Baby Shower Planning Checklist - the Ultimate Tool to Pull Off the Perfect Party Effortlessly
The Benefits of Having a Checklist:
A baby shower checklist is vital to keeping yourself organized and for keeping track of all that you need to do while planning for this special event. A checklist will assist you in making sure all of the bases are covered and will ultimately help you walk away with a great baby shower and a slim to none chance of chaos or frustration. Sit down and write out everything you need to do to make the shower happen. You should include a list of names and phone numbers of whoever will be helping you to accomplish it as well. The good news is that this is one of the simplest of parties to plan when you have a checklist in hand.
Check With Mommy-To-Be:
Before going any further with your planning and before you choose the date make sure you contact the mommy-to-be and talk with her about when a good time and date for her would be. Pregnant moms and new moms are usually quite busy. While a surprise baby shower for a first time pregnant mom may be an option it is out of the question for a new mother with varying demands.
Getting Started on Your List:
At the top of your page write the date of the event, the location and the theme if you know it. If not, begin there with your planning. Next, create categories such as:
Guests: Invitations should be given out a month in advance. Keep a list of everyone invited through invitation or through word of mouth and check their names off as they respond. Call those that did not return a response a few days before the shower to see if they can make it or not.
Location: Finding the right location for the baby shower means knowing how many will be attending. Once you have a basic idea, look for baby shower locations that will meet your needs. The venue needs to be booked, set up and paid for.
Food: Some locations provide food, others do not. Will you have the shower catered? Will it be a pot luck event? Determine where the food will come from, who will help with it, and how will it be served (e.g. paper plates or dishes, cutlery or finger food).
Decorations: Are you having a theme for the baby shower? Choose decorations that will reflect the theme and decide who will buy, put up and take down the decorations.
Sample Baby Shower Checklist:
One to Two Months Prior to Party:
Choose a date
Create a guest list with names and phone numbers or addresses
Choose a location
Choose a baby shower theme
Brainstorm baby shower decorations ideas
Buy baby shower invitations or make them yourself
Plan the baby shower menu
Plan baby shower games and activities
Two to Three Weeks Prior to Party:
Send invitations or make phone calls to invite guests (remember to give good directions)
Order baby shower cake
Order flowers or baby shower balloon bouquets (if applicable)
Buy or make baby shower decorations
Buy baby shower party favors and game prizes
Finalize the menu (confirm with friends who are helping)
One Week Prior to Party:
Order or assemble all of the chairs, tables, dishes, utensils, etc.
Make a final guest count and make phone calls if necessary
Make baby shower food orders (if applicable)
Confirm reservations for location (if applicable)
Buy film for camera
Begin to clean and prepare your home (if this is where the party will be held)
Buy and wrap your baby shower gift for the mommy-to-be
The Day Prior to Party:
Gift wrap baby shower favors and/or game prizes
Review games and baby shower activities to make sure you are prepared
Begin decorating
Pick up the cake
Buy beverages and ice
Make street signs (tip: adding a couple balloons to the sign will draw guests’ attention)
Set up tables, chairs, buffet table, etc.
Party Day:
Set out party favors at place settings or on a separate table
Finish decorating
Set out food and beverages
Set out plates, napkins, cutlery
Have a garbage bag ready for wrapping paper
Pick up balloons
Take a deep breath, smile and know that you have done everything perfectly to make this a celebration to remember.
Other Featured Articles:
Baby Shower Tips | Baby Shower Food | Baby Shower Party Favor
| 
