While traditional baby showers consist of women only, co-ed baby showers are becoming more and more common. However, if you're looking to throw a traditional baby shower and still have the dad-to-be attend, this is completely acceptable and appropriate as most dad-to-be's will want to thank guests before they leave.
Anyone the parents-to-be want there! In the past, baby showers were seen as a more woman-only event, but that's (thankfully!) changed. Make sure to consult the parents-to-be on their guest list, whether it's an intimate or large gathering, an in-person or virtual event.
Baby showers don't have to be only for ladies. Although it's still okay to only have a ladies-only baby shower, It's become more commonplace for guys to attend. So, if you're planning a baby shower, figure out if you want the baby shower to be female-only for the new mom or a co-ed baby shower.
The typical guest list expanded as well, from a small circle of close family and friends to a wide selection of women (and later men) from the new mother's life. Nowadays, the baby shower might come in two different events—one for friends and family, and another for colleagues and acquaintances.
A co-ed baby shower is more inclusive and gets the whole family involved in the celebration. Unique games, themes, and food options make it a great time for every guest. It's also a wonderful way for the parents-to-be to kick off their new journey together surrounded by those that love and support them.
It may or may not seem obvious, but the mom-to-be or the parents-to-be are the guests of honors at baby showers. If the baby shower is more traditional where only women are invited then the guest of honor will be the mom-to-be.
So at a traditional baby shower, it is often the host who will pay. However, this doesn't always settle the issue of who the host is. And of course, the host can be a wide variety of people. Usually, the mother will choose a close friend or family member.
Tradition states that a friend or close family member should be the one who plans the baby shower. Hundred-year-old rules aside, we say you should ask someone that you feel comfortable with. Someone you know will do a great job and has the time to plan — even if this person isn't a “traditional” choice.
As a fast rule, baby showers are often held at the end of the second trimester or early to midway through the third trimester — usually four to six weeks before the due date. Expectant parents who are having multiples may prefer to have the baby shower on the earlier side.
Traditional Baby 100 Days Celebration Gift: ang baos
The amount given should end with an even number while favouring the auspicious number eight. Giving new parents an ang bao with $88 or an amount with “88” in it signifies wishing double fortune and blessings.
Don't Schedule It Too Early or Too Late
A baby shower should not be held before the 20-week mark in pregnancy. Showers held too late, after 38 weeks, run the risk of the baby joining you for the baby shower. Use these two marks as your best guide.
Join us for the “Women Friend and Men Kin Shower.” Have the invitation explain that the nature of the shower is to include both sexes. “We want our baby to know that they are surrounded with love and care from not only women in our lives but the men. We want you to be not only friends but also family.
A baby shower usually lasts 2-3 hours. Budget about 30-45 minutes at the beginning for guests to arrive, nibble on some food, and mingle with one another before the games / entertainment begin. Spend the next 30-45 minutes playing games. And the rest of the time having cake and opening gifts.
Best Time of Week for a Baby Shower
Weekends are often ideal because less people have work scheduled and are able to attend. Saturdays and Sundays are also the time-honored choice, so more traditional mothers will likely prefer this option.
Traditionally the host will pay but this will depend on many factors. This includes the venue, budget, size of the guest list, and how extravagant it may be.
For friends or distant relatives, many people spend between $50 and $100. For close friends or family members, most people spend between $100 and $200 or more.
Should you open gifts at the baby shower? Tradition would have you open all the gifts in front of the guests. But, times have changed and it's more common not to.
From parents to college roommates, and anyone else who plays an important role in the parents-to-be's lives. It's safe to say that those who weren't included in the initial guest list are the people you shouldn't invite.
Typical baby shower etiquette dictates that the parents-to-be shouldn't throw their own party since doing so could be perceived as asking for gifts.
The typical amount of time for a baby shower to last is about two hours. That gives your guests plenty of time to eat or snack, chat with the mom-to-be, play games (if you're offering games), and watch the mom-to-be open her gifts. Another option is a drop-in baby shower.
Baby Shower Seating Etiquette
If this is not her first child, her other children should sit with her. Any woman who will be closely involved in the baby's life, such as Great-Grandma, Grandma, and the mom-to-be's mother-in-law, should be seated with the guest of honor.
Every baby shower is different, but most ladies agree that 15 to 30 is the perfect number of ladies at a typical baby shower or about 30-40 for a coed. These numbers change depending on the size of the family, number of friends, and even work colleagues involved.
Although it is completely acceptable to ask for cash gifts for a baby shower, it can feel uncomfortable posing the question to guests. And understandably so. It is a less traditional approach to a baby gift. However, if money is what the parents-to-be need, then it should be stated in the invitation.