I had a bunch of running around to do to prepare for the baby shower yesterday morning, but really very little work. I mentioned we ordered individual box lunches that had a sandwich and salad. My sister-in-law picked up chips and beverages from Cosco. It's a bit of a nautical theme since we are had it at the lake. She works for a printing/marketing company and had this made as part of the invites.
I wanted to order boat themed cookies, but the local bakery didn't have that option but instead I have rainbow fish cookies. The baby's dad is a big fisherman and that is how they got engaged so fitting. Decorations were the great outdoors itself, but I had flowers for the table that the mom will bring home. Games were minimal-just guessing the number of something in a jar and I have a Guess Who? baby picture game. We visited, ate, did the few games, had some random door prize drawings, and presents. Easy peasy.
Showers, like so many events have gotten out of control. I know venues and catering differ in parts of the country and world, but $100-$150 a guest, on top of all the other over the top expenses have made weddings massively out of touch with so many young couples finances. I've heard of people renting posh venues now for baby showers, with private caterers and registry lists that exceed what I had for all my kids combined. For most new families, wouldn't that money be better spent starting a little fund for the child? We spent more because of catered lunches and individualized everything, but still were under $190 everything totaled, and for 14 people. I'm sure my niece enjoyed the shower, as world circumstances what they are, simple was the right route.
This type of shower is perfect. Low cost, a theme followed through with the decorations and food. I think money spent on big parties is money better spent somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteIf we did not order box lunches, we would have likely spent 1/2 as much as we would have had something chicken salad, and homemade pasta salads are pennies a serving but for deli made, I Think we did OK
DeleteI personally like simple nearly all of the time. I have been invited to baby showers with over 150 guests, and a recent bridal tea where over 300 were invited. It is a bit much.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious if all those a the bridal shower were invited to the wedding. Figuring if only 1/2 of a couple in many instances were shower guests, was the wedding over 450 guests?
DeleteThe wedding was gigantic!
DeleteAlso the tea was ridiculous! There is just no reason to invite that many people to give you a gift, which is what a tea or shower really is.
DeleteYour shower got the message - simple, people coming together to celebrate. Exactly right, especially in this timeframe. Glad it came together for you :)
ReplyDeleteDespite apparently me not knowing how to set up chairs properly according to my MIL, I think it went well.
DeleteI have never been to a baby shower - I thought men weren't allowed based on a superstition something may go wrong with the pregnancy?
ReplyDeleteI never heard of that superstition. I have been to at least one couples baby shower where both mom and dad, and we have hosted showers for male colleagues (and partners) expecting or adopting through work, one of which was two dads, so most definitely men included. All children were healthy and loved. You'd be welcome at any shower I host in the future-be warned you may not want to be a perpetual guest.
DeleteI think simple is better. I agree spending money on elaborate things when the baby and parents can use the money instead.
ReplyDeleteI'll enjoy reading about your weekend baby showers as well.
DeleteHeck we don't (or didn't, I have no idea now) do wedding/baby showers in the UK so I was stunned when my American inlaws threw a baby shower for me in 1987. It's nice but I think it can go over the top so I agree with you, simpler is better.
ReplyDeleteMaybe not the norm everywhere and every family, but seems to be big in my part of the country and family. We host for adoptions too.
DeleteShowers can be simple but elegant and fun. I deplore all the money spent of food and decorations.
ReplyDeleteOut decorations were mostly just fish serving bowls and things form the cabin. We were outside so no decorations needed.
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