Baby Shower Etiquette That You Should Know

Don't Ruin Your Baby Shower Remember The Essential of Baby Shower Etiquette

If you thing think throwing a baby shower seems simple and easy—right? Absolutely Wrong! All of the little details involved mean that whoever hosts the baby shower (which is a common source of dispute in itself) is left with a lot of decisions! While there are certain traditions associated with the throwing of a baby shower, other things can be determined at the host's discretion. Despite the difficult decisions, by following basic baby shower etiquette, you can ensure that you throw a loving baby shower for the proud mother-to-be!

Logistics: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

The first question to answer and perhaps one of the most commonly asked, is who should be the host of the baby shower. In traditional baby shower etiquette, the baby shower was thrown by someone outside of the future mother's family. This usually left the duty up to a friend or coworker. However, nowadays, a baby shower can be thrown by anyone. The future mommy's sister is usually the host today, but it is also common for groups of friends and coworkers to throw joint baby showers as well.

Another common dispute when it comes to baby shower etiquette is whether or not multiple baby showers are acceptable. Though in the past, it has been traditional for baby showers to be given just for the first born child, now it is common to have one for every child. Sometimes, there are even multiple baby showers held for one baby. Multiple baby showers ensure that everyone who is important to the parents-to-be is present to share in the celebration.

You're Invited!

There are several key pieces of information that should be included on the invitations as part of proper baby shower etiquette. First, make sure to put the names of both the host and the mommy-to-be. It is important that both names are on the invitation because they are nearly always different people.

Also, make sure to put the standard information, like the location and date of the baby shower. Include a phone number for questions, and a number at which to RSVP. Other information is not standard, but should still be included as a part of baby shower etiquette. Directions can be helpful, especially if you are inviting guests from out of state. Also, including the baby shower's theme and the place at which the mother is registered are important bits of information. If you include all of this information on the invitations, the guests will appreciate it.

Staying Within the Guidelines

Though these are good guidelines for baby shower etiquette, it is by no means a tragedy if you fail to comply with certain rules or traditions. In the end, the important part of the baby shower will be taken care of no matter what—the future mother will always be surrounded by those she loves.

Baby Shower Decorating Ideas

Baby showers celebrate the impending birth of a baby. These are usually given to a mother-to-be a few months before she gives birth, usually around the third trimester. There are many things that the hosts need to consider when planning a baby shower. Invitations, food, theme and decorations are just a few of the things that need to be decided upon in order to have a great baby shower.

The sex of the coming baby can be pivotal in deciding on baby shower decorating items. If the sex of the baby is still unconfirmed, the mother's preference is usually considered. Baby shower decorating ideas are so varied that you will need to first decide on the theme to avoid confusion.

Baby Shower Motif

A baby shower motif or theme is the basic idea that is followed for the baby shower. It can be a particular color, a certain cartoon character or any other theme that the parent may be partial to. Baby shower decorating ideas can start as soon as the theme has been decided upon. The baby shower theme usually corresponds with the invitations, decorations, cake design and thank you cards.

Basic Baby Shower Decorating Items

There are some basic baby shower decorating items that are staples in making a successful and memorable baby shower. Balloons are easy for decorating and cheap enough that you can utilize them for spots that need a burst of color. When using balloons in baby shower decorating, you may also coordinate their colors with the motif of the party. Usually, pastel colors are used for baby showers.

Other baby shower decorating basics are ribbons. These come in paper, fabric or any other forms that go well together with the theme of the party. Curling ribbons can be used to decorate the balloons. These are usually tied at the knot of the balloon and allowed to curl freely. Three to four strands of curling ribbon can make a big difference. Larger ribbons can also be used to decorate the ceiling of the venue. These can be hung in panels from the ceiling with different lengths and colors. Swags can also be used to accentuate the lighting fixtures, door frames and tables.

Table tops are also some of the more central baby shower decorating staples needed to create a successful event. These can be the all time favorite flower arrangement or possibly a fruit or cupcake arrangement that corresponds with the party theme. Baby shower decorating is quite easy to provide for. You can view baby or even wedding magazines for baby shower decorating ideas.

