How far in advance do you start planning a Baby Shower? This depends a lot on when you decided to organize a Baby Shower. Sometimes a person knows that he is going to throw a Baby Shower as soon as he finds out that his friend or loved one is having a baby. Others wait to see if someone else throws a baby shower. There are many different answers depending on your circumstances.

Ideally, give yourself two months. Two months give you time to shape your ideas and send out invitations. The list I am giving you is based on a two month time frame. Don’t panic if you have less than two months to plan, as you can adjust this list to fit your time frame.

Use the checklist to make sure you have all the bases covered. I’ve seen people put together a fantastic Baby Shower in just two weeks, but they were so well organized, and if they can do it using this list, so can you.

Two months ahead:

* Set a budget

* Create a guest list: friends, family, coworkers*

* Set a convenient date and time for the baby shower

One month ahead:

* Determine a theme for the baby shower

* Purchase invitations that match your theme

* Buy thank you cards that match your theme

* Prepare baby shower addresses to include on invitations, along with registries or favorite online baby gift stores.

* Make a Facebook event invite with RSVP

* Plan a menu: cake, cake, sweets, nuts, vegetables, snacks, light breakfast, lunch or dinner

* Keep an eye out for game prize sales, party favors, and decorations to purchase ahead of time

Three weeks ahead:

* Order cake or cakes for baby shower.

* Order balloons and flowers if you rent

* Any special requests must be ordered now

Two weeks ahead:

* Shop for game prizes, party favors, and decorations if you haven’t already bought them on sale

* Buy paper products: plates, cups, eating utensils, tablecloths if you want a quick cleanup

* Plan some fun baby shower party games

One week before:

* Determine the number of guests and call those who have not yet RSVPed as a reminder only

* Wrap up party favors, game prizes, and your gift

* Make sure cameras and video recorders are working or have fresh batteries

* Ask someone to take photos and videos

* Start tidying up your home

* Buy as your non-perishable items: candy, nuts, etc.

* Don’t forget your Baby Shower gift

One day before:

* Prepare the timeline for Baby Shower – usually 2-3 hours long

* Make sure your house is clean

* Start decorating – do as much as you can today

* Arrange tables and chairs in a way that works well

* All you can bake, cook and prepare today do it

* Designate a drink area and an eating area – place utensils, plates and cups

* Have everything ready for shower games: gifts, lots of pens or pencils, and anything else needed for planned games.

* Take a breath, relax, check the list of incomplete items

Baby Shower Day:

* Ask a friend to help you with last minute things

* Pick up any item ordered: cake, balloons, centerpieces, etc.

* Buy ice for drinks – set drinks area

* Place food

* Have empty trash cans nearby for dirty dishes, cups, and utensils

* Have trash bags nearby for wrapping paper and tape

* Make sure the person in the photo is there; if not, ask someone else

* Do your best so that you can enjoy the time.

Baby shower time!

* Follow your timeline as closely as possible, but be flexible, things happen

*Remember those thank you cards – give each guest an envelope and instruct them to write their address on them (This is a huge blessing for the new mom!)

* Ask a volunteer to write down the names of the people who gave gifts as the mom-to-be opens her gifts.

* Have fun – enjoy this moment knowing that you did everything you could to make it a special day!

*Ask a friend or two to help you sort things out after everyone has left.

My purpose is to provide you with a practical guide to planning a Baby Shower that not only your guests will enjoy, but you too. I hope this helps.