Travel and Leisure

If you are hosting a baby shower for your best friend or relative then you want to make sure it will fun, memorable, and stress free! The best way to guarantee this is to plan the baby shower online. Creating a website for the baby shower will not only help you stay organized, but it will allow you to share and inform guests about all of the details and allow others to be involved in the planning process.

Here are 8 steps to follow to begin planning a successful baby shower:

1. Select date, time and location

When to hold the baby shower is up to the expecting mother. It usually occurs 4-6 weeks before the baby is due. Baby showers are usually held on Saturday or Sunday afternoons as this is usually the most convenient time. You need to make sure that the date/time is suitable for those 'must be there' guests such as the future grandmothers, aunts, and G-d mother. Having the shower on the weekend also makes it possible for out-of-town guests to attend. You can select the best possible date and time for the shower by setting up a poll on the shower website. This is the best way to learn the availability of your guests and chose the date/time that accommodates the most amount of people.

You should have a general idea of the number of guests that will be attending before selecting the location. Baby showers are usually held at the hostesses home as it is the most intimate option, however you want to make sure there is enough room for your guests to be comfortable. If you decide to have the shower at a restaurant, hotel or another venue, then you should book early to make sure you can reserve it for the date you want.

The baby shower website will be able to provide your guests with all of the details of the event, including date, time, and map to location. It will also inform them about any changes or updates.

2. Set a budget

Before arranging anything, you first need to establish how much you are willing and able to spend on the baby shower. Your budget will need to consider; invitations, decor, food and drinks, games, supplies and a gift. It is sometimes a good idea to have a co-host to help you with the costs. Having the baby shower at yours or another guests home is the most economical option. The menu and decor will also depend on your budget.

3. Create a guest list

Asking the mother-to-be who she wants to invite is the best way to make sure you do not forget about anyone important. Friends, family and co-workers usually make up the guest list. You want to obtain the contact information (address, phone number, email) of invitees as soon as possible to be able to get an estimation on the number of attending guests so you can continue planning.

4. Choose a theme

As the host, you can decide whether or not the baby shower will have a theme. Selecting a theme definitely adds to the ambiance of the shower and makes it easier to plan the website and invitation design, food, games and decor. If the expecting mother loves tea, then the shower theme can be a "tea party" whereby different teas will be served in fun and pretty tea cups. "Pampering mom" is another possible theme whereby everyone will receive spa treatments including hair, nails, facials, and massages. If you are having trouble deciding on a theme, you can ask your guests for their input and suggestions on your website message board.

Themes aren't necessary to plan a fun shower. You can simply choose pink or blue decor (depending if you know the sex of the baby) and can have supplies with pictures of toys and animals on it to add to the 'baby' feel.

5. Invite guests

It is so easy to invite guest online to the baby shower by sending out a broadcast email. The invitation should be informative and fun and include the following information:

• Date, time, location and theme of the shower
• Contact person information (# and email)
• A link to the baby shower website
• A description of activities that will take place
• Explain how to RSVP online and mention RSVP deadline
• Include baby registry information

With you baby shower website, guests will be able to RSVP online, and should be encouraged to do so by a specified date. This will allow you to always keep track of your guest list, and send out reminders to those who have not responded.

6. Menu

The menu will depend on the time of day the shower is being held. If the shower is taking place over a meal time then you are expected to serve various food options. It can be either a sit down meal or a buffet. If the shower is held during an afternoon, then snacks and appetizers are sufficient.

If the shower is at someone's home, the food can be homemade or catered. If you decide to have the shower at a restaurant or another venue, then you will need to create a special menu in advance. Regardless of the shower's location, you want to create a menu that fits within your budget and is consistent with the theme of the baby shower.

It is customary to have a cake for the expecting mom at the baby shower. You should decide early if you or another guest will make the cake or it will be ordered from a bakery. The design on the cake should be related to the theme of the shower.

In order to make sure your food selection matches the tastes and dietary requirements of your guests, you can ask guests about their preferences and any restrictions on their online RSVP form available on the baby shower website.

7. What games will you play?

A fun baby shower includes many silly games and prizes. Games and activities are a great way to get guests acquainted and mingling. They should be simple and easy to explain and set up. You need to plan this in advance to make sure you have all the right supplies. Games and activities should be selected based on the theme and baby related topics, and you want to make sure the mom-to-be can participate and enjoy. You can have any type of baby games such as baby name Scrabble, or pin the pacifier on the baby, a guess who gave it gift opening game.

8. Gift registry

You and your guests want to buy the expecting mom something she actually needs and wants. A gift registry can be set up on your baby shower website with details and a direct link to the expecting mom's online registry for guests to browse and purchase.