PLANNING A BABY SHOWER: 10 TIPS FOR PLANNING BABY SHOWER

You'll need to speak with the guest of honor and pick a date and time for her baby shower. Most often baby showers are held around the 7th month of pregnancy. That way, its not too early in the pregnancy but also not cutting it too close to the due.  It will also give the mom a chance to go through her baby shower gifts and organize the gifts.

Has mama-to -be given you a complete guest list of friends and family she would like at her baby shower? Make sure you ask her for their email addresses and phone numbers as well.

Once you have the guest list together, you should set a budget. With the guest list and budget in hand, you are able to calculate the per person cost for each guest. This will help you as you try to determine the next steps.

Choose a venue for the baby shower depends on the guest list, your budget and time of the year. You could host the baby shower at your home and make it more intimate or host it at a hotel and have it catered. It all really depends on your budget and guest list!

Once you have the venue figured out, its time to pick a theme for the baby shower. There are so many creative chic baby shower themes you can choose from. You are going to a fun time nailing down these details!

Normally guests should receive their invitations about 6 weeks before the baby shower, so they have ample time to reserve the date, shop for baby shower gifts and make the necessary arrangements!

You'll need to finalize the menu for the baby shower as well. Are you going to make the dishes at home or are you getting it catered? How much do you expect to spend for food? Remember, you only need to make miniature sized portions and some cute goodies to go with the baby shower theme! 

Purchase decor and favors for the baby shower that will go with the theme you've already picked. You can shop for most of the items well in advance but will need to pick the floral arrangements on the day of the shower.

You'll need to come up with a timeline for the baby shower-games, gift opening, eating and drinking. Choose a few fun baby shower games to keep the guests entertained and engaged.

You'll need to also pick baby shower favors to gift to the guests as a small token of appreciation. Scented candles, soaps, bubble baths and chocolates make great favors!

You are doing something so wonderful and thoughtful for your friend. You are doing the best you can with good intentions. Don't stress out. Use this baby shower planning checklist to help you all the way.