The Benefits of Choosing a Baby Shower Theme
With so many adorable baby shower themes to choose from, the most difficult part of this aspect of planning might just be selecting the perfect one. A wise host will get together with the mother-to-be early on to begin discussing the party details. The baby shower is after all, supposed to be her special day, so it makes sense that the guest of honor should participate in the decision-making stage.
If the baby shower is planned as a surprise, the host won't be able to directly ask the guest of honor about her preferences, but the host should be close enough to her to know a bit about what she likes and dislikes. The host may know the baby's gender, and even whether the expectant mother has already selected a theme, or at least a color scheme, for the baby's nursery, knowing that type of information is a great way to begin the theme selection process.
Before planning a theme, it's important to decide the 'tone' of the shower. Will it be formal or informal? Will the baby shower will be a 'girls only' gathering, or will the guys be invited too? If the guys are coming, it might be a good idea to go easy on the frilly décor. Themes in this case can be more adult-oriented, if desired. A sports theme (especially if the baby is a boy) or even a luau theme work really well for showers that will include the men.
If the guys aren't going to be invited, then the theme choices are wide open. Here are just a few timeless selections:
Prince/Princess
Winnie the Pooh/other Disney characters
Animals
Nursery Rhymes
Angels
Rubber Ducks
Sports
Holiday
Celebrity
Double-Trouble (when twins are coming)
Baby socks/umbrellas
The baby shower theme can also be built around a concept such as a 'Safety Shower' where guests bring gifts that are geared towards child safety or a 'Pamper Mommy' theme where guests bring gifts to comfort the mother-to-be. Themes that focus on the guest of honor are perfect when the baby shower is for a second or third child. A scrapbooking theme is perfect for the mother-to-be who enjoys this type of activity. All sorts of baby-inspired paper and decorating accessories are readily available.
The bottom line is, the creative baby shower host can probably make any baby shower theme work, if she's willing to invest both the time and money. Pulling off a theme can get expensive, especially if a lot of guests are expected. In the end, it doesn't matter whether the plates and napkins are white or themed because they will end up in the trash. What really matters is that everyone has a relaxing and memorable day.
Decorating Around a Baby Shower Theme
Host and expectant mother have spent time together working out the details of the baby shower, including the theme, and now it's time to get busy putting all the details together so the end result is a memorable occasion. How extensive the decorating gets will depend greatly on the amount that has been budgeted for this task. It's also going to depend on the number of guests that are expected to attend. Keep in mind that each additional guest will increase the overall cost of the baby shower, even if it's just slightly.
Just how much decorating should the host tackle? That question is difficult to answer in general terms. Each baby shower is different, and each baby shower budget is different as well. The extent of decorating is also going to depend on the location of the baby shower. For example, if the shower is being held at a restaurant or private club, there may be limits on what can be decorated and the types of decorations that can be used. That's why it's a good idea to nail down the decorating details before reserving a location.
Regardless of location, a few basic decorations will go a long way towards creating the right effect. Begin with a balloon bouquet to mark the location of the baby shower. That's a perfect way to show at a glance that a festive occasion awaits those who enter. For a memorable effect, choose balloon colors that complement the theme of the baby shower. Another popular choice to mark the shower location is with a sign. There's no mistaking the purpose of a stork – it's a clear sign that a baby is coming soon!
The next place to spend some of the decorating budget is on the paper goods, and in particular, those items that are needed for food and beverages. Food is almost always served at baby showers and guests will need something to put food on and drinks in. Offering guests theme-inspired or color-coordinated plates, cups, napkins, and eating utensils that support or that complement the theme of the baby shower is always a great idea.
From there, what else gets decorated becomes mostly a matter of money. Tablecloths are a great way to pull a room together. Again, if there's a theme, there's probably a tablecloth available in that theme. Hanging paper streamers across the ceiling and banners across walls are both inexpensive ways to create a festive mood and reinforce the baby shower message. Bags of confetti sprinkled across tabletops add a bit of glitz.
Centerpieces can be added onto tables, but if money is tight, the cake can always do double-duty as a centerpiece. Fresh flower arrangements, place cards and candles are other ways tables can be dressed up.
For planning purposes, decorating typically happens on the day of or one day before the baby shower. Purchase decorations several weeks in advance, except for balloons which should be picked up on the day of the shower.