Personalized Baby Shower Candy Bars

Cheer up Your Baby Shower with Creative Ideas

Baby showers are a fun way to celebrate the future arrival of a brand new person! The future parents gather with friends and family to play games, have snacks, and talk about how their lives are about to change. One of the most fun parts of a baby shower is the party favors. The person organizing the shower chooses and buys party favors to give to all of the guests. These can be almost anything that's fun and baby-related.

A popular choice for party favors is baby shower candy bars. These little bars of chocolate can be personalized with a wrapper bearing the message of your choice. You can order baby shower candy bars with the future baby's name, a personal message to the shower guests, or even a special poem or passage. Baby shower candy bars can be worked into the theme of the baby shower. If you are having a farm animal theme, a butterfly theme, or even a sleek modern theme, you can find baby shower candy bars to match the overall feel of your party.

How They Work

Baby shower candy bars can be purchased in full size or mini versions, and there are lots of flavors available. You can even find baby shower candy bars in unusual shapes and giant sizes! There are two basic ways to use baby shower candy bars for your baby shower. The first way is to buy complete baby shower candy bars: these come with the candy bar and the specially printed wrapper as a unit. The other way is to order them unassembled; that is, you purchase standard candy bars and put the custom labels on yourself.

Either way you decide to do your baby shower candy bars, they will be a big hit at the baby shower. You can leave the candy bars on every person's table for a more formal party, or put them out in a big bowl for a more casual affair. Another great way to give baby shower candy bars to your guests is to put them in gift bags along with some other small party favors. Give the gift bags as door prizes, rewards for the winners of the shower games, or as a thank-you gift when the guests are leaving.

In the world of baby shower gifts and prizes, baby shower candy bars are among the most unique and customizable. You and your guests will be delighted at the fun and tasty element that they bring to your baby shower!

Make Your Great Baby Shower Cake

Things to Consider For a Great Baby Shower Cake Design

Baby showers are events that many parents-to-be look forward to. These celebrate the upcoming arrival of their child and they would want it to be as close to perfect as possible. There are many things that need to be prepared when planning a baby shower. Among these things are the baby shower invitations, the baby shower cake design, decorations for the venue and the food to be catered during the event.

Choosing a Baby Shower Cake Design

Choosing the baby shower cake design is based on the preference of the parents, more specifically, the mother. If the sex of the child is already known, this may affect the kind of baby shower cake design and the theme or motif of the baby shower. Someone who knows the pregnant couple well should choose the cake design. Do they like soft, pastel colors or are they the bright and colorful type?

A baby shower cake design also depends on the size of the cake itself. The smaller the cake, the less space there is to use for the design. The bigger the size, the more space you need to cover up with your design. Although pastel colors are used for a baby shower cake design, the gender of the child will also play a huge role on the choosing of the colors. Bright, primary colors are also great choices to use on the baby shower cake design.

The usual baby shower cake designs are those that have gum paste attachments of feeding bottles, storks, bibs, carriages and other baby items that are easily recognizable. These usually come in small sizes and are attached to the sides of the cake. Other options for decorating the side of the cake are edible beads that range from gold to other pastel colors.

Do not forget about the taste of the cake by spending all your efforts on how it looks. The baby shower cake design can also be in the shape of a baby item instead of the traditional round and tiered cake. This can be in the shape of a feeding bottle, carriage sports equipment (for baby boys) and many other baby items. A baby shower cake design need not be expensive or complicated. Friends of the mom to be can make the cake on their own using the various cake decorations available in stores. This can be a simple baby shower cake design or a complicated one depending on their experience.

You Can Make it Yourself Baby Shower Favors

How to Make Baby Shower Favors

At a baby shower, it is usual for the host to give all the guests a small gift to thank them for coming to the party. (This would be in addition to any prizes the guest may have won during party games.) It is nice if the baby shower favors tie in with the theme of the shower, but they don't have to if the host's creativity leads them in another direction.

Where to Get Baby Shower Favors

The guests aren't coming to the party hoping to leave with lots of presents for themselves, so do not feel like you have to plan expensive baby shower party favors. Favors can be expensive, but they don't have to be – and really shouldn't.

Baby shower favors are available at many places. Probably the simplest is to buy them locally at a party store – the same place where you can get party decorations or things for goodie bags for a child's birthday party. There are usually a variety of trinkets that can be used as favors, especially if teamed up with tulle or lace to make them more elegant and suitable as favors for adults. Another option is to buy baby shower favors online. There are many party companies that sell them, just be sure to order them with plenty of time for them to arrive.

