Baby showers are events that are remembered by a mom-to-be for life. They have become an American tradition and it is not uncommon to throw a baby shower for a mom-to-be who is expecting her second, third, or fourth child. First time mothers look forward to their baby showers with great excitement and anticipation. As a baby shower hostess, the pressure to throw an event that is both unique and memorable is very real. But what if you are working within a tight budget? A baby shower doesn't have to cost a lot of money to be an event that the guest of honor will treasure in her memory.



The first order of business is invitations. Many expectant moms like to put one of the invitations from their baby shower in their baby book - so they have to be beautiful! But how can you save money without spending hours filling in the blanks on the really cheap invites? Simple! Purchase inexpensive blank invitations that you can run through your printer, and a roll of coordinating ribbon. Punch two holes at the top of the printed invite, thread a piece of ribbon through, and tie in a bow. Viola! Beautiful, classic invitations that cost you very little.

Next, plan your menu. Serve light refreshments rather than a full spread of food. Finger foods are super appropriate for a baby shower and will keep your costs down. Things like a veggie platter with dip, crackers and blocks of cheese you sliced yourself, fruit salad, cucumber sandwiches, and deviled eggs are inexpensive and easy to prepare, but they make an appealing spread. For drinks, consider ice cream punch. Combine a two-liter of ginger ale and half a gallon of vanilla ice cream in a punch bowl. Easy, inexpensive, and delicious.

One of the most important aspects of a beautiful baby shower is the decorations. The space where the shower will take place should feel like a celebration. The most bang for your buck here comes from helium balloons - the more, the better! Helium balloons turn even the most stark and cold space into an instant party. Purchase a few inexpensive baby bath products to use for balloon weights, and distribute odd-numbered bunches of balloons throughout the space. Next, add some paper streamers. These are super cheap and they are just the right touch over doorways and windows. The final touch will be two tablecloths in a color that matches your theme - one for the food table and one for the gift table. These large splashes of color will finish the room and they are so inexpensive!

Plan activities for your guests that do not require you to purchase supplies. Baby shower games that require only a paper and pencil, (or better yet) just a thinking cap, are your best bet! And finally, consider purchasing or making a diaper cake as your gift to the expectant mom. Displaying a large diaper cake adds a lot of atmosphere to a baby shower; they are an ideal centerpiece and an irresistible conversation piece. You can use the diaper cake to play a game with your guests - have participants guess how many diapers and what baby items the diaper cake is constructed with. And when the party is over, mom-to-be can take the diaper cake home as your gift to her. You get a centerpiece, a game, and a gift all in one - the kind of versatility you need when you are on a budget. Most importantly, diaper cakes are a unique and memorable gift that the expectant mother will be thrilled to receive. Six months after the baby shower, she won't remember who gave her socks or onesies, but she will still be smiling about the diaper cake!

With just a little creativity and not a lot of money, you can throw a baby shower that will live in the memory of all your guests for years to come, and be a treasured happy memory for the mom-to-be.