Planning a baby shower is no less than a challenge. It almost feels like planning a wedding. Being a host, you would want to organize a party that not only seems more than "nice" but also becomes an unforgettable memory among the attendees. Apart from making perfect baby shower arrangements for the expectant parents, you would likely organize the event at an affordable banquet hall Franklin Park. If that's right, it is equally important to know all the simple steps to make your event fun and easy.

Select a date and time

Decide on a time and date for the celebration with the guest of honor. The expectant mother is typically given a baby shower when she is around seven months pregnant but probably still in good health. Additionally, she will have plenty of time to plan her shopping list for the baby's arrival and organize gifts after the baby shower.

Determine the guest list and budget

Once you have got a complete guest list from the mother-to-be, present your budget. Take their emails, addresses, and social media platforms, too). With this, you can also select a suitable banquet hall Franklin Park that will serve your guest accommodation besides catering. An event planner will keep you updated on all the best venues in the locality.

Book a venue

Don't forget to consider the number of guests, the celebration time of year, and your budget. Hosting a baby shower in your living room or backyard is intimate and would be better as there are no charges to reserve the space. If you have a large guest list or a bigger budget, consider booking a nearby hotel or baby shower banquet hall Franklin Park. Ask your local parks department whether a permit is needed to have a baby shower in a community park if you're planning a summer or fall shower, and have a backup plan if it rains.

Sending invitations

Start sending invitations to your guests about six weeks before the event. They'll have enough time to make plans, reserve the event dates, shop for gifts, etc. An email invitation is also perfectly fine. You can also consider a paper invite if you're hosting a more formal shower.

Build your agenda

Next is to create a baby shower timeline. Most showers have games, gift openings, eating, and drinking. The purpose is to create a fun flow that keeps your guests entertained and engaged through these activities. Allow guests 15 to 20 minutes to arrive, then serve drinks as they arrive. Once everyone has arrived, begin an assignment. Serve refreshments while gifts are being opened, following dessert and coffee.

Plan a menu and décor

Keep all the necessary details noted about three weeks before the shower when planning a baby shower. Your purchased decorations must not perish (for example, buy flowers until the event day), and make or buy venue cards. Finalize the menu suiting the tastes of the guest of honor. You can treat her to mini sliders, mini chicken wings, small potato salad bowls, and mini cupcakes if she craves comfort food. Expecting moms who love Mexican food might like tacos, salsa, guacamole, and nonalcoholic margaritas on the event menu. To make it simpler for attendees to manage the food and participate in the event, serve small servings. You can even reach out to a banquet hall Franklin Park for catering at your baby shower party.

Pick baby shower favors

You can thank your guests by giving them a parting gift for attending the event; it doesn't have to be extravagant. For example, you can offer iTunes gift cards for a musical theme and serve homemade chocolates or give take-home candy bags to your guests.