definitely ready to host a baby shower.

There are three things to consider when handling an event like this. These are:

1. Be considerate. You and the mother-to-be may have different sets of friends, and you may feel tempted to invite all your friends over to meet the mother-to-be. Be careful! This may disappoint her, and cause some major awkwardness. Remember that your priority here is the mother-to-be's enjoyment, not yours!

2. Be creative. Find a unique theme for your baby shower. If your friend is expecting a boy, for example, and your friend happens to be a sports fan, make a sports-themed baby shower! If your friend happens to be the studious type, you could also hold an affair that is literature-themed, or science-themed.

3. Be thrifty! For a baby shower to be successful, it need not be lavish. In fact, it may not be to your advantage to put up an expensive affair. If you overspend, no matter how elaborate your party ends up being, your friend and her family may remember your affair as a big waste of money. Don't overdo it! Work with a budget that both you and your friend will be comfortable with. Even if it is a surprise party, you should still be able to work well within your limits.