Baby Shower Etiquette

The best way to celebrate the arrival of the baby is to have an enjoyable baby shower party. This party is meant to honor the expectant mom, as well as a way for family and friends to give their baby gift baskets and other kinds of baby shower gifts that will help the mom-to-be during her pregnancy period or things she can use as soon as her baby arrives. If carefully planned, a baby shower can be a momentous event that will leave fun memories not only to the mom-to-be, but also for the rest of the people who are present during the celebration.

Planning a baby shower can be a bit challenging, though. It is not always easy to decide what theme to use, ornaments to decorate, baby shower favors to give out, menu to serve, and games to play. Not to mention, you also need to figure out where did she made her baby register. There are lots of things that need to consider when planning a baby shower, and people will likely to ask these following questions:

Who plans the baby shower?

Anyone from the family, a friend or a colleague can plan a baby shower for an expectant mom. Although there are many moms these days who plan their own shower, but it is a tradition that anyone except the mom can organize a baby shower.

When to hold a baby shower?

Baby showers are normally thrown sometime before the baby's birth. Anywhere between seven or eight months of pregnancy makes a great time to throw a shower. This is to celebrate a welcome party with her obvious increasing tummy, yet still able to have some fun. It won't be a great idea to throw a baby shower too close to her due date just in case she will deliver earlier than expected.

Who to invite?

When making a guest list, it would be a smart idea to consult the mom-to-be first. This is to ensure that everyone she wants to be in her baby shower gets the invitation. If the shower is for her second or subsequent child, the guest list will most likely include close friends or relatives who were not able to attend the first shower because of some reasons.

Reminder: If it is a surprise baby shower, the host should plan long in advance so she can decide who to invite then proceed with the next steps without consulting the guest of honor.

Where the party should b held?

Traditionally, baby showers are held at the host's home. These recent years, however, restaurants, churches, rent-able halls, and park accommodate parties such as baby showers. The venue depends on the budget and how comfortable it could be for a number of guest.

Who pays the shower expenses?

The one who organizes the event pays the shower expenses and it is usually considered as a gift for the mom-to-be. Group contribution is also okay.