Planning A Baby Shower
By Cathy Cripps, Fri Dec 9th

b>PLANNING THE SHOWER BABY SHOWER

Every perfect baby shower begins with good planning. While thisoccasion is one for family and friends to gather and have agreat time, the other aspect is the gift giving to help newparents as they prepare for the birth or adoption of their child.

For this reason, you typically see baby showers for first-timeparents but again, with second and third children coming muchlater than the birth of the first child, often a baby shower isnecessary in this case too. This chapter will provide solidinformation on how to organize a baby shower so everyone has agreat time.

GUEST LIST

For most people hosting a baby shower, the first step is todetermine the guest list. Then, invitations are sent out and theshower planned. However, it is crucial that the list be analyzedcarefully. Unfortunately, this list may include people that aredesperately trying to become pregnant themselves but havingfertility problems. Perhaps there is a person on the list thathas recently lost a child.

Although the shower is exciting and a joyous occasion for theexpectant mother, it can be a painful reminder to the person onthe guest list. Therefore, be conscientious of the names on thelist and if one person is a close friend or family member inthis situation, rather than just mail an invitation, place apersonal phone call prior to sending the invitation.

The people invited to the baby shower will depend on the type ofshower being organized. If the shower will be girls only, thenobviously the guest list would be different from that of a coedshower. Typically,

the list consists of family, close friends,co-workers, and perhaps a neighbor or other person that theexpectant mother or father wants to invite.

If there is the situation of divorced parents, this can behandled in one of two ways. If the parents are on good terms,then they can certainly get along at the shower for the sake ofthe baby and their son or daughter. However, if conflict existsand inviting them could be the recipe for disaster, then havingtwo baby showers would be the wise decision.

In addition, if you are the host, never assume that a certainperson should be invited. On the other hand, never assume thatsomeone should be left off the invitee list. Remember, this is for the expectant mother and father, no one else.Therefore, the final list should always be confirmed with theexpectant mother or parents.

Once the guest list is finalized, you will have a much betteridea of the amount of food and beverages needed for the shower,as well as the utensils and tableware. Remember, if you suspectyou will be planning a shower in the near future, start savingright away and talk to the in-laws to see if they would bewilling to assist financially. This is not tacky at all and infact, most of the mothers and fathers would be delighted topitch in.

When you have completed the list, remember that this does notmean everyone can attend, even if he or she wants. Therefore, beprepared to handle those who cannot attend graciously.

About the author:Cathy is the Owner of Baby Shower Momentsand the author of Baby Shower Moments A to Z Guide. If you arelooking for Planninga baby shower pay Cathy a visit.