Baby showers are exciting events, especially for the would-be parents as well as members of their family and friends. A close friend of the would-be parents plan a get together for the couple, usually with a theme and incorporates some games and a short program. The guests bring gifts for the baby and light food and refreshments are served. Sounds like too much work? Don't sweat. Here are some of the essential things you should remember in planning a baby shower.

THEME

A theme is always important to any event. It sets the atmosphere and the tone for any gathering. A baby shower is no different from a birthday party or a wedding reception - it needs a theme to revolve around. Since a is held to give good wishes and gifts for an infant, whether newborn or inside the womb, the themes incorporate babies, soft colors and everything related to small children.

Some themes focus on using color to reveal the sex of the baby, such as pink for girls and blue for boys. Actual baby items, such as diaper, baby books, or stuffed animal can also be used as themes. Seasonal or holiday themed showers usually incorporate another event into the baby shower; such as a Christmas party or Easter lunch. Characters from nursery rhymes, cartoons and bedtime stories also make good themes.

LOCATION, NUMBER of GUESTS and TIME

Whether you're holding your baby shower in your home, in the parent's home or in a garden somewhere, the location of the shower is pivotal in the theme. It will bring together smaller elements of your theme and tie it beautifully or ruin the atmosphere you're trying to create. So make sure that your theme will suit your location or that the location at least can be altered to fit the theme.

What time of the day do you plan to have your baby shower? Should it be around brunch or in the afternoon? Will it be an evening party or mornings are better for everyone. The time should be convenient and practical for everyone on your guest list. Speaking of guest list, you should also have an estimate of how many guests will be attending. It not only helps you plan and budget the food but also helps ensure the intimacy of the baby shower.

PROGRAM and GAMES

A short program is almost always incorporated into a baby shower. Guests want to present their gifts and good wishes for the baby and the parents and the program allows this. Parents also look forward to this part as they can be surrounded by people they love and who wish nothing but the best for their baby. Plus opening presents is always fun.

There are many unique games that have made its way to the baby shower, these include Baby Food Tasting Game, Star Baby Guessing Game and the highly original Place the Baby on the Mommy game. This will not only ensure good memories for the parents but also a roaring good time for the guests.