Everyone feels happy and joyous when a close friend or relative announces that she is expecting a baby. Even though somewhere in the world, a baby is born literally every second, the fact that someone you know is expecting a child is very special news. For some expectant women this may be the most exciting thing that is ever going to happen to them. Some people spend years trying to fall pregnant so the occasion for them can be overwhelmingly emotional. Whatever the circumstances this news is a great reason for a celebration and this is usually in the form of a baby shower.

The baby shower event is traditionally the occasion where friends and relatives get together to celebrate the impending arrival and to share some tips and give presents that the parents-to-be will find useful for their baby.

Generally, the planning of the baby shower is entrusted to the best friend or sister of the mum-to-be and for these ladies here are some great tips on how to plan a baby shower that is successful and enjoyed by all guests.

How To Plan A Baby Shower With The Minimum Of Resources

First off the baby shower party needs to be a fun-filled occasion where everybody laughs and has heaps of fun. The guests need to be able to spend a little bit of time to congratulate the mother-to-be on the wonderful news. What it does need not to be, however, is a drain on resources - particular money.

If you are the planner of the event then the first item on your agenda is to put together a guest list. This is best done in consultation with the mother-to-be to ensure no one important to her is left off the list. Once you have the list (which ideally should, for logistical reasons not exceed 30 guests), you then need to send out the baby shower invitation cards.

Rather than rush out and buy ready made cards why not get on to your computer and create some beautiful individual and unique invitation cards. As a suggestion you could scan and add a photo of the mother-to-be for that special touch. Remember to include all the required information for example date, time, venue, name of the host, RSVP as well as contact details.

The next step is to make a list with details about decorations, food, designing tips, cards for the mother-to-be and so on. Ideally decorations could be handmade and as much as possible reflect the sex of the baby. If the baby's sex is not yet known you could use a combination of pinks and blues in the decorations. Always hang plenty of balloons and ribbons and have pretty flowers arrangements to create the party atmosphere and magical ambiance.

As for the food why not get all the guests to show off their baking prowess and arrange to have them bake, cakes, muffins, tarts, slices and biscuits. This is an inexpensive way for everyone of the guests to contribute to the cost of the occasion. Generally it is not necessary to provide the guests alcoholic drinks at baby shower parties but you could make a mildly alcoholic fruit punch for everyone to enjoy.

Don't forget with a little bit of ingenuity and care you could work out how to plan a baby shower at minimal cost without compromising in any way on the fun of the occasion and the enjoyment of all the guests and the mum-to-be. So get your creative thinking cap on and have some fun.