Being a hostess for a baby shower can be aa bit unnerving, especially today. Do the "old rules" still apply? What new "rules" exist that you may not know about?
Of course you want to avoid in etiquette missteps but how? No need to fret - this list of baby shower etiquette rules will ensure that no one is slighted and nothing is overlooked in your shower plans.
How Many Hostesses?
One hostess is all that is needed for a baby shower but there's nothing wrong with having two. Three, however can be a crowd. Too many "cooks" spoil the soup!
It is smart to assign "helpers" to handle baby shower tasks if the workload of the shower is too demanding. The "helpers" should not be guests as they'll want to enjoy the activities too!
Choosing a Day for the Baby Shower
Best time is one - two months before the baby is born. But sometimes this can't be arranged it's okay to have a baby shower even after the baby is born. Up to two months after the birth is best for after-birth showers.
To Surprise or Not to Surprise!
Ask the mom-to-be's family and close friends for advise on this one. Surprise showers can be fun but can also catch people off-guard. If a surprise shower is planned be sure to consult family and friends when making the guest list and choosing the day.
Location, Location, Location
The hostess home is the typical location. But fun venues are also acceptable and can really add the the baby shower theme. Some things to consider for location choices:
Outside - You'll be relying on the weather for this venue. A park or back yard can be fun for outdoor activities.
Restaurant or Bar -they do the food, clean up and create the atmosphere making this a stress-free venue.
Spa - many spa's have party packages.
Church or Community center- a blank canvas just waiting to be decorated
Sprinkle - a Little or a Lot?
A sprinkle is given when the mom-to-be already has children that are young in age. No need for a full shower, just a sprinkle of gifts to get ready for the baby.
If the siblings are a good deal older, you probably will need a full baby shower. The mom has most likely gotten rid of the baby stuff by now.
Guys - Leave 'Em or Bring 'Em
Many of today's Dads want to be part of the shower fun. Before planning a couple shower, ask the mom-to-be if this is something they want as a couple. Couple showers are very popular but they aren't for everybody.
Invitations
It's appropriate to have mom-to-be make the guest list. Invitations should match the theme or occasion. If it's a more formal or fancy event, classier invitations set the mood. Novelty invitations are great for fun theme showers.
Invitations should be received three- four weeks before the shower.
Welcome!
Greet all the guests with a smile and a warm welcome. It's time to have fun! Name tags are great for a big shower or if many guests do not know each other.
Be sure to introduce everyone so they are all comfortable. As often as possible, walk guests to the door as they are leaving.
She's Special
Make mom-to-be feel special. Set up a special chair for the mommy, and arrange all other seating around it. Never let her lift anything, including the gifts. The belly will definitely be in the way so be sure to help her out. Serve her first when serving food.
Make sure to record the gifts and names of the gift giver for those all important thank you notes! You can assign this task to someone sitting close to the special guest-of-honor.
Party Killers!
The 2 biggest party killers are silence and lagging time. Don't make these mistakes!!
Set up some sort of fun activity to occupy guests as they are arrive.No one wants to make uncomfortable small talk while waiting for guest to arrive.
Keep track of the time!! Games that go on forever or huge spaces in-between activities will make your guests want to dash out the door!!
Games
Be sure to pick games appropriate for the mom-to-be and the guests. Two to three games should be enough for a two hour baby shower.
You could ask the mom-to-be for names of more out-going guest who will be the best to participate in the more out-going games. Here are some hilarious shower games that will get the party going!
Better to Give than Receive
No need for the hostess to give a gift since your gift is the baby shower. Giving a gift in addition to the shower is appropriate but not expected. Centerpieces and other party decor can be given to the mom-to-be too.
Come and Get it!
The type of food service will be determined by the shower theme - buffet, formal dining, appetizers. The standard rule with serving food is.....if you need to use a knife to eat the food it should be a sit down meal.
Baby, Baby Everywhere - Decor
Diaper cakes are a baby shower favorite. These are a clever way of presenting mom with a supply of those much needed must have! You'll find diaper cake instructions here. The latest in clever baby shower decor is the Baby Sock Bouquet. These supply mom with lots of those tiny socks in a bouquet that you'll swear look just like flowers. Make your own baby sock bouquet - instructions here.
A couple of important hostess food rules:
Never eat until everyone has been served.
Don't snack in front of the guests.
