Congrats! You’re having a baby (or you are having a shower for someone who is.) While it’s tempting to go overboard on the cute and cuddly in celebration of the life-changing event, it’s best to keep your head when planning for the baby shower. Here are essential suggestions for keeping the costs of your creative celebration under control.
Keep a Manageable Guest List
Avoid inviting everyone from your Facebook friends list to the baby shower, especially if you’re doing it simply to fulfill the gift registry. Many people are having a hard enough time getting by in this economy, and you don’t want to seem like you’re just seeking out their presence as a way to get more presents. The tactful and genuine thing to do is invite close friends, close family, and one or two “have-to’s” that you know want to be there (like an ex-sister-in-law that you know will come, anyway). If you’re planning everything for an expecting friend, be certain to get her approval on the list before sending out the invites.
- Photo: Safetypinheart
Serve Snacks, Not Meals
Most people assume that there will light food options at any shower, and they are not expecting to get full at the event. To be certain that you don’t disappoint, however, be sure to indicate that “light refreshments will be served” on your invites. This can signal to guests that they had better eat before they arrive, or make plans for a full meal upon returning home.
Keep Things Homey
There’s no need to rent out a hall or other event venue for a handful of good friends and family. If the weather is nice, plan an outside patio affair, and be open to moving the shindig inside if rain makes an appearance. As long as you have the seating for the event, it’s perfectly acceptable to save the rental fee and deposit on a larger venue, (and guests will likely feel more like “friends and family” if you invite them into your home.)
Schedule Smartly
Baby showers can drag on forever, making it boring for guests and costly for those providing the snacks and activities. Instead of opting for a never-ending early afternoon event, try doing a late-afternoon party, starting at 3pm or so. Guests will have to get home for dinner after no more than two hours, and this will guarantee that no one will hang around longer than their welcome.
Pick a Drink and Stick with It
If alcoholic beverages are the expectation for the shower, go ahead and design and serve just one signature drink with a fun baby-shower theme. By choosing a special mixed libation that’s particularly sweet or indulgent, you will likely serve no more than one drink per person and can keep costs down compared to that of a full bar. (Those that do tolerate more than one will be balanced by those who pass on the alcohol.) You won’t appear cheap, just festive!
Make it Mini
For food and desserts, it’s best to make small or “petite” servings. Not only are they cute and perfect for celebrating a tiny new person’s entrance into the world, they can actually encourage guests to eat slower and less often during the event. Mini quiches, smaller crackers, tiny cupcakes, and other miniature and affordable appetizers seem classy, and they are very affordable to make.
Baby showers are by no means the most expensive event you’ll host in a lifetime, and it won’t compare to the cost of raising a child. By being prepared with a responsible plan for feeding and entertaining your guests, you can kick the cost of any surprise elements out of the party plans. If you need more ideas here are some ideas for baby shower supplies.
What tips do you have for creating and planning the perfectly-priced baby shower?
Linsey Knerl is a homeschooling mom of 5 and a freelance blogger and writer. You can read more about her at www.the1099mom.com