Just Be Creative to Make Baby Shower Favors

The most creative choice would be to make the baby shower favors yourself. These still do not need to be expensive! Certificates for the winners of the games can be printed up off the internet, as can many other things like cards, bookmarks, or games. Taking an instant photo with the guest of honor and the attendee, then framing it immediately so the guest can take it home with her is a wonderful way for the guests to remember the event.

Homemade baked goods like cookies, popcorn, jam or bread can be a very thoughtful gift. Some items that can be used to make favors are: candles, tea bags, bath beads, sachets, flowers, or Hershey's Hugs and Kisses (tied in an elegant square of fabric). Any of these decorated with tulle, doilies, pearls, or nice fabric will be quite elegant and suitable for the shower.

Favors are a nice way for the host or hosts to thank the guests for taking the time to attend the baby shower and bring a gift for the mother-to-be. It is nice to give the attendees a “little something” to show you planned ahead to thank them for attending.

Baby Shower Decoration on a Budget

When there is a new baby expected to join a family, the parents have so much planning and purchasing to do that the list seems to be never ending. There is so much to buy, especially if there is not an older brother or sister who has some things to pass down.

There is the purchase of a crib, changing table, clothes, diapers, wipes, formula, and such. And that is just a few items; there are other essentials that no one seems to remember until the baby arrives.

If you are hosting the baby shower for the couple and are on a budget, that is completely understandable and nothing to be ashamed of. Baby shower decorations done on a budget can be a little harder than if the sky is the limit, but they are far from impossible. There are so many adorable things for sale in craft and baby stores that it can be hard to pass them up. But you need to stick to a plan in order to accomplish baby shower decorations on a budget.

Where to Shop

When most people think of baby shower decorations on a budget they think that it must mean a party with no fun or color but that is just simply not the case. Start by thinking about the games you will want to play and start looking up all the different kinds that can be played at a shower. Pick the ones that require items that are cheap to purchase such as toilet paper, which is used to wrap around the mommy to be. Also, think about party favors at this time too and come up with creative ways to express your thanks.

Now, with the rest of the baby shower decoration, such as balloons and streamers, do not go where everyone else goes. Everyone always heads out to the nearest party store and can be great for someone who has an unlimited budget but certain things there can be overpriced. For balloons that will be used in your baby shower decoration plan, you can purchase packs of twenty pink or blue balloons at a department store for the price you would pay for four balloons at a party store. And when bringing streamers into your baby shower decoration plan, the same applies there as well. It may take you a little more time to coordinate all the plans, but it will be definitely worth it.

Baby Shower Cake Creativity

The cake at a baby shower can be simple; planned to be served as the dessert, or it can be a major decorating feature of the party. It can be as simple as a sheet cake bought at the local grocery store or bakery and maybe have "Welcome baby" written on top, or it can be something much, much, more.

Creative Baby Shower Cakes

The secret behind a creative baby shower cake is to get a good idea. There are many clever ideas online. Some of them tie the cake directly to the theme, such as "Noah's Ark", or "Baby Animals". Others are just plain cute cakes, like ones that are of baby booties or a baby face. Go online, look at some of the creative cakes out there and see if you can replicate them – with your own creative twist!

A few of the cute ideas that are used as themes and/or baby shower cakes now-a-days are: baby ducks, Noah's Ark (especially for twins!), pink or blue – or "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!" (depending on expected baby's sex), sports (for baby boys), princess (for baby girls), baby animals, or baby books (to start the baby's library with the guests' favorite books for babies). Cakes can be easily designed around any of these themes.

The Non-Edible "Baby Shower Cake" – A Diaper Cake

Something that is quite popular now-a-days is to make a "cake" out of disposable diapers. Not only is it clever and creative, but it also works as another gift for the mother-to-be, as the diapers can all be used later.

Even mothers who prefer to use cloth diapers on a regular basis welcome some disposable diapers for times they are on vacation or unexpected emergencies. Alternately, the cake can be made using cloth diapers – which the mother-to-be would probably welcome just as much! (Beware; they are more expensive to buy than the disposables, so the cake would probably be smaller.)

