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10 tips to plan for a perfect baby shower (Godh Bharai)

Team AckoNov 28, 2024

The later stages of the second trimester mean it’s time for a baby shower!

Contents

What is a Baby Shower?
What Happens at a Baby Shower?
Top Tips for a Perfect Baby Shower
Wrapping up!
Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly known as ''Godh bharai'' in India, a baby shower in our country is mostly a lively affair, and thus, you need to plan it the right way to keep it subtle and comfortable.
Organising a baby shower can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time moms. It's a special moment, and the last thing anyone wants is to disappoint the mom-to-be—whether you're planning it for yourself, a friend, or a sister.

Remember, like any celebration, a baby shower is about creating memories. It should be a fun, joyful occasion—a true celebration of life! To make it easier for you, we’ve broken down the process into simple steps so you can plan an unforgettable event without the stress.

What is a Baby Shower?

A baby shower is a special event to celebrate a baby's upcoming arrival. It’s typically a joyful gathering where close family and friends come together to shower the expectant parents with love, blessings, and gifts for their new baby. While the exact traditions may vary depending on the culture, the essence of a baby shower is to support and celebrate the parents-to-be during this exciting and sometimes overwhelming time.

In many cultures, especially in India, a baby shower is known as "Godh Bharai", a traditional ceremony that marks the nearing arrival of the baby. This event is often more elaborate, incorporating cultural rituals, prayers, and blessings for the mother and baby. It is a beautiful way for loved ones to gather and offer their best wishes, and for the mother-to-be to feel supported and celebrated as she prepares for motherhood.

What Happens at a Baby Shower?

At a baby shower, guests typically gather to celebrate the mom-to-be, offering gifts and blessings for the baby. The event often includes games, food, and fun activities such as sharing parenting tips or baby trivia. In Indian traditions, a Godh Bharai ceremony might also include rituals where the mother is adorned with gifts and prayers for her well-being. The overall atmosphere is festive and supportive as family and friends come together to celebrate the new life.

Baby Shower Checklist

Pick the date: 8-10 weeks before the due date
Choose the venue: Home, park, or a restaurant
Send invitations: 3 weeks before the shower
Plan activities: Fun games and traditions (e.g., Godh Bharai rituals)
Organise food: Simple snacks, appetisers, and desserts

Top Tips for a Perfect Baby Shower

Set a date for six to eight weeks before the birth. Draw up a contact list of your friends. If someone else is planning the baby shower, you can ask them to follow these guidelines. Try to determine what you, as a mom-to-be, need.

If you’re a first-time mom, you would probably need a lot of essentials. Prepare a list of things you would like the guests to bring. Take into consideration your cravings and food allergies and the people you would like to show up at the Godh Bharai ceremony.

If you͛’ve put together a list of gifts, ask the person organising the shower to assign something from the list to each guest to avoid duplication. There are a few items a new mom will use hundreds of, such as baby wipes. She simply can͛’t have enough, so add a pack of wipes to any gift you buy.

Plan special and meaningful activities as part of the celebration. Get each guest to write a short note of inspiration to the new parents and place them randomly among a pile of nappies. Just follow these top 9 steps in organising a great baby shower, and you will be able to enjoy not only the party but also the planning process.

Set a Budget: The first step in planning a baby shower is setting a budget. This will help you determine how much you can spend on essentials like food, decorations, and favours. A clear budget ensures you allocate funds effectively, preventing overspending and last-minute stress. It also provides a foundation for planning other aspects, such as choosing the venue and menu.
Choose a Date and Time: Selecting the right date and time is important to ensure that most guests can attend. Aim for a date in the last trimester of pregnancy, but be sure to consult the mom-to-be for her availability. Holding the shower on a weekend afternoon is usually best, as it allows for flexibility and maximises guest attendance. This timing also provides enough time for planning and sending out invitations.
Pick a Location: Decide on a venue that suits the number of guests and the type of atmosphere you want to create. You can host the event at someone’s home, a rented event space, or even outdoors if the weather permits. Choosing a location with enough space and comfortable seating is key to ensuring guests feel at ease. Make sure the venue is easily accessible and has sufficient parking for convenience.
Create the Guest List: Make a guest list that includes close family, friends, and any other special people in the mom-to-be’s life. Consulting her on the guest list can help avoid missing anyone important. Be mindful of the venue’s capacity when finalising the list to ensure everyone fits comfortably. Sending out RSVPs can also help you get a headcount for food and seating arrangements.
Choose a Theme (Optional): A theme can bring a fun, cohesive touch to the shower, though it's completely optional. Themes like "Baby Safari," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," or "Vintage Tea Party" can inspire decorations, invitations, and even games. A well-chosen theme can make planning easier by guiding your decisions on colours, décor, and party favours. However, if a theme feels overwhelming, sticking to a simple colour scheme works just as well.
Plan the Menu: Creating a menu that fits the occasion is a significant part of the planning process. Depending on the time of day, you can serve brunch items, afternoon tea, or a selection of finger foods and desserts. Be sure to include a variety of options to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. Adding a signature mocktail or refreshing drinks can enhance the party vibe.
Decorate the Space: Decorating the space is a great way to set the tone for the baby shower. You can keep it simple with balloons, banners, and fresh flowers, or go all out with themed decor. Table centrepieces, streamers, and a backdrop for photos are popular decoration ideas. Adding personalised touches, like a "Welcome Baby" sign or customised banners, can make the event feel even more special.
Plan Activities and Games: To keep guests entertained, plan a few fun activities and games that fit the mood of the shower. Classic games like "Guess the Baby Food," "Baby Bingo," or "Diaper Raffle" are always crowd-pleasers. Consider adding a crafting station where guests can decorate onesies or write advice cards for the parents-to-be. Be sure to choose games that are easy to understand and quick to play.
Send Out Invitations: Once you've settled on all the details, send out invitations at least 3-4 weeks before the event. This gives guests ample time to RSVP and plan their schedules. You can choose printed invitations for a formal touch or digital invites for a quicker, eco-friendly option. Make sure to include all essential details like date, time, location, RSVP information, and any special instructions.

Wrapping up!

Planning a perfect baby shower, or Godh Bharai, is a wonderful way to celebrate the impending arrival of a new baby and to honor the mother-to-be. By focusing on thoughtful details, such as theme, invitations, decorations, food, and games, you can create a memorable and joyous occasion that everyone will cherish. Remember, the best baby showers are those that reflect the personality and preferences of the mom-to-be, making her feel loved and supported. With careful planning and a dash of creativity, you can host a beautiful celebration that marks this special milestone in a meaningful way. Enjoy the process and make it a day to remember for everyone involved!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of FAQs about9 tips to plan for a perfect baby shower

What is the typical order of events at a baby shower?

Typically, a baby shower starts with guests arriving and mingling. This is followed by gift opening, games and activities like diaper raffles or guessing games, and a meal or dessert buffet. The event concludes with guests bidding farewell to the mom-to-be.

What is the primary purpose of a baby shower?

The primary purpose of a baby shower is to celebrate the mom-to-be and the upcoming arrival of her baby. It's a time for friends and family to gather, share their love and support, and shower her with gifts.

What are some common activities and games at a baby shower?

Common activities and games at a baby shower include diaper raffles, baby bingo, baby food tasting, and advice cards. These activities add fun and excitement to the celebration.

What are the responsibilities of the host at a baby shower?

The host is responsible for planning the event, including setting a date, time, and location, creating a guest list, and choosing a theme. They also handle decorations, food and drink arrangements, and plan activities. Additionally, the host takes care of the clean-up after the party.

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10 tips to plan for a perfect baby shower (Godh Bharai)

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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