10 Weeks Prior -
Decide – Who is hosting the party or will it be co-hosted?
If co-hosting, how will the cost be split? How much do you want to spend ? (Try to stay on budget)
Location, Location, Location! Pick the spot for the shower, your house, a family home, restaurant, etc. BOOK IT!
Save the date, pick a time and circle the day on the calendar.
More decisions…. Couple shower, or just the girls ? Create a guest list and if not surprising the mother-to-be, ask her opinion of who she wants to attend.
8 Weeks
Confer with the mother-to-be on a THEME, so you can move forward with ideas for invitations and decor.
6 Weeks
Send out invitations (include a map / directions for any people from out of town or those unfamiliar with the area).
Shop till you DROP… Buy decor and gifts. Leave plenty of time if items need to be special ordered online*
YUMMY – plan the party menu. Finger food, potluck style, if at a restaurant is it a full meal or appetizers ? Consult the mother-to-be on her tastes.
4 Weeks
ALL HANDS ON DECK! If you need some extra hands to help decorate, set up, tear down, clean up, or tie ribbon on goody bags, sign them up to help now, so you are not flustered when it gets closer to the shower.
Order the cake, cupcakes, dessert or flowers – if having any.
Be a thoughtful host – Set up a basket of Thank You Notes, already pre-addressed for the mother-to-be, so she can send them out right away before her life changes.
If planning baby shower games, pick them out and get any supplies needed.
Almost there… 1 week before
CONFIRM any RSVPs that have yet to reply.
Finish up your parting gifts for the party.
Plan for gifts to be transported home for the mother-t0-be, especially if you know any gifts that will be large in size. There is no reason for her to stress on this special day.
SMILE, make sure on your list of helpers is someone designated to take photos of this fun event.
If you are hosting the event at your own home, get your cleaning out of the way, to avoid last minute stress.
Buy any food needed for the party and prep it, if it can be frozen.
Right before…
Buy any perishables needed for the menu.
Set up decor, tables, etc. Make sure to get some helping hands.
Day of…
Pick up the cake, flowers or balloons.
Have a helper on hand to record the gifts the mother-to-be has received.