The "diaper cake" is made up of rolled disposable diapers. The top layer can have six, the middle layer about 15, and the base layer about 30. Each layer is secured by rubber bands, which are later covered by ribbon. Gifts can be hidden in the middle of each layer if desired. The bottom layer is put onto the cardboard for a stable base. Each layer is stacked, and wooden dowels are used from top to bottom to secure each layer on top of the other. The whole cake can be wrapped in cellophane to transport. It is a wonderful way to present the mother with a usable gift in a decorative fashion – as a baby shower cake!

Getting the Right Baby Shower Cards

When planning a baby shower it is important that you get the right cards for the occasion as most people end up forgetting them until the last moment! The main two types of baby shower cards that you will need are the invitations of course and also the thank you notes. While this may seem like common sense, the thank you cards are the most forgotten things when purchasing things for a baby shower. So by making sure that you are ahead of the game you will not be rushing out to find cards later and settling on something you do not like.

Baby shower cards are important as they express the importance of someone coming to your event and also they can show how much you truly appreciate them once it was all said and done. You do not want people thinking you took their gift and ran and that you truly were happy to have them there, no matter what gift, if any, they brought to the baby shower. It is also true that the design and style of baby shower cards you select tells a lot about your personality and what type of event they can expect.

Designs and Styles

One would think that baby shower cards are all alike but they could not be further from the truth. Baby shower cards are a way to express yourself above and beyond being invited to a party. You do not have to blow your budget on the baby shower cards themselves just because you want to impress people. There is no reason to spend a couple of hundred dollars on invitations and thank you cards if the party is just going to be a casual event held within your living room as that is where most people end up having their party.

In fact, you do not have to spend much money at all on baby shower cards as you can create something at home on a computer and have them turn out quite nice. You can create and come up with something yourself or use can search the Internet for baby shower cards and templates that can be used to create something pretty impressive. Some of the templates for baby shower cards are so impressive that people will have a hard time believing you did it yourself. Take your time in deciding which way to go and before you know it you will have some fabulous looking baby shower cards to give your guests.

Baby Shower Special Invitations

Choosing the Baby Shower Invitations

When you're going to host a shower, one of the first things you need to do is choose the baby shower invitations you will send out to the invited guests. You want the invitations to adequately set the style and mood for the party. The baby shower invitations will be the guests' first exposure to what the party will be, and can help them get excited about attending.

Variety of Baby Shower Invitations

There are a very wide variety of baby shower invitations available today. In the past, most people would go to their local drug store and buy a packet of invitations (8 cards, 8 envelopes) that were "cute" or "nice", and were the right gender for the expected baby. The choices were very limited. Now, invitations are available over the internet in such a wide variety of options – almost anything you could want.

If you don't like the ones made by a company and available to purchase online or in stores, you can make them yourself! Making your own invitations is now a very popular thing to do. It is a way to be creative and personal, and end up with the baby shower invitations just as you imagined them. Using velum, ribbon, rivets, laser text, pictures --- you name it, the products are now available at many craft or scrapbooking stores. And taking the time to make them does not need to be a burden - Why not make it a party for the co-hosts to make the invitations?

Baby Shower Invitations Go With a Theme – Or Not

Baby shower invitations can go with the theme of the party, if the theme is chosen ahead. If not, it is okay to send out "baby" themed invitations, such as shaped as a baby bib, or baby blocks, or a stork. These things "shout" baby shower and are always acceptable.

On the other hand, it can make the shower a lot of fun if there is an overriding theme to the party. Themes tie the various pieces of the party together. Some cute themes that are popular now are Noah's Ark, Winnie-the-Pooh, Baby Animals, "It's a Boy!", or "It's a Girl!"

Baby Shower Invitation Do's and Don'ts

Send the invitations out about four weeks ahead of the event. That gives the guests plenty of time to plan ahead. Basics to include on the invitation are the name of the mother-to-be and baby (if named), date, time, place, and an RSVP date and phone number (specify who is hosting the party!). If the party is going to be a surprise, but sure to put that on the invitation too, so that no one accidentally tells the mother-to-be! If she is registered at any baby stores, it would be good to include that information.

The baby shower invitations are a great way to not only let the guests know about the upcoming party, but to also get them excited about attending and celebrating the birth of a new baby.

Ideas for Your Lovely Baby Shower

Baby Shower Ideas to Consider
It used to be that a baby shower was a mostly stiff and formal affair, for just the mother-to-be and her closest female relatives, who drank tea and exchanged parenting tips. While some of that is still the same – we still love to give parenting tips - there are many creative ideas for baby showers now!

