What many people remember about baby showers is that they were often held before the birth of the baby and thrown by someone considered close to the mother-to-be. Many people at these baby shower events were mothers, mother in laws, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and some of the woman’s closest friends and relatives. The baby shower was also typically held in the person’s home…this would be the person who is hosting the baby shower. Times have certainly changed and these traditions are being tossed aside for modern ones.

What kind of modern traditions are being set forth these days? For starters, baby showers now apply to both the mom and the dad. That means both parents-to-be friends are to be invited. This means invitations will have to be gender friendly. You certainly don’t want to get pink invitations sent to a man even if the baby is a girl. When planning an event like this, causal party gifts and lots of food is a must. One way you can do this is to have a barbecue-type baby shower. You can also suggest a potluck. Each guest can bring his or her own dish or dishes to the baby shower. For the hostess, this means more money in her pocket to spend elsewhere on the party or on a gift.

Baby showers aren’t limited to homes either. Many moms-to-be will be thrown an office baby shower party. Co-workers will throw the expectant mother a shower, often times before she is heads for maternity leave. Some office baby showers are done for fathers too. These are generally simple consisting of only light snacks and some drinks and a few gift. A brief gift giving period is also done. Usually office parties are done at lunch or in a nearby restaurant. If you plan to throw a pregnant woman in office baby shower, be sure to clear it with the head boss.

As you get the invitations ready, make sure you reflect the kind of baby shower you want to throw. Be sure each invitation has a time, place and date on it. If there is a theme, let them know this if you have to use generic invitations. The easiest way to pull off a shower is to throw one with a theme. A theme can be anything you want, simple and common or slightly difficult but unique. Always double check your invitations before you send them out to make sure they are no errors and that your contact information is listed. If the mother has a gift registry, make the guests aware of it by placing this information on the invitation.

Themes for baby showers are endless. There are so many to choose from. If you want a baby shower party at work, a bookstore themed party works well. Guests can bring books or music for the baby. Make sure it is okay to do this at the office though. You can also serve donuts and coffee with this kind of theme.