A Guide to Hosting the Ultimate Spring Baby Shower
If you’re beginning to plan a baby shower, you’ve landed in the right place. A baby shower is a rite of passage that all expecting couples look forward to. Whether you have visions of an opulent restaurant affair or think a casual backyard party is a better fit, there are many things to consider.
Spring is the perfect time of year for a baby shower. April showers bring baby showers … or something like that, right? So as excitement for cribs, rattles, and newborn baby clothes ramps up for the excited parents-to-be, consider all the unique ways you can plan a memorable baby shower to celebrate them. Check out this helpful guide to plan the ultimate spring baby shower.
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Date and Time
Whether planning a casual house party or prefer the convenience of hosting at a venue, spring dates fill up quickly for vendors, venues and guests. You should book your venue and vendors as soon as you find out about the sweet bun in the oven.
Weddings and graduations are popular during the spring months. While a weekend afternoon is an ideal time to host a shower, consider factors such as traveling guests and holiday traffic when setting your date and time. The earlier in the spring, the better if you want to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Venue
A spring baby shower could be the most beautiful time to host an outdoor party. However, those unpredictable April showers could put a wrench in things if not accounted for. A backyard or other outdoor venue can set a beautiful backdrop for a spring baby shower, but be sure to consider how you’ll accommodate your guests in the event of inclement weather. Renting party tents or being able to quickly pivot to an indoor setting are excellent backup plans for bad weather.
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In terms of great spring shower venues, a garden, a restaurant terrace, a park pavilion or a golf course can set a magnificent backdrop for a spring baby shower. Rooftop venues, beach resorts and picturesque terraces are other great settings for showers. If someone in the family has a beautifully landscaped backyard, you might consider hosting a shower there.
Invitations and Guest List
Now that you’ve chosen your venue, it’s time to narrow down your guest list. This is not something to stress about. The bottom line is that the parents-to-be are probably expecting a baby shower, so why not consult them as you plan? Simply ask for a guest list. If you have particular parameters regarding venue capacity, be clear with them about that. Let them give you the list of family members and closest friends with whom they hope to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Once you’ve narrowed down your guest list, let the fun begin! Remember that the invitation will make your guests’ first impression. Choose an invitation that captures the vibe of the mommy-to-be while also hinting at the shower theme. Use the invitation to communicate special requests, such as whether presents should be wrapped or guests should substitute a baby book for a traditional greeting card.
Food and Drink
There are some great approaches you can take to a baby shower in terms of food and drink. A classic tea party is always a lovely idea. Picture iced and hot tea with finger sandwiches, quiches, soup and scones. A brunch menu with fresh fruit, tasty juice blends and an abundant charcuterie board are fun ways to indulge your guests.
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If you’re hosting a baby shower outdoors, picnic-style foods such as veggie cups with ranch dressing, sandwich pinwheels, plentiful salads and fresh-squeezed lemonade are budget-friendly yet delicious menu options. No matter the menu, a dessert spread is a perfect way to end your sweet affair: cookies, donuts, cupcakes and mousse cups are just a few delectable options.
Entertainment and Games
Many fun and unique ways exist to entertain guests at a baby shower. From Baby Shower Bingo to seeing who can dress the baby the fastest, there are some unique ways to keep your guests involved during lulls in the party. Best of all, a game such as Dress the Baby is a great way to incorporate additional baby gifts. Just think of all the cute baby clothing the parents will acquire after such games!
If active games aren’t your guests’ speed, entertainment such as keepsake crafts like a scrapbook page or a onesie-making station will keep your guests involved and make for cute shower mementos. Other entertaining baby shower ideas include contracting vendors for live music or a photo booth. Opening shower gifts is fun for the expecting mommy but may cause the party to lull a bit. So, think of unique ways to keep your guests involved and entertained.
Gifts and Favors
While the expecting parents will undoubtedly register for tons of baby necessities, there are always those necessary items that they overlook. One of the many overlooked baby registry items is baby clothing in larger sizes. While those tiny newborn outfits are simply irresistible, remember that babies grow very quickly and they’ll need clothing to grow into.
Both as baby shower decor and a much-loved baby necessity, a cute clothesline strung along the perimeter of an event space is a sweet and unexpected surprise. Fill the clothesline with neutral baby clothes in a variety of sizes. The clothesline will not only complement the shower decor but also make for a lovely gift.
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Besides all of the wonderful gifts the parents-to-be will receive at the baby shower, it’s nice to send your guests off with a thoughtful gift. Party favors are a wonderful way to thank your guests for their time and generosity. There are countless unique favor ideas that your guests are sure to appreciate. From tasty treats to succulents and self-care gifts to flowers, a shower favor can also play double duty as table decor.
Spring Into Shower Season
From choosing a venue to planning shower games galore, a baby shower is so much fun to plan. Prepare for this memorable event by following these tips. Sprinkle in some mild spring weather, and your event will go off without a hitch. You, your guests, and perhaps most importantly, the expectant parents will revel in all the special touches, the generous gifts and all those adorable baby outfits.
