Choosing a Baby Shower Theme
Choosing a baby shower theme makes the rest of the planning a (relatively) easy task. A theme gives any party a starting point and provides a way to narrow down the choices of everything from the color scheme to the location.
With so many adorable baby shower themes to choose from, the most difficult part of this aspect of planning might just be selecting the perfect one.
A wise host will get together with the mother-to-be early on to begin discussing the party details. The baby shower is after all, supposed to be her special day, so it makes sense that the guest of honor should participate in the decision-making stage.
If the baby shower is planned as a surprise, the host won’t be able to directly ask the guest of honor about her preferences, but the host should be close enough to her to know a bit about what she likes and dislikes.
The host may know the baby’s gender, and even whether the expectant mother has already selected a theme, or at least a color scheme, for the baby’s nursery, knowing that type of information is a great way to begin the theme selection process.
Before planning a theme, it’s important to decide the ‘tone’ of the shower. Will it be formal or informal? Will the baby shower will be a ‘girls only’ gathering, or will the guys be invited too?
If the guys are coming, it might be a good idea to go easy on the frilly décor. Themes in this case can be more adult-oriented, if desired. A sports theme (especially if the baby is a boy) or even a luau theme work really well for showers that will include the men.
If the guys aren’t going to be invited, then the theme choices are wide open. Here are just a few timeless selections:
- Prince/Princess
- Winnie the Pooh/other Disney characters
- Animals
- Nursery Rhymes
- Angels
- Rubber Ducks
- Sports
- Holiday
- Celebrity
- Double-Trouble (when twins are coming)
- Baby socks/umbrellas
The baby shower theme can also be built around a concept such as a ‘Safety Shower’ where guests bring gifts that are geared towards child safety or a ‘Pamper Mommy’ theme where guests bring gifts to comfort the mother-to-be.
Themes that focus on the guest of honor are perfect when the baby shower is for a second or third child. A scrapbooking theme is perfect for the mother-to-be who enjoys this type of activity. All sorts of baby-inspired paper and decorating accessories are readily available.
The bottom line is, the creative baby shower host can probably make any baby shower theme work, if she’s willing to invest both the time and money. Pulling off a theme can get expensive, especially if a lot of guests are expected.
In the end, it doesn’t matter whether the plates and napkins are white or themed because they will end up in the trash. What really matters is that everyone has a relaxing and memorable day!