Are you preparing to bring a little one into the world? Whether it’s your first or your fifth, having a baby is a life-changing experience, and one that thousands go through every year. Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals there were 640,370 live births in England and Wales in 2019, which works out at more than 1,750 per day.
And if you or a friend are expecting over the next few months, you might be thinking about marking the occasion with a baby shower. There’s no denying that starting (or extending) your family is a major step that requires plenty of practical and financial planning, and the significant costs of having a baby may mean you decide to cut back in other areas.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan the ideal celebration on a budget – and here are a few tips to help you.
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Host at home
If you are going to hold the shower at someone’s house, be sure to follow the government guidelines on Covid-19 and social distancing and check with all guests that they’re comfortable with the arrangements. By holding it at home, you’ll save on the cost of any food and drink you would pay for in a fancy restaurant or bar, and the familiar surroundings will make for a much more relaxed atmosphere.
Make it a fizz-free party
It’s unlikely the mother-to-be will be drinking, so why not make it a teetotal affair across the board? There are some tasty alcohol-free alternatives to the usual tipples at a baby shower, which will keep costs down and ensure all guests are fit to drive home once the festivities have drawn to a close.
Keep it simple
There’s no need to go overboard on decorations for that Instagram-worthy snap, either. After all, a good celebration is all about the company, not the surroundings. If you do decide to decorate, it might pay to keep it simple with the odd bit of bunting and a few bunches of balloons. Sometimes, less is more.
Share the load
A great way to make it a budget-friendly baby shower is to spread the cost out among everyone. By asking others to contribute towards food, drinks, games and decorations, it will ensure the expense is not falling entirely on one person. That way, the budding parents will have more to spend on the essentials when the baby does arrive.