The first thing to do is set the time and date of the baby shower. Normally, the baby shower will be held at least a month or two prior to the due date of the baby. This helps the expectant mother to know prior to the arrival of the baby what items are still needed after the shower, giving her plenty of time to get them. It will also give enough time just in case the baby decides to come early.

When picking the date for the shower, have a couple of different choices to ensure that the expectant mother does not have anything else planned. Giving her a couple of different options will ease the stress on her in case there is something planned on one of those dates. You will want to order the personalized baby shower invitations or custom baby shower cards to send to the invited guests. And, don’t forget to order the matching baby shower thank you cards at the same time so the Mom-to-Be will have them when she wants to thank all those who gave gifts or assisted with the baby shower in any way.

After the date has been chosen, the next thing to do is decide on the time of day for the shower. The time will usually determine how formal or casual the baby shower should be. There are several different options for the time of day. If the theme will be a couples baby shower, then an evening will be most appropriate. If it is a women-only, traditional baby shower, then during the day will be best. And, if it is a surprise baby shower, then it will need to be planned around when is best for the Mom-to-Be and her schedule.

The next thing to decide is the location of the baby shower. When deciding where to have the baby party, if it is to be held in someone’s home, determine whether or not the home will comfortably accommodate the guests, both in getting there and inside the home. Perhaps holding it at a restaurant will be better centrally located for all the guests. If the guest list is smaller and the budget can accommodate, holding the baby shower at a day spa or bed and breakfast is fun and would create a great memory for all the guests.

When determining the theme for the baby shower, consider choosing a theme that compliments the décor of the baby’s room is a nice touch, particularly for the parents. Or having a color scheme that is matches the baby’s room. There are endless choices of themes, such as a baby animal theme, purely pink, or sports-themed for a boy. You will want the printed baby shower invitations to reflect the theme chosen for the baby shower celebration.

The menu for the baby shower will depend on where and what type of baby shower is planned. If it is a couples or co-ed baby shower, then a BBQ-type menu will best suit both the males and females. If it is a women-only, traditional baby shower, then finger foods and salads are always a hit. The time of day will also determine what types of foods to serve.

When it comes to the shower guest list, ensure that information like the phone number and address is gathered for the Mom-be-Be to ensure that no one is forgotten. She will need this information when sending the unique baby shower thank you cards to all those who gave gifts or contributed to the baby shower in any way.

The affordable invitations for baby shower, online baby shower announcements or inexpensive baby shower cards, whatever the host decides to use, is one of the most important items to the shower. The imprinted baby shower invitation sets the tone for the baby celebration, complete with the theme, day, time and place. Plus sending a written invitation is handy for people to post on their fridge so that the special day is not forgotten. You can usually find lots of sample unique baby shower invitations verses, sayings and wordings on the internet.

The games at a baby shower can be really fun. This is also a great way to get the guests talking to each other if they do not know each other. Plus, who doesn’t like giving advice? The games can be educational for the Mom-to-Be. Being the host of the baby shower is the gift to the Mom-to-Be. The host is running the show. Have fun!

About the Author: Sarah Porter is Press Agent for several articles including Planning Guide for Baby Showers, Unique Baby Shower Invitations Ideas, Affordable Baby Shower Announcements Cards and Cute Invitations for Couples Baby Showers and more.