When it comes to organizing a memorable baby shower, two critical factors can make or break the celebration: the venue and the guest list. Choosing the right location and carefully curating your guest list can set the tone for a joyous and unforgettable event. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the essential steps to help you make informed decisions and ensure your baby shower is a resounding success.
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(photo credit to Sofiya Levchenko on Unsplash)
Crafting the Ultimate Guest List:
Prioritize Close Friends and Family: Start by listing the essential people, such as immediate family and best friends; these are the individuals who should be at the top of your guest list.
Consider the Parents' Preferences: Ask the expectant mother or parents for their input on the guest list (we're not going to address surprise parties!). Let's face it, she may have specific people she wants to invite or exclude whom you don't know about, so best to figure all of that out early in the process. But leave room for some additional guests later.
Size Matters: Keep the size of the venue in mind when finalizing your guest list. It's crucial to strike a balance between inviting everyone you'd like and ensuring the space doesn't become overcrowded. We're going to advocate for establishing the guest list first and working from there but, as we'll discuss in future posts, budget and available venues might require adjustments.
Theme and Activities: Consider the theme and activities planned for the baby shower (also a future blog post). Some games and activities may be more enjoyable with a smaller, more intimate group, while others can accommodate a larger crowd. Though, you can always make adjustments, people come first!
Send Save-the-Date Notifications Early: Once you've finalized the guest list, you'll want to informally alert invitees to the date/time well in advance while you prepare the invitations. This gives guests ample time to RSVP (and allows you to make adjustments to the guest list) and helps you plan for the other elements of the shower. ** We'll address these aspects in upcoming posts too.
** For the DIYers, this is a great time also to start gauging whether certain guests want to help with decorations or other handmade gifts and favors for the party.
Selecting the Perfect Venue:
Consider the Paents-to-Be's Preferences: Start by consulting with the expectant parent(s). Does she or they envision an intimate gathering at home or a more elaborate affair at a rented space? Understanding the guests of honors' preferences is the first step in making the day special. In fact, this is a good time to address whether the shower will be co-ed or just for female family and friends. Taking into account the envisioned guest list will help in a lot of the planning going forward, such as the theme of the party, venue, activities, food, etc. It really is the first step, so go back up to the beginning of this post to concentrate on guest list first, then come back here :-)
Capacity and Comfort: Evaluate the number of guests you plan to invite. Ensure the chosen venue can comfortably accommodate everyone while maintaining a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Indoor or Outdoor: Decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor baby shower. Outdoor venues like gardens or parks can add a charming natural backdrop, while indoor spaces offer climate control and versatility.
Accessibility: Check if the venue is easily accessible to all guests, including those with mobility issues. Consider parking availability and proximity to public transportation.
Budget: Set a budget for the venue, keeping in mind that some locations may require rental fees. Be sure to account for any additional costs, such as decorations or catering. We have an upcoming blog post on setting a budget.
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