5 Things that Made this Baby Shower Unforgettable
Am I the only one who considers baby showers the most boring out of every event type? (We are not including corporate events here, which can actually be really good when done well).
When I hosted my first baby shower, my husband and I were clear on one thing: guests need to have an actual good time, they need to have fun. Since then, I have managed to perfect the emotional timeline of the baby showers I’ve planned, and I’ve found what makes them a good party for everyone involved.
So! Here are five (5) oddly specific things that I planned for a specific baby shower that made it fun, loving, warm… all the good things.
1. Planning the entrance of the guest of honor as if it were a movie at its apotheosis. None of that mom-to-be arrives first, even helps set the last details up… no. Those who can need to arrive as early as possible in order to be there before she arrives.
It so happens that the mom to be is Colombian. She moved to Miami in her early 20s. There is not an easier audience to make emotional than us immigrants. All you have to do is give us something that reminds us of our home country. In this case, I played a song for her walk in moment and timed it so that when she stepped into the room, the singer exclaimed: Colooooombia, ¡patria querida!, te llevo en mi corazón (Colombia, my beloved country, I carry you in my heart).
She probably does not remember this detail, she most likely did not even register it at the moment. But the body does register the feeling and that feeling sets the tone for the rest of the event.
2. Some people love games. Some people utterly despise games. All people love to win a prize. If you are gonna do games, you gotta have prizes, good prizes that guests actually love receiving. This does not mean they need to be expensive. Do not forget to wrap them in beautiful paper, add an organza bow, and maybe even a cute flower.
Since I promised to be specific, here is a list of gifts that have been given at our events before (not sponsored):
-A delicious pound cake, perfect for next morning’s breakfast (it really is delicious and it is delivered to you in a box, which makes it also a great gift in case you have another event the following day).
Since some guests will choose not to play, and may get bored if game time extends more than expected, I advise not doing more than three games.
Lastly, some games are just better if you add a song for the background. For those games that require competition and speed, I highly recommend this theme from Home Alone.
3. The round of Words of Appreciation never fails. There is something about gathering in a circle and saying beautiful things about someone else. People cry, there is joy. Giving makes us happier than receiving, and the round of Words of Appreciation is proof. Simply ask everyone to go, one by one, sharing something they admire about the guest of honor. Again: never fails.
4. The Signature Memory Film. I know this is one of our enhancements, but it is just such a magical moment. It really is the apex of the event. A 5 to 10 minute video showcasing the guest of honor’s story, using clips and photos sent by their family members and friends, paired with the right music, is such a generous gift that everyone present enjoys. Also, just as the entrance of the guest of honor marks the beginning of the party, the showcasing of the Signature Memory Film marks the ending.
Something I have learned is that having a clear beginning and a clear ending makes it easier to handle the emotions of the guests… and taking those emotions by the hand is what makes the party special, without anyone really knowing why.
5. Making every guest feel as if their presence brings you sincere joy. Yes, greet every guest with delight. For a minute or two after they arrive, make them feel as if they were the center of your world. You invited them, you probably really like them, so just show them you do. And, if you don’t really like them but had to invite them… look, make the effort for five minutes, set a timer if you need to. Also, if you know they are not really acquainted with the rest of the guests, make them the center of attention for a while. Yes, really. Share a great story about them. Make the rest of the party see them. This is why I love planning and hosting small events myself. This way I can have more control over the whole audience.
Now, some obvious things that are needed: good food. Again, it does not need to be expensive. You can even host a small pre event where every family member who wants to join helps with the cooking. Also, finger food can be filling and keep everyone happy without needing more. I once attended a wedding where they served finger food the entire night… it was one of the best weddings I have ever attended. I never left the dance floor. Of course, in that case, some of the appetizers included mini steaks, but you get the point. You can even order pizza and make it look fancy if you want to… pizza is always a success.
Something we love to do is make our baby showers for the guys as well. Of course, all girls baby showers are great, but seeing a husband and wife giving it their all to win that blow dryer brush is never a disappointment.