April showers bring May flowers… Metaphorically, that is… because in this case the showers are followed by flowers that complement a breathtaking bridal gown or hold a priceless card that reads “Welcome baby!”. As we’re finally escaping the winter slump and brighter days are approaching, many women are counting down to their 2025 wedding or anticipating this year’s arrival of a sweet, new bundle of joy. These significant milestones require a great deal of planning and preparation, including a bridal shower or baby shower leading up to the big day. If you’re a close friend or family member who has taken the reins on either of these celebrations, don’t fret – because today I’m dishing out my top ten tips for hosting an unforgettable event.   

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DO…

1. DO consult with the bride or mom-to-be for any special requests. While some honorees prefer to be more hands-on during the planning stage, others will likely enjoy the anticipation of being surprised. Either way, she’s probably been daydreaming about this shower for quite a while, so there might be a few items on her wish list that can be accommodated. Whether it may be food or decor related or more logistical, such as the guest count or location, I find that I always feel more confident heading into party day knowing I’ve confirmed any expectations.
2. DO outsource when it makes sense. Hosting any event inevitably comes with its own share of pressure and expenses, so don’t hesitate to relieve yourself from some of the responsibilities. Consider recruiting a few co-hosts to divide and conquer, purchasing food that’s table-ready, or paying a talented friend to tackle that balloon arch. Whichever tasks you’re comfortable offloading from your to-do list that will help alleviate your stress, do it!
3. DO splurge on personalization. Between new last names, wedding dates, baby names, and birth years, there are countless opportunities to be intentional with personalization. This not only adds a super special touch, but can often double as a gift for the bride or mom-to-be. For something more simply stated, go for an initial in the form of a decorative block letter or fillable cardboard letter (the ones that can be used as a charcuterie or snack tray). For more of a keepsake, a blanket stitched with the newlyweds’ wedding year or a monogrammed newborn outfit make for perfect displays.
4. DO include the fiancé or dad-to-be, when appropriate. To help reinforce #1 above, the engaged or expecting couple might desire a joint celebration. From fiestas and brews (coffee or beer!) to backyard baby-ques and tailgates, there are an abundance of catchy themes fitting for a co-ed shindig. If this falls onto your hosting plate, grab the whole group and embrace double the fun!
5. DO prioritize printed invitations. This one might be more of a personal preference, but I firmly believe it’s worth the extra effort of printing and mailing (or passing out) physical invites. It sets the tone that you’re eager, organized, and looking forward to hosting, which I think promotes another layer of both credibility and excitement.

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DON’T…

1. DON’T be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to the menu. While I’m no stranger to the traditional finger food and appetizer spread – which is never a wrong answer, BTW – don’t be scared to branch out. Is the bride obsessed with tacos? Tap into her comfort zone with a taco/nacho bar. Has mom-to-be been drooling over pizza? Indulge her cravings with a build-your-own personal pizza station.
2. DON’T overlook the party favors. Perhaps it’s the Southern hospitality ingrained in me, but offering guests a small “thank you” is non-negotiable in my book. I truly am grateful for their attendance because it aided in a memorable shower, and they always leave with a smile on their face. And sure, I’ve (admittedly) gone a little over the top on some of my on-theme party favors in the past, but it definitely doesn’t have to ring fancy. Cookies individually wrapped in cellophane treat bags and tied closed with a ribbon (again, leaning into your color scheme) would be completely welcomed by all!
3. DON’T underestimate the power of preparation. No matter how much time you think you have on the day-of before the shower starts, it never fails – you will feel rushed. It could be the last-minute shuffle of food in the oven hoping it all stays warm enough, or the beverages you forgot to put on ice earlier that morning. It’s wrestling with a banner that won’t stay hung, or constructing a backdrop stand that’s taking much longer than the instructions claimed. The only way to be equipped for these obstacles is to prepare as much as you possibly can in advance. Food prep, trial runs, and pre-assembled decor and supplies will become your saving grace!
4. DON’T overdo the activities. The world is typically divided into two groups: those who thrive off of organized games, and those who merely survive their duration. I recommend using the guest of honor as your compass to guide the volume and level of activities you plan, as well as the attendees as you’ll want to be able to ensure participation. However that translates – a series of physical games, written wishes/advice/recipes, or zero extracurriculars – it’s all perfectly acceptable. Just remember, you want to set your event (and yourself as a host) up for success, and in the end it’s all about fellowshipping together.
5. DON’T let the theme cause you stress. While establishing the right theme is a must to help drive the direction of decor, it doesn’t have to be overly done. If incorporating certain elements of your theme is becoming difficult, overwhelming, or too costly, tryfocusing on the color scheme to widen your options. Leading with your featured color palette and then sprinkling in accents of your theme will still contribute to the overall ambiance just as impactfully.*Pro-Tip: A good example is dessert. While designer cakes and custom cookies are stunning, it’s not always the best use of party funds. A standard grocery store cake (or cupcakes) with frosting that matches your color scheme can instantly be elevated with an impressive, affordable cake (or cupcake) topper.

 Happy Showering Season!