who not to invite to your baby shower
When planning a baby shower, it's wise to exclude people who might create an uncomfortable atmosphere, such as those with a history of negativity or criticism toward your pregnancy. Avoid inviting individuals who have unresolved conflicts with you or the guest of honor, as they could lead to tension. Skip anyone known for causing drama or stealing the spotlight, like overly competitive relatives or friends who might turn the event into something about themselves. Don't include people who are not genuinely supportive, such as those who have been absent or unsupportive during your journey. Consider omitting acquaintances who aren't close to keep the gathering intimate and meaningful. If health concerns are a factor, steer clear of inviting anyone currently ill or in high-risk categories to protect the mother-to-be and attendees. Also, think twice about including those who might not respect boundaries, like individuals with a track record of inappropriate behavior or gossip.
mother in-law baby shower etiquette
As a mother-in-law, it's important to approach a baby shower with sensitivity and support for the expectant parents. Always wait for an invitation before assuming attendance, and if invited, RSVP promptly to show respect for the hosts. Offer to help with planning or hosting only if asked, to avoid overstepping boundaries, especially if the event is organized by the expectant mother's family or friends.
When it comes to gifts, choose items from the baby registry if one exists, or opt for practical, thoughtful presents like books, diapers, or personalized keepsakes. Keep the gift within a reasonable budget to maintain good relations, and present it with a warm, congratulatory note.
During the event, be gracious and positive—focus on celebrating the parents-to-be rather than sharing unsolicited advice or stories about your own experiences. If family tensions exist, handle them discreetly to keep the atmosphere joyful. After the shower, follow up with a thank-you if you hosted or contributed significantly, and offer ongoing support to the new family.
baby shower games
Baby shower games are fun activities to entertain guests at a party celebrating a new baby. Popular options include:
Baby Bingo, where players mark items on a bingo card as gifts are opened.
Guess the Baby Food, in which blindfolded participants taste different baby foods and try to identify the flavors.
Don't Say Baby, a game where guests wear a pin or clip and must avoid saying "baby"—if they slip up, they give their item to another player.
Baby Word Scramble, involving unjumbling words related to babies, like "diaper" or "crib."
The Diaper Changing Race, where teams compete to change a doll's diaper as quickly and accurately as possible.
Price is Right for Baby Items, where guests guess the prices of common baby products like bottles or strollers.
What's in the Diaper, a humorous game where players identify melted candy bars mixed into diapers to resemble baby poop.
Baby Animal Match, matching baby animals (like a foal) to their adult counterparts.
These games can be adapted for different group sizes and often require simple supplies like paper, pens, and baby-themed items.
who pays for a baby shower when it's at a restaurant
The host of the baby shower, typically a close friend or family member of the expectant mother, is traditionally responsible for covering the costs, including the restaurant venue. However, in practice, expenses might be shared among co-hosts, split with attendees (such as through a group contribution or potluck-style elements), or even partially covered by the parents-to-be, depending on the group's agreement and financial situation. It's courteous to clarify payment arrangements in advance to ensure everyone is comfortable.
how many people to invite to baby shower
The number of people to invite to a baby shower typically ranges from 10 to 50, depending on factors like the venue size, budget, and the parents-to-be's preferences. For a more intimate event, aim for 10-20 close family members and friends to keep it personal and manageable. If you want a larger gathering, up to 50 guests might include extended family, coworkers, or acquaintances, but ensure the space can accommodate everyone comfortably. Consider your budget for food, games, and favors, as well as any restrictions like venue capacity or health guidelines. Always check with the expectant parents for their comfort level and guest list ideas.
can a mom throw a baby shower for her daughter
Yes, a mom can throw a baby shower for her daughter. It's a common and acceptable practice, as baby showers are often hosted by close family members like mothers, sisters, or friends. While traditional etiquette advises that the expectant mother shouldn't host her own shower to avoid it seeming like she's asking for gifts, there's no strict rule against a parent organizing one. Many moms do this to help plan and celebrate the event, especially if their daughter is busy or needs support. Cultural norms may vary, but in general English-speaking contexts, it's fine and even heartwarming. If you're planning one, consider involving other family or friends to share the responsibilities and make it more collaborative.
who plans a baby shower
A baby shower is typically planned by close friends or family members of the expectant mother, such as a best friend, sister, mother, or sometimes a group of people close to her. It is not usually organized by the expectant mother herself.
baby shower hostess duties
A baby shower hostess is responsible for planning the event, including selecting the date, time, location, and theme; creating and sending invitations; managing the guest list; decorating the venue to create a festive atmosphere; arranging food, beverages, and any special treats like a cake; organizing games, activities, or entertainment to engage guests; welcoming and introducing attendees; overseeing the gift-opening process and ensuring gifts are handled properly; and managing any necessary setup and cleanup to ensure the event runs smoothly.