Are you planning a baby shower for a mom-to-be, or maybe even for yourself (don't be ashamed; every baby deserves a celebration!)? It can be a little more overwhelming than you may think. Here are some guidelines to help ensure that your shower goes off without a hitch.

It's quite overwhelming when you are organizing a baby shower, there's so much to do and so little time, plus you never know when the baby might decide to pop up much before the planned party. Usually the baby shower party is organized 6-8 months before the due date.

First thing, where, how and when:
Here's a list of things that are absolutely crucial for the baby's shower party.

- When to hold the party, a designated date

- Where to hold the party

- Who is going to be throwing the party

If you are likely to have the lots of relatives, friends and office coworkers, then it would be a great idea to have it at a large restaurant or some other party place. If you have a big house, then obviously that would suffice. Depending on the number of expected guest, you would need to organize the place.

The ideal date for the baby showers should be 6-8 weeks before the due date. If you think that the mother to be is likely to be having a number of baby showers, and then decide the date accordingly. Now there can be several baby showers especially for the first time mother, so its important to establish, who's going to be the host for the party.

Set a budget for the baby shower:
Depending on the number of people, the babys shower theme, the babys shower invitations, the baby sshower decorations and other aspects, your budget should be set. Remember that food and shower will be the major expenses for your budget.

Setting a theme for the baby shower:

It's great when you have a baby's shower theme. It doesn't need to be elaborate; even a simple theme of blue and pink will do the trick. Of course you can have babys shower themes such as Disney characters, bob the builder, cartoon characters, barbeque and many more. Once you have set the theme, other things such as babys shower invitations, baby's shower decorations and baby shower favors will follow suit.

The guest list for the baby shower:
Make a guest list for the baby shower and ask the mother to be, if she would require someone special. Go over the list and then plan out and print the invitations so that it reaches the guests at least 3 weeks prior to the date of the baby shower. This will give them time to send you their RSVP. This can help you to estimate the number of people expected for the party.

What to eat at the baby shower:
If you are having the party at home, mix and match some finger foods along with some foods such as pasta and baked dishes. Salads, pastas, baked and some kebabs should actually see you through the party. You can even ask the guests to get a food of their choice. When you are having it at a restaurant, then you can pick and choose from their menu.

Games also form an integral part of the baby showers. Ensure that you have something planned to keep the guests entertained and make your baby shower a success.

Baby shower favors:
Baby shower favors should be linked to the theme that you have. The party favors should have a personal touch to them. Some of the things that work very well are pot pouri, small silver boxes, candy and many more.

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