Baby Showers
A new life is a beautiful gift to every parent. Carrying the baby in the womb for nine months is an amazing experience for mothers. It is undeniably the very first “bonding” of the mother and the child, as well as a moving life experience. For the families and friends of these mothers-to-be, they share in the joy and excitement of the new addition to the circle.
Baby Showers
For many families and close friends, there is nothing more special than to greet a new life through baby showers. Customarily, only non-relatives were supposed to host a baby shower –people like co-workers, neighbors, church groups, friends, and others. However, in recent years it has turned into a “family” affair, where sisters and mothers have become acceptable and common planners of baby showers.
Why not? If someone takes the initiative to plan the shower, whether a family or a friend, the most important thing is the wonderful display of care and love for the family addition and the special way to give a hand in welcoming the baby into this world. In reality, the only person who absolutely must not host the baby shower is the mom-to-be herself.
History of Baby Showers
It has been said that baby showers originated way back the eighteen hundreds. It got its name from “showering” gifts and love for the expectant mother. It began as simply tea parties for women who shared a day with the expecting mother and female members of the family. The gifts that were given to the mom-to-be were especially useful in nature and were handmade.
Baby showers were initially prepared for mothers who were expecting their very first babies; but the custom has changed into showers for every new addition to the family. They were usually held during afternoons on a weekend when everybody could attend and share in the excitement and fun. Only one baby shower was thrown for the mom-to-be, but now a lot of expecting mothers get more than just one party from their various friend groups, family members, and co-workers.
Planning the baby shower
To host a baby shower means coming down with a great plan and organization to make it an unforgettable and enjoyable event for the mom-to-be. Planning and organizing will allow the host to be in control and ensure that nothing is forgotten and the “guest mom” gets the time of her life.
Guest List
Creating a guest list is the initial step for planning successful baby showers. It will help the host to have an idea of the number of people that will be invited to the party, which is a main factor in budgeting. If possible, organize with the family who will be hosting other shower parties and check their list of guests: avoid inviting the same guests, unless you want to.
Budgeting
This will determine on how grand or how simple the shower party will be including the venue, the food, and decorations. Stick to the budget no matter how small, there are always many ways to make it a special event.
Baby Shower Theme
Choose the theme that may be suitable to the message you want to convey. The theme will set the party’s tone, as well as decorations and menu.
Baby Shower Invitations
At the minimum, eight weeks before the planned baby shower, the host must have the final list of guests for the invitations. The invitation should match the theme, and contain complete information like date, time, location, and RSVP date and number to contact, as well as map to the location. Invitations should be sent at least five weeks before the date of the baby shower.
Baby showers are very special ways of sharing in the happiness and blessing of the expectant mother. Just remember that even if the party is grand or simple, it is for the mom –making sure that she’s comfy and happy all throughout the event will make it a successful event.