Creative Baby Shower Ideas
One big change to the baby shower “etiquette” is whether or not to invite male guests. In many circles, now couples are invited to a shower together. While the girls can’t be quite as “giggly” and “girly” as when just the women at the party, the guys can add a fun dynamic to the event.

One baby shower idea for a couples shower is to divide the games along gender lines, with the men and women on opposite teams. It would also work to have games designed around sports themes, such as “changing a baby while watching football on TV” or “quickly changing baby’s clothes”. While many men are wonderful at changing diapers and dressing a baby, it is definitely a skill that men acquire – most are not born with it, and don’t mind playing with it a bit.

Another creative baby shower idea is for the mother-to-be who likes crafts or scrapbooking. The host can plan a craft party or scrapbooking party. If the guests create scrapbooking pages that the mother can later add photos to, or if they complete a creative project that the mother-to-be wanted done (maybe decorating the baby’s playroom or making a quilt for the baby), the mother-to-be would appreciate it.

Additional Successful Baby Shower Ideas
A few things that are good to keep in mind while planning a baby shower include having a comfortable seat chosen for the mother-to-be to sit in. She’ll want one where she can be the “star of the show” and everyone can see her open presents, but also one that is comfortable for her pregnant body. It helps if the seating is in a circle so that presents can be passed around for everyone to “ooh and aah” about. Circular seating arrangement can facilitate games, as well.

Another baby shower idea is to have someone assigned to write down all gifts and who they came from. That way, if the present gets separated from the card, the mother has a way to still thank the appropriate giver. Have people help the mother-to-be get the gifts to her car. Sometimes the father-to-be comes and helps her with this, but if not, be sure she isn’t doing it alone while everyone else is still eating cake and drinking punch. Remember, she’s the guest of honor – treat her that way!

A great idea for a baby shower that the mother-to-be will love is to considering “showering” the mother-to-be with a few presents to pamper her – like bubble bath, slippers, candles, or a nice “new mother” CD. Great lullaby music can help both her and the new baby relax and sleep when that is what they need most.

Baby Showers – Then and Now

Baby showers can be a lot of fun for the mother-to-be and her friends. It is a chance for them to celebrate the new life and to “shower” the mother-to-be with love and gifts. Since time immemorial, every culture has had ways of celebrating the beginning of a pregnancy.

It used to be that gifts were given to the mother after the baby was born. It was often just an afternoon tea party for the mother and her close female relatives. The gifts she would receive would be generally handmade and almost always very practical. Generally they would have a shower only for the first baby in a family, the one that first make the “mother-to-be” into a mother. And there would usually be just one party given for that baby.

Modern Baby Showers
Now, not only are baby showers often given for subsequent children joining the family, but the mother is often “showered” more than once, by various groups: work, church, relatives, etc. They are often planned to include both men and women the pregnant couple knows. It can be very sophisticated and elegant, or is can be much more casual.

Showers today usually only last a few hours and are often held at a restaurant or someone’s home. The shower is often held prior to the birth by a month or two, which is usually early enough even if the baby decides to come a bit early. This extra time gives the mother time to exchange duplicate gifts and buy anything else she feels she still needs but didn’t get at the shower.

Usually there will be food of some sort at the baby shower, either just snacks or complete meals. There is also generally a cake – which is often the centerpiece on the table; it can be a simple sheet cakes, or something much more unique and elaborate. There are many ideas available for creative cakes that tie in perfectly with the theme of the baby shower. It is a good idea to choose a theme and plan for the cake at the same time, before announcing the details of the shower to the mother and guests. This way, the host can be sure they have a cake that ties in well with their theme and isn’t struggling at the last minute to find a suitable cake.

Hosting a baby shower doesn’t have to be expensive, as the budget can dictate where and how the party will be held. A more expensive event does not mean that the mother-to-be is more loved, or that it will be more fun. A shower can be a lot of fun without being expensive if you are having a theme that can tie the party together. While some scoff at games being “silly”, they can be great for breaking the ice among people who may not know each other and can also help the various generations relate more to one another. Besides, when else is playing silly games socially acceptable? Enjoy planning and attending the baby shower, and remember that the memories are the important part.

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