5 Tips to Throw A Co-ed Baby Shower

Baby Showers are a wonderful time for the Moms-to-Be and her girlfriends to get together and enjoy themselves before the little one arrives. Back in the 19th century, it was a time in which parents were “showered” with baby gifts to help them get started with their new life. Additionally, pregnant women were not seen out of the house so baby showers were given after the baby’s birth. Baby Showers were typically known to be a “women’s” domain, thus men were not involved with the celebration process. Only after the late 1940’s did a celebration of a baby shower take place during pregnancy instead of after the baby was born.

Nowadays, men are becoming more involved in the baby planning process. Why not include them in the baby shower fun as well! Of course many men may feel awkward and /or are traditionalists and would rather leave the baby shower celebration to the Mom-to-Be and her girlfriends. It doesn’t have to be this way if the men are really interested in attending but are not sure what to expect. Listed below are 5 tips to address when putting together a successful Co-Ed Baby Shower.

Tip #1: What will the Baby Shower theme be?
Choose one in which couples will relate to and have a good time! Think about the couples’ hobbies and interests to help you make a decision.


Tip #2: Where will the Baby Shower party take place?
Think about your budget, theme and time of year to help you decide. You can choose from indoors, outdoors, a clubhouse, home, park, facility, restaurant and even a hotel. The places are endless!

Tip #3: What kind of food and beverages should I serve at the Baby Shower?
Tie in your theme to help you decide. Men typically have a better time with good “grub” and plenty of beverages. Think about time of day as well. Will it be a breakfast, dinner, cocktail hour or dessert shower?

Tip #4: What kind of Baby Shower Games should be played?
Games are typically played at an all “girls” shower. With a little creativity, men will enjoy the games too. Look at playing a selection of 3-4 games that won’t make the men uncomfortable and yet fun to play! After all, the Moms-
to-Be may want to have these included. It’s a great icebreaker and a way to liven up the party.

Tip #5: What kind of Baby Shower Favors should I give away?
Favors are a great way to extend your baby shower theme. Think about edible favors for the couple. Again, a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! Cookies, chocolate, personalized drink mixes and gum are some ideas worth looking into!

In conclusion, your Co-Ed Baby Shower is a time in which Parents-to-Be can share the joy of an upcoming baby with their friends and family at an organized party that’s interesting, has wonderful food and where everyone has a great time!

New Website

Throughout the Summer I had my website redesigned. What does this mean for you?

1. I am now shipping to 7 countries outside the United States. These countries are England, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Australia, Sweden and Canada. I will be adding more countries in the near future as well.

2. I have added Paypal, another transaction processing system in my checkout. It's for those who have a Paypal membership and feel more comfortable utilizing this payment method instead.

3. I have included USPS as a shipping option when ordering only Personalized Tags and Labels. Those residing in the U.S. can pay a low minimal fee ($4.80), receive your item in two days and includes tracking!

4. I will pay for your sample favors and shipping via USPS should you place a grand order of the same product. If not, by providing you with USPS as a less expensive shipping option than UPS, you will save money should you opt not buy them in the future.

5. You have an opportunity for discounted favors when you buy a larger quantity. Check the new prices on most of our favors.

6. A new Resource Information section is listed at the bottom of the page. Check back frequently as there are helpful articles and vendors to assist you in making your event easier to plan.

7. You will still receive excellent customer service, quality products and quick turn-around!

Wedding Planning With Bridal Shows

Whether you are a recently engaged bride or have been engaged for awhile, Bridal Shows are one of the best ways to find your vendors that will help make your dream wedding come to life! Having been a wedding favor vendor for at least a dozen of these shows, I'd like to share some tips on how to save money with your wedding attending Bridal Shows and make your experience there less overwhelming.

It can be very overwhelming attending a bridal show when you're first engaged, as you have so many vendors to visit. Start viewing the bridal shows as a timeline for the different stages of your wedding planning. Figure on visiting at least 3 shows throughout your engagement period. If you try to find all of your vendors at once, you're likely to feel overwhelmed and burned out and not really remembering what you saw. You may not even want to come back! Many of the brides I met really didn't know what they wanted. That's okay. These Bridal Shows are perfect in giving you great ideas and helping to piece your wedding together. They showcase the latest color trends, styles and decor that you see in the Wedding magazines, brought to life! Listed below are ideas to help make attending the Bridal Shows fun, efficient and memorable!

1. Look for vendors in order of necessity for your wedding. Typically, facilities are a good place to start in your wedding planning, especially if you are following your wedding planning timeline. Facilities do get booked pretty quickly as well, especially if it is popular and you are looking to marry during the June, July or October months. Nine months to one year out is a good time frame to book your facility.

2. Look for vendors in order of importance. If your wedding photographs are the most important aspect of your wedding, then start looking at Photographers you want to secure. Sometimes their availability can help you determine a wedding date! While at the show, collect materials from those Photographers you felt a connection with, and you enjoyed their work.

3. Use the Bridal Show as a screening method for your future vendors. If you are looking for Wedding Facilities and Photographers at your first show, followup with them after the show so you could have one on one meetings with them afterwards. You may not remember to ask all of your questions at the show. Meeting one on one will allow you to have more time to talk with these prospective vendors in a less hurried environment and confirm how comfortable you are with your vendors.

4. Many of the Vendors will offer show specials. This is a great opportunity to save some money during your wedding. Ask the vendors if you don't sign up that day with them, how long will they honor that special or discount. Don't feel pressured to sign up at the show if you aren't ready. Chances are you will need time to talk with your Vendor one on one to get more information.

5. Prepare printed labels ahead of time to take with you to the show. Just about every Vendor will want your names, email address, phone number and wedding date (if you know). There is usually a raffle drawing for a great prize too! Save yourself some time from having to stop and write this information at every booth!

