Baby showers can go in all sorts of directions, and they’ll all be different. For example, some feel big and busy and full of games, while others are quieter, and they’ll just be a few friends sitting around with snacks. There isn’t really a right or wrong way to do them, but the ones that stick in your memory tend to have one thing in common, and that’s that they feel like they were planned with a bit of care.
The good news is you don’t have to do loads, and you don’t have to make it perfect, you just need to think about what the person it’s for is going to enjoy most and keep them in mind when you’re organising things. So with that in mind, keep reading to find out more about how to make a baby shower feel more personal and memorable.
Start With What They’d Want
Before anything else, it’s worth thinking about what kind of thing the parent-to-be would enjoy. Some people love being the center of attention but others really don’t, and some like party games and fuss and decorations, whereas others would rather just have a sandwich and a chat.
If they’re someone who gets overwhelmed easily, it might be better to keep it simple with just a few people they know well, a relaxed time frame, and not too many loud activities, for example, or if they’ve got loads of energy and love a celebration, you can use that to make the party a bit bigger and more of an exciting time. The point is, there’s no set rule, so you can do what feels best.
Keep It Easy
The setting doesn’t need to be anything fancy, and you definitely don’t need a hired venue or a catered lunch or anything like that. You can even do it in someone’s living room or garden or even a little café if that feels right, and the only thing that really matters is that the space feels relaxed and people know where to sit and what’s happening.
It’s also wise to try not to over-plan. True, a bit of structure can help, but if you try and cram too much in, it can start to feel like a checklist, and that’s not what the day’s about. You’ll need to leave room for people to talk and catch up and just enjoy themselves because in the end, some of the best moments happen when you’re not trying too hard.
Add Some Kind Touches
If you want the day to feel personal, you don’t need to do anything big, but one or two small things can go a long way. That could mean putting on music you know they love, or setting up a little table where people can write notes or memories, or asking everyone to bring one baby photo of themselves just for fun. That kind of thing.
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If people aren’t sure what to write in a card, something like 90 beautiful baby shower wishes to write in a card can help them find the words. Sometimes having a few examples gets things flowing and makes the messages feel a bit more thoughtful, so having that to hand could really help people out.
You Don’t Have To Play Games
This one always depends on the person – some people love baby shower games, and some really, really don’t. If the person you’re celebrating would find them awkward or annoying, it’s completely fine to skip them altogether.
If you do want to include a couple, try to keep them light and optional, and do something you can do in pairs or small groups, maybe with no pressure and no performances, but instead just a bit of fun in the background if people are up for it. Or you can leave them out entirely and just let the day be about talking, eating, and catching up.
Let People Bring Something
You don’t have to organise everything yourself, and if someone wants to bake a cake or bring flowers or set up a few decorations, let them. It makes people feel part of the day, and it means the work doesn’t fall on one person.
It also helps the event feel more relaxed, because it’s not about perfection, it’s just people showing up and doing what they can to make the day feel nice. Sometimes, those bits are what people remember most.
Don’t Make It Too Long
A couple of hours is usually enough because that’s long enough to settle in, eat something, open a few gifts, and have a chat, but not so long that people get tired or feel stuck.
It’s helpful to let people know the start and end time, even just roughly, especially if there are a few different people coming from different places, and that keeps everything moving without needing to rush. And for the parent-to-be, it means they’re not worn out by the end of it, which really does make a difference.
It’s Fine To Be Messy
Not everything needs to go to plan – you might forget something, or the food might run late, or it might rain and the garden setup gets moved indoors. That’s all fine.
People remember how something felt, not whether everything looked perfect, and if it felt kind and thoughtful and not stressful, then you’ve already done the important bit.
End It Properly
You don’t need a big speech or anything formal to end the party, but before people go, it’s nice to bring the attention back to the reason you’re all there – not just the baby, but the person carrying that baby and everything they’ve got ahead of them.
A few kind words go a long way, and if nothing else, make sure they’re the one being looked after while the cups are cleared away. They’ll remember the party fondly if that’s how it all ends, and you can be one hundred percent sure you did a great job and that you’ve helped make some amazing memories for everyone involved.
