When you're eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new baby, it's only natural to want to have a blow out celebration with friends and family, especially at the baby shower. However, with all the excitement, it's easy to get carried away and overspend. That's why setting a budget for the baby shower is a smart move.
In future posts, we'll be exploring some potentially big ticket items, like food and decorations, and we've already thought about our location, guest list, and theme. So, now, it's money time!
Why Budgeting for a Baby Shower is Essential
Baby showers are about celebrating, not stressing over finances. Establishing a budget from the beginning can help you stay organized and avoid any post-party financial woes. Here are some tips for how to keep it all manageable:
1. Determine Your Total Budget
The first step is to figure out how much you can realistically spend overall on the baby shower. Consider your financial situation and don't be afraid to ask for contributions from family members or friends who want to help out.
2. Prioritize Expenses
Now that you have your total budget, it's time to break it down into categories. Think about what aspects of the baby shower are most important to you. Potential expenses include venue, decorations, invitations, food, drinks, games, and party favors. Allocate a portion of your budget to each category based on your priorities. Even, as we'll discuss, you want to add DIY elements to the shower, you'll still need to budget for supplies and supplements.
3. Be Creative with Decorations
You don't need to break the bank to create a festive atmosphere. We'll have a future post on decorations for the shower, but adding a DIY element can be both budget-friendly and personal. Now that you have your theme, you can start pricing decorations and get lots of ideas from Pinterest and craft stores.
4. Plan a Potluck or DIY Food
One of the most significant expenses for any party is catering, especially in today's inflationary atmosphere. Consider hosting a potluck-style baby shower and ask family and close friends each to bring a dish to share. Alternatively, you can prepare simple, homemade snacks and refreshments to keep costs down. We'll go more in depth into this topic in a future post.
5. Digital Invites
Save money on paper invitations and postage by sending digital invites through email or social media. There are plenty of templates available online that allow you to create beautiful, personalized invitations, and we've got a few in the pipeline as well that we'll share in a future post. Alternatively, creating handmade invitations can be cost effective and really add a personal touch, but factor in the DIY supplies you'll need.
6. Keep Guest List in Check
The more guests you invite, the more you'll spend on food, drinks, and party favors. Keep your guest list manageable by inviting close friends and family members. This not only saves money but also creates a more intimate gathering.
7. Set Realistic Expectations
Remember that the purpose of the baby shower is to celebrate the upcoming arrival of the baby, not to impress anyone with extravagance. Setting realistic expectations for the event can help you stick to your budget without feeling pressured to overspend.
8. Shop Smart for Gifts and Favors
When it comes to party favors and gifts, look for affordable yet thoughtful options. You can find cute and practical baby shower favors and gifts at discount stores or online marketplaces. We'll explore some of the ways you can create reasonably priced but on theme party favors for your guests that help memorialize this amazing baby shower in a future post.
9. DIY Games and Entertainment
Instead of hiring entertainment, consider organizing your own games and activities. Simple games like "guess the baby food" or "baby bingo" can be a hit and won't cost much to set up. We've got a future post on this topic coming up too, but right now, just focus on how much money to allocate to these aspects of the shower.
10. Keep Track of Expenses
Throughout the planning process, keep a close eye on your spending. Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to record expenses and ensure you stay within your predetermined budget.
By following these budgeting tips, you can host a memorable baby shower without emptying your wallet. Remember that the most important thing is the love and joy you share with your loved ones as you eagerly await the newest addition to your community.
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