Ask A Detroit Expert: Tips For Hosting A Baby Shower
Laura Davis is an expert event planner who has been orchestrating events professionally since 2001. She currently owns Laura Davis Events and has the distinction of being an Accredited Bridal Consultant, one of only 53 who hold the title around the world. Laura Davis coordinates special occasions, weddings and corporate events, customizing each event to suit the specifications of the client.
Ms. Davis took a moment away from planning to offer invaluable advice about how to create a stand-out baby shower. Her helpful tips will even make novices capable of achieving a successful event from beginning to end. Ms. Davis' expertise and great eye for detail will help you execute a memorable event that every guest will remember long after the stork has arrived with the special delivery.
Laura Davis
Laura Davis Events
306 S. Washington Ave., Suite 203
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 591-0161
www.lauradavisevents.com
Invitations
The invitation should set the tone for the party, so if you want to create a more formal mood, send an elegant and classic invitation. If you want your baby shower to have a casual and festive feel, have some fun and design an invitation to reflect your chosen theme.
Creativity
A great party is all about the details. A baby shower is the perfect opportunity to flex your creative muscles, but it's important to make sure that all of the elements make sense together. Start by creating a theme and weave it through all of the little touches…linens, centerpieces, menus, place settings, favors, cake, music, etc. Don't overlook your food and beverage choices, and even how they're presented – a creative vignette can transform even the simplest item into a memorable statement.
Themes
When it comes to themes, the possibilities are virtually endless. Bold colors and geometric patterns are perfect for a modern theme, while a party inspired by a classic board game, such as Hungry Hungry Hippos, creates a fun and whimsical atmosphere. We recently designed an elegant, fairytale-themed baby shower called A Prince Is Born, complete with a custom-written storybook for each guest. No matter what theme you choose, it should most importantly fit the personality and taste of the mother-to-be.
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Games
Games have long been a staple at baby showers, but more and more hostesses are beginning to step away from this tradition. You know your guests best, so if this is something they enjoy, you should certainly incorporate them into your plans. An alternative to traditional games is to ask guests to bring packs of diapers or wipes to the shower; when they arrive, give them a raffle ticket for each pack. Before gift opening begins, draw names and pass out prizes and gift cards to places like Starbucks, Macy's and Target.
Planning
Lists are your friend. Prepare a checklist for all of your décor items, along with descriptions of how it should look and who is responsible for it. This will simplify the set-up process and ensure you don't forget anything. Make a timeline for the shower that includes set-up, guest arrival, lunch, games, gift opening, departure and clean up; use this as your guide to keep things moving along and to avoid lulls in the activities. If you start to feel overwhelmed, consider hiring a planner to manage the event-day details for you.
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After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Nicole Wrona began working with a diverse range of musicians. In addition, she is a freelance writer for numerous publications. Her work can be found at www.metalleaves.com and Examiner.com.
