Baby Showers On A Budget

Provided by: BabyShowerGamesAtoZ.com

You can spend as much or as little on hosting a baby shower as you want. Generally, the more people, the higher the cost...but any way you look at it, you'll need to know what's expected of you and what's going to cost money before you start.

Rule number one is to decide before-hand how much you're going to spend...and stick to it! No matter how large or how small your budget is, if you don't watch closely, you can really blow it...so let's get you started on some hints and tricks to keep that spending where you want it.

We'll start with the basic ingredients - the things you need for a shower...

1. Invitations, envelopes, and stamps
2. Favors (bought and wrapped)
3. Pictures and film developing
4. Fresh flowers
5. Food and beverages
6. Games, game supplies and prizes
7. Cake
8. Paper products like paper plates, cups, matching napkins and plastic utensils
9. Your gift for the mother-to-be
10. Facility rental fee, table rentals, and more - if hosting outside of your home (18% gratuity - if hosting in a restaurant)

Here's what you can do to make a budget...

Print out the list above, or make a spreadsheet on the computer. Write down how much you want to spend next to each item. But whether you spend money on these things, make them yourself, get donations, or have others help -- that's completely up to you.

Next step: Review Your List.

Did the total come to more than you want? If you answered yes, then try to trim down some costs by enlisting help... maybe your co-host can make the invitations - or your sister the chef is willing to bake a fancy cake.

But if you suddenly realize this is going to cost more than you have, remember that the cost of food is usually the easiest to lower. You might even see if there is another person willing to help out with the big-ticket items or special touches that are pushing you over your budget.

Money Saving Tips.

1. Consider a co-host. Sharing the spotlight with a co-host will also mean sharing the decision making as well as sharing the cost. If you're willing to share control, it'll help your pocketbook.
2. Skip the catering. If you have the time, you can do it yourself. Even fancy deli trays, veggie trays and pre-made mini-sandwich trays can be made at home for about half the cost.
3. Skip the meal and serve sweets... after all, everybody knows little babies are made of sugar and spice and everything nice!
4. Potluck it. Just make sure to be specific when asking guests to bring food or you may end up with 10 bags of chips. Try asking Jane to bring a green salad that feeds 10, or a main dish that serves Don't forget to have a backup... ask 2 guests to bring the same thing, worst case is you have more than enough food.
5. Host the Shower at your home. Renting space is an additional cost you can avoid if you're willing to have it at your own home. If you need to borrow someone else's home, consider making them a co-host because the home owner is always considered the host, no matter what the situation may be.
6. Make your own party favors... or skip them altogether. Favors are like a thank-you from the hostess for attending, so if you skip them, just make sure to thank everyone individually for coming.
7. Make your own invitations. This can save money and allow you to personalize them with the Shower theme. Look online at invitations to get pictures, words, and ideas for your own.
8. Skip the alcohol. Alcohol can be expensive, and some even consider it improper Baby Shower etiquette. Skip the debate and the alcohol altogether.
9. Make your own cake. Personalized cakes at the bakery are getting more and more expensive and the boxed cake mixes are getting better and better. Just add a small tube of colored cake decorators gel to your grocery list and you can add your own personalized message on top of the cake.
10. Use your gift as the centerpiece or use your centerpiece as a gift. Gift baskets, diaper cakes, even baby's toys can make surprisingly simple yet wonderful table decorations and double as a gift. It's two for one!

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