10 Brilliant Ideas For Coed Baby Showers
A baby shower is an ideal occasion to celebrate your upcoming baby and parenthood at the same time. For a long time, women used to leave their husbands out of the baby shower parties. Most men did not complain, but they sure have a right to be with their partners on this important event. Dads-to-be look forward to their baby’s birth as much as mothers-to-be, especially if it is their first baby.
Planning a baby shower for both men and women can be a little challenging (check out the tips at Roses Only for preparation), and the key is to focus on the guests; from food menu to invitations and decorations, everything should be gender-neutral. Here are some ideas to help you plan a Coed baby shower:
Invite Your Husband’s Friends to the Party
Just like women, men also want to share important life events with their friends. Having close friends and family together to celebrate your happiness helps you establish a sense of gratitude. Also, if there were no men, he’ll just be awkwardly standing in a corner and it will become real awkward real fast. Inviting your husband’s friends will be easier for you if you are planning your own baby shower, otherwise just ask the host to do it for you.
Don’t Go Over-the-Line With The Pink
Bring your creative mind into action and go unconventional with party decorations. Furthermore, instead of a fancy venue for the baby shower, you can be a bit casual and have a party at a pizza joint or the nearest club. Choosing a more casual venue will help you pick party decorations accordingly. If you want floral decorations, make sure they are not pink or red. White flowers give an elegant vibe to the whole place while making it easier for you to sync with other aspects of the baby shower, for example, make the dress code white for both genders and print invitations on white paper. You can go for any theme including star trek theme, an outdoor theme, superhero theme, or maybe a sports-inspired theme.
Surprise Your Husband With a Gender Reveal
What is better than two things combined into one?! With the baby coming, you’ll have a whole new list of expenses on your hand and a smart way to save some money is by throwing two parties at once. Also, your husband will not be expecting a gender reveal, so you’ll get his expressions of extreme joy and surprise.
Drop some hints in decorations and food; for example, dip the biscuits in blue and pink melted chocolate so that there is a clear contrast. Most of the couples go for pink or blue balloons or mystery colored cakes for their gender reveal, but for something different, arrange a push pop confetti reveal and make your husband pop the confetti.
Open the Gifts Together
When it is time to open the gifts, make sure you do it with your partner. Also, ask the guests beforehand to bring some gifts for the dad as well, so that he does not feel left out. They should get creative with their gifts; for instance, guests can bring diaper changing kit, coffee to keep him awake at night, or mugs with Best Dad written on them. It will be a special moment for the couple increasing their affection for each other.
Make the Husband Responsible for Arrangements
Let the father-to-be do something for his upcoming baby. Do not exhaust yourself with all the decorations and food preparation. You can make him in charge of preparing and sending out the invitations, buying everything from the market, and hanging the decorations. In addition, you’ll get an insight on how committed he is to perform his duties related to the baby.
Arrange for a Hearty Meal
Since it is no more an all-girls party, cupcakes and sandwiches aren’t going to spark the excitement. Prepare a wholesome lunch that men and women both enjoy likewise. You can arrange a baby shower centered on the barbecue theme where men and women just eat, chill out, talk and enjoy each other’s company. These untraditional baby showers are more like a casual gathering to vent out and have fun before you enter the tiring phase of parenthood.
Games for Men
Fun oriented games create an atmosphere of enjoyment and bring everyone together at the party. Involve both men and women in the games and challenges. A popular game at this kind of baby shower is “Baby Bottle Chug.” Each guest is given a baby bottle containing water, soft drink, juice or wine. Whoever finishes their drink first wins the competition. Another fun activity to give a twist to your baby shower is challenging men with baby chores like changing the diaper. Make sure all the games are light humored and nobody’s self-respect is hurt.
Install A Photo Booth
Photo booths are gaining more popularity by the day. Whether it is an office party, a wedding, or a bridal shower, they are there to capture your moments of happiness. Get some props from the market or DIY them with the help of your husband to add a fun part to your photo booth. Hire a professional for a customized photo booth if you think it will require too much effort. If you are on a budget, just keep it simple and do it yourself.
Think of a Hashtag
Today, people don’t believe something has happened unless it is on social media. Come up with a custom hashtag for your baby shower and ask guests to upload statuses or pictures with this hashtag. With your own hashtag, it will be easier for you to find all the pictures of your baby shower.
Baby Shower Favors
Traditionally, guests are given favors or gifts at the end of the party as a sign of gratitude. While colorful and sparkly things are perfect for lady guests, men should be given something suited to their tastes. You can also give similar things to both men and women, such as tiny donut packets, glasses printed with mustaches and lips, or bow ties for him and chokers for her.
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