Your essential checklist for planning a successful baby shower

Planning a successful baby shower can be simple and fun as long as you plan ahead. Check off the steps on this list and you'll be able to celebrate with friends and family, without having to worry about details.

The first thing you have to decide on is location. Not sure what’ll work best for your baby shower? Here are some ideas:

• Restaurant
• Hotel
• Park
• Your home
• A friend’s home

Important factors that’ll help you narrow down the options include the number of people you plan to invite and the cost of the venue.

You'll want to serve your guests food and beverages at the event. It's a good idea to get this aspect of planning out of the way early, or at least decide what kind of food you would like at the shower.

Food options include:

• Small snacks and finger foods that you prepare yourself
• A full buffet
• A sit-down dinner catered by a local company

As for beverages, you'll have to decide whether to serve simple drinks, or have a few cocktails and fancy juices.

Don’t forget to consider where you’ll get tableware for serving.

Wherever you're holding the event, you'll want to decorate the space with a few items. These simple suggestions will help transform your baby shower.

• Balloons
• Candles
• Flowers

Also, consider how you're going to set the space up. If the shower is at a restaurant, you won't have to worry about seating and tables, but if you're hosting it at your home or at an event space, you might need to rent tables and chairs.

There are quite a few ways to invite guests to your baby shower. Here are a couple of options:

• Use an invitation service to send out invitations electronically
• Print handmade cards yourself and send out hard copies

It's a great idea to plan some games for the big day. You can bring materials or play simple word games, but don't forget that you might also want to have prizes for the winners.

You might also want to consider making or buying party favours to give to your guests as a thank you for coming.

You'll also want pictures to remember the event. Decide whether you’d like to have a professional photographer on hand or just have a friend or family member snap some candid shots.