Saturday, September 8, 2012

Baby Shower Planning: The Basics

As I revealed to you all this past Thursday, I am expecting a baby girl in December. As with any other big life changing moment, there is a lot of planning going into things. I'm planning a baby budget, planning doctors visits and scheduling them around other things I have to do with work and school, planning when things need to be done by, and most of all planning a much needed baby shower.
For every parent I think a baby shower is necessary. Especially for a single parent like me. A baby shower gives some time for family members and friends to get together and celebrate the fact that you have a new addition coming soon. Whether its your first child or fifth child, you choose a baby shower that fits your needs.
This is my first baby. So there are many reasons behind my shower. As a single teen mom, I need all the help I can get. My family and my baby daddy's family need to get to know each other, and most of all I want to celebrate this new change I am about to experience. Traditionally, someone else plans and puts together the baby shower but...not in my case :) Only my friend, who is also the godmother of Nala, is going to be hosting.


Let's get right to it! The Basics.
First and foremost when planning any party, you have to create the guest list. Some people do not see this step as important and usually hold it off until they decide to send out the invitations. Without making a guest list first, this can throw off a lot of things such as how many invitations you will actually need, and it also goes into play when picking out the venue by helping figure out what size space you need. And believe it or not, the number of guests you have do determine your budget. They determine how many plates, cups, favors, invitations, etc you will need. Don't forget to count your guests! Of course some people may not be able to come but its still a good idea to count them for now until they tell you that they will not be able to make it.
My guest list number for this baby shower: 65

After you have figured out the guest list, by now you have probably thought about in your head a number of things. The type of venue you need to have and the number of supplies you will need to buy. Then comes the budget. After I figured out that I would be needing at least 65 plates, cups, etc, then I looked at websites such as Party City and others to see what that would cost me. Added it all up and then there was my estimate. You can set your budget this way or you can just set an amount you would not like to spend over. Budget isn't really that hard as long as you stick to it and plan accordingly.
My budget for this baby shower: $500

Before you go searching for a venue, you have to decide on the date that you would like to have your event on. When thinking about the date, you have to see what day is convenient for you. For a baby shower date, you don't want to make it too late or too early for your due date. You also want to think about your guests that you know may have something to do. I chose my baby shower date to be on November 4, 2012. I took into consideration what I had to do that week and most importantly I thought about what day would be more comfortable for me and my due date. My birthday would be the week before and the week after deemed stress since I have college showcase at my school.
Another fun fact about baby shower dates, whatever day you choose for your baby shower to be on determines what type of baby shower you might have. Friday and Saturday showers are usually set out for big blowout baby showers. Sundays are of course the low key and short baby showers. I chose mines to be on a Sunday only because this time, I don't want too much and I only want my closest family and friends to get together and get to know each other.
My baby shower date: Sunday, November 4, 2012. :)
Be sure to keep following me on updates and more posts about my baby shower and more.

So that's it for the basics. I am now on my way to go check out my potential venue.

Love you all and take care!
-Kortney

"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so we can have the life that is waiting for us."
~Joseph Campbell
 

1 comment:

  1. Your budget is a bit too much but i guess speaking as a teen makes it look plenty and its worth it for your baby! I was going to describe baby showers in Africa but its Sunday and i gotta go to church!

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