Whoever is giving the baby shower should be the one who pays for the food and decor. If the person is not paying for everyone's food, he/she needs to make that VERY clear on the invitations, that it is a “No Host” luncheon.
Most often, the host pays for the baby shower. This is not always one person. For example, several aunts and cousins might cover the full tab of a shower at a restaurant, or a group of coworkers may help coordinate all the decorations, food and fun.
Food and Drinks – Another major cost of a baby shower is the catering. Whether you are celebrating at your own home or at a venue, food and drinks can take up a large part of your budget. Venue – This will be one of the major costs for any party.
Who Traditionally Pays for a Baby Shower? The hostess traditionally pays for the baby shower and its associated costs. However, the hostess can divide up the responsibility and costs by asking a few close family members or friends to co-host.
Food and Drink
According to theBUMP, food is usually the most expensive part of the shower. A baby shower without food and drinks is a pretty sad shower, so hosts should prepare to spend 40-50% of their budget just on food!
Most baby showers offer some food. You will usually come up with a menu based on a couple of factors including time of day and length the baby shower, the location, and the budget. Another important thing to consider is how the mother-to-be feels.
There's nothing wrong with cooking on your own, especially if you're not busy. However, it can be a lot easier to have someone else do the cooking so you can enjoy the party with everyone else. If you want to prepare your food in advance, find a good caterer or BBQ restaurant near where the shower is being held.
For coworkers or acquaintances, people tend to spend around $30 to $50. 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.
Traditionally, close friends, cousins, aunts, sisters-in-law, or co-workers of the mother-to-be hosted baby showers. Because gifts are central to showers, having a member of the honoree's (or husband's) immediate family host appeared self-serving.
Who Hosts a Baby Shower? Most baby showers should be hosted by a sister, mother, mother-in-law, or close friend. Baby showers were traditionally thrown by family members who weren't close with the parents-to-be, to avoid the assumption that close family members wanted to collect gifts for themselves.
Traditional etiquette rules
Traditionally for an in-person shower, a friend or relative hosts the baby shower and pays for the costs.
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.
While a hostess gift is not a necessity, but it is certainly a very kind gesture. Even though a baby shower is given out of the goodness of one's heart, a baby shower hostess gift just says, "Thank you."
Baby shower games and prizes are completely optional but are a fun way to include guests in the party. Having games and prizes at your baby shower can help encourage participation among those who don't like to get too out there or are perhaps just shy, which is totally okay!
Usually, the person who organizes the baby shower is the one who pays for the celebration. It's expected that they will take on most of the costs for the day, but there are ways to offset the costs of paying for the baby shower.
So, don't be afraid to tell your close friends and family that no one is throwing you a baby shower. Sometimes, your loved ones may assume that someone else is doing it, which is why they haven't offered. If still no one offers, there's no need to worry.
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.
A typical baby shower includes playing games, watching the mother-to-be open gifts, eating, and drinking. However, games aren't a must. Some baby shower hosts and hostesses are foregoing the typical games in favor of other activities. Ask the expecting mother what she thinks about games and what she would like to do!
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.
We recommend a budget of $50 to $150 depending on how close you are to the expecting parents. When choosing the gift, it will always go a long way if you opt for buying something unique and/or highly useful. This will show a higher level of appreciation.
The average baby shower gift spend amount typically ranges from $25 to $200. The range in the average is explained by different closeness levels to the mother-to-be.
As with any party, there should be a yummy cake on offer to mark the occasion. As stated, it might be an extra special gender reveal cake, with a pink or blue sponge to wow the crowd.
Cakes for baby shower parties are a key part of this rite of passage, and not something to be overlooked. Ever since the creation of the tradition of the baby shower, baby shower cakes have been instrumental for several reasons.
Your best option for a mid-afternoon baby shower will be light snacks, finger foods, beverages, and of course dessert! Don't worry about serving a heavy meal as most people will have already eaten lunch by 2 pm.