6. Look to the Bridal Association or Wedding Professional Directory booths. Check out the Bridal Consultants or Wedding Consultant booths. Vendors that are members of an Association are professional and keep up certain standards of work ethics. In addition, Bridal Consultants have worked with many of the vendors at the show and would be able to help you choose those vendors based on your budget and your interests. These resources are excellent time and money savers for you!

7. Talk with the other brides at the show. Some may be familiar with the vendors and have talked with them already. They may be able to give you some good input which could save you time as well.

8. Bring a camera to take pictures of dresses at the fashion show, flower arrangements, decor, linen colors, etc. Start building a scrapbook of ideas & designs to help you get your wedding together.

9. Bring a Wedding Planning Book or File Folder to help organize all of your materials you will get at the Show. Most Wedding Planning Books offer a wedding timeline to help you in your planning. Bring pictures of colors, dresses, etc. that you like with you. Sometimes showing the vendor this will help them with ideas for you.

10. As you collect brochures and cards from your Vendors, write a note as a reminder why you liked them and what they had to offer you. Many a time after you get home, you forgot that one vendor that was offering an incredible deal for you.

11. Wear comfortable shoes.

12. Bring your own water/snacks and save some money.

13. Pre-register for the show. You will save money and time from waiting on the day of! Check out BridalInsider.com for a list of upcoming Bridal Shows and Workshops in your area!

With a little preparation ahead of time, your experience at your next Bridal Show will be informative, less overwhelming and a money saver too!

Ideas For Weddings On A Budget

Every bride deserves to have her day the way she likes. Average wedding costs today can be at least $25,000. That's a chunk of change for a new couple. It's also one of the most costly expenses a couple will fork out, next to a down payment on a house or condo. Your wedding doesn't have to break the bank or spiral you into debt. There are ways in which you can cut costs and still have the wedding of your dreams! Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to think outside the box! Listed below include some money-saving ideas for your wedding.

1. Reception Site/Catering: Be flexible in having your wedding on a less expensive night. Have it on a Friday or Sunday night. Have your wedding at a different time. Who says you have to have a dinner wedding? Or dinner at all? Opt for a lunch wedding. The food portions are smaller. Or maybe have an afternoon wedding with just a cocktail reception instead of a sit-down dinner. Have a brunch wedding with omlette and waffle stations. Sans the open alcoholic bar. Offer a special signature drink for the reception instead, along with non-alcoholic juices, spritzers, etc. At dinner, you can offer a red and white wine. For toasting, make it a sparkling non-alcoholic beverage instead of champagne.

2. Wedding Cake: Feature 1 layer of your decorated wedding cake for show. Serve your guests sheet cake instead of from a three or four layer wedding cake. Same cake, different layout. The more exotic the flavor, the higher the cost. Aim for a more simpler filling. Opt for a cupcake tower or some other mini desserts instead.

3. Florals/Centerpieces: Opt for a more simplier bouquet of flowers for a centerpiece. You can have a beautiful centerpiece with a variety of different sized vases with a couple of flowers in each. Surround them with decorative candles or other inexpensive accessories. Make sure to buy flowers in season, they will be less costly than those that aren't. Think about the colors. Basic colors are less expensive than the purple or fushcia colored flowers. Look into the Farmer's markets to save on flower costs. They have a wonderful selection at affordable costs.

4. Bridesmaid Dresses: Instead of a bridesmaid dress from a bridal shop, why not have your bridesmaids wear cocktail dresses? They can be worn over again and probably much more comfortable.

5. Bridal Dress: Check out consignment shops, online, Craig's List, etc. for a less expensive dress. Don't forget the clearance and closeout racks at shops as well.

6. Invitations: Do them yourself. Purchase bulk paper and envelopes and use online templates with your computer for printing. If you don't have time, perhaps a friend can help. How about an online invitation?

7. Photography/Videography: Some photographers may have a basic package for you. They can take pictures of the bridal couple and wedding party and family photos. Cut back on professional candid photos by having your friends take pictures at your wedding instead. If the Photographer is the most important factor to you in the wedding, by all means, they can do the whole wedding. Just cut costs in other areas.

8. Entertainment: Ask your family and friends for referrals. If you can't afford a live band, go with a DJ. They can do a phenomenal job in providing a fun and interactive evening with your guests. Have your mindset on a band? Go with one that's less in demand or established. Perhaps there is a college band willing to play to get their names out. Or maybe a jazz ensemble that can offer music during your reception that wouldn't cost too much.

9. Honeymoon: Set up an account so your guests can contribute to your honeymoon instead of giving you the traditional household items.

10. Favors: It's always a nice idea to thank your guests for coming to your wedding with a token gift, even it it's an inexpensive one. Again, you don't have to spend $3-$4 per person. There are beautiful favor ideas for $1-$2 a person. Buy 1 favor per couple to save costs. Put together your own favors. Buy pretty boxes or bags and put your own candy inside. You can decorate with ribbons, stamped logos and even personalized tags. You'll be saving money but needing more time. Grab your bridesmaids and have them assist. You can turn your centerpiece into favors that people take home. Thus you have favors and centerpieces for one price.

Of course, you can always pair down your guest list to your closest family and friends. Instead of 120 people, have 80 instead. Perhaps close family can contribute to your wedding as their gift to you. Your Aunt may want to buy the table centerpieces or maybe part of the cake costs.

Remember, having a less expensive wedding doesn't mean it will be less elegant! With some brainstorming and a little flexibility, you too can have the wedding you've always dreamed of!



**I invite any bride to share their cost-saving tips they did for their wedding to pass on to all of us!**