When it comes to baby showers there is a lot to learn. In this article, we discuss who organises and pays for a baby shower.
Who organises the baby shower?
It is up to the mum-to-be to decide who she wants to host the baby shower. But typically she doesn’t organise her own. She is the guest of honour and should be treated as so. And as she will be heavily pregnant by the time of the party, the last thing she would want to do is organise it herself. So she chooses someone else to organise and host. This way she can mingle, plays games, open presents, and enjoy herself.
The person who normally organises and hosts the baby shower is a close friend or family member. Who will enlist a few other friends and family to assist. This core group of people who are responsible to help with the party.
This group can be made up of anyone but should include the host, close friends and family members.
But that doesn’t mean the mum-to-be can’t host a baby shower herself. She might enjoy organising parties and would like to control everything. Or it could be a small or informal gathering where there’s not a lot to organise. The mum-to-be might also live far away from her friends. So she may choose to hold a virtual baby shower and host it herself.
She might have a fabulous relationship with her grandmother, mother-in-law, or colleague. And she may ask them to host the party instead. In the end, it is the mum-to-be’s choice and this should be respected.
Do both sides of the family throw a baby shower?
You should have only one baby shower that includes both families. This way, the members of the families get to know each other better. And have more time to bond as an extended family.
There could be a good reason to have more than one baby shower. There may be some internal conflict within the families. And you may want to keep them separate. There could be another major event at the same time as your party. That means half the guests may not be able to attend. Or you may have a large number of people to invite. So you have one for family and one for friends. Also, a large number of your friends may live overseas. This way you could have two parties, an in-person and a virtual baby shower.
Who pays for the baby shower?
So now you know who hosts the baby shower, but who pays for it? Traditionally the host will pay but this will depend on many factors. This includes the venue, budget, size of the guest list, and how extravagant it may be.
For instance, you can’t expect your best friend to throw a huge baby shower and pay for it all herself. So it is normal for the cost to be split between the host and the key organisers. This way the cost is shared with her closest family and friends.
Guests are not expected to pay for attending the baby shower. Especially since they will already be spending money on a baby shower present.
How much does the average baby shower cost?
The cost of a baby shower will depend on many things. This includes the venue, size of the guest list, cost of catering, drinks, and decorations.
Guest List – The number of guests you have at your party shouldn’t have a huge impact on the cost. You may have to pay more for catering and increase the venue size if inviting more people. The host should work closely with the mum to be on who to invite.
Food and Drinks – Another major cost of a baby shower is the catering. Whether you are celebrating at your own home or at a venue, food and drinks can take up a large part of your budget.
Venue – This will be one of the major costs for any party. In consultation with the mum-to-be, the host will decide on where to hold the baby shower. The choice of the venue will most likely be decided on the budget and the preference of the mum.
Decorations – The decorations shouldn’t be too expensive. And will be put up by the host and close friends. So this won’t have a big impact on the spending of the party. Unless the mum-to-be wants very specific decorations.
So once you have included the venue hire, decorations, games, refreshments and number of guests. The average cost of a baby shower will be between $20 and $30 per person. And the overall cost will depend on how many people attend your baby shower.
How many guests should I invite?
The number of guests you invite will depend on how many the mum-to-be would like. If she would prefer an intimate gathering you should invite only a small number of people. If she would prefer a larger party then you should invite more. While most people choose to invite between 25 and 35 people. The budget and venue will impact the final numbers.
How do you throw a baby shower on a budget?
You may not want to have an extravagant party. And save your family and friends from spending too much money. So here are some ideas to hold a baby shower on a budget.
Venue – As some venues cost a lot, this is where you could save money. You could hold the party at a park, beach or at your house. These places should cost you nothing.
Decorations – If you are trying to spend less you can hire decorations instead of buying them. Or you could borrow the items needed for the day. Stay away from balloons as they are bad for the environment. Instead, request some decorations that could be used for both the baby shower and the nursery. Nursery bunting, bibs and play mats make for a practical baby shower gift that can be used as decorations. This will reduce the cost and tick something off the baby registry at the same time.
Guests – This is not the place where you want to cut costs. You shouldn’t have to reduce the number of guests you want to celebrate with. If your budget is tight, I’d suggest making cutbacks in other areas. But if you do need to keep the costs low you could invite just your closest friends and family. Or have an alternative to a baby shower such as a high tea.
Catering – Another area where you can make savings will be the catering. If you prepare all the food and drinks yourself it will save lots of money. But don’t skimp on the quantity and quality of the food offered. You don’t want your guests to leave hungry and angry. Some ideas are large grazing plates, homemade sausage rolls and pies. Or fruits and vegetable platters. Try and think of items that are easy to make and delicious. And to suit most people’s tastes. The food preparation can be done by the core group of friends or family. By doing this yourself you will save lots of money. But don’t ask guests to bring food.
Games – You will be able to save lots of money by making your own baby shower games. You will be able to make most of the games with items you have around the house rather than going to the baby shower gift shop.
I hope this article has given you ideas on organising and paying for a baby shower. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
This article was written by Luisa Figueroa. I am the owner, designer and maker of the My Little Love Heart range of baby gifts and accessories. I have worked within the fashion industry for over 15 years and specialising in baby presents and accessories for the last 7. My love of fashion has enabled me to work and study around the world.