Do:
- Take the time with your partner to create an idea of what you both want for your baby shower. This day is to celebrate you two and your child so it's important for you to take the steps to achieve your dream baby shower.
- Start buying things early. You don't want to get to the week before the baby shower and have nothing prepared! It's not nice on the stress levels or on the wallet.
- Over budget and over buy. Kody and I bought so much food and drink, half of it wasn't even touched, so we now have a stocked pantry and fridge! Plus, we still had some money left over so that's nice too.
- Let others help. If you're a control freak like me, this may be a terrifying concept for you. I honestly wouldn't of coped if it weren't for my family always being there to lend a helping hand and it gave me the opportunity to take multiple well needed breaks.
- Learn to let things go. This one was a toughy for me. A couple people were quite rude to me and some completely regarded my wishes which caused me a lot of trouble, but I had to let it go. Otherwise it would of eaten me up and I would of dwelled on the negatives of the day as appose to the positives. It's so, so important that you try your very best to enjoy your day.
- Know that it isn't your job to make sure that everybody has a good time. It really isn't. It's your job to make sure that you have a good time, that's it.
- Focus on every little detail. I had envisioned the tables set up with my Peter Rabbit plates/ cups/ etc but when it came to the day, it was too windy and everything was flying away. I had to give up that aspect of my dream baby shower and I had to compromised because it really isn't worth letting the small things get to you and dictate your baby shower.
- Take on too many responsibilities. You can't top up the meat platter, talk to your guests, direct someone to the toilet and run a game all at the same time. Ask someone you trust to do the games, someone else to do the food, etc. Most people are willing to help!
- Forget to consider the weather if you're having an outdoors baby shower like I did. It started raining while everyone was seated outdoors and although Kody and I had a backup plan, it could of been much better prepared.
- Invite people just because you feel like you have to or that it'd be rude not to. If there's tension, you're gonna feel it. Surround yourself with people who make you happy and are there for the right reasons. Trust me on this one.
- Over plan the day. Go with the flow as much as possible and just relax. There's no point sticking to a time frame (unless absolutely necessary) or stressing yourself out because you haven't put the quiche in the oven yet. We did things as we went and enjoyed our day so much that we had people here up to an hour and a half later cause we were all having such a great time and I think over planning would of ruined that.
- Make a baby registry and send it to as many people as possible! Buying things for your baby can be very expensive and most people are willing to get you a baby shower gift so why not make it something you need?
- Look on places like Etsy for some invitation and decoration ideas! Etsy is usually very affordable and you can get some great unique pieces on there!
- Look into finding an individual as appose to a shop to make your cake. Our cake was very unique and was exactly what we wanted and I know we wouldn't of received this attention to detail if we had ordered a cake from the store.
- Honestly, this store was a life saver. It had so many cute things for affordable prices and it made our guests really get the idea and theme that we were pitching.
- Last minute we found a rabbit cookie cutter which we used to cut cookies (duh) and fairy bread. The rabbit shaped food in conjunction with the Peter Rabbit cake and cupcakes looked amazing and our guests really enjoyed it!
- Although I didn't do this, I think it's a great idea to use vegetables like carrots and celery as finger food. Pair them up with some dip and you're good to go!
