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Baby Showers
Hi! My sister is pregnant and I am planning a baby shower for her. The problem is, we seem to have different ideas on what the shower should be like. She lives in the New Jersey/New York area and apparently any type of shower is much more elaborate than what I would plan. I live in the South and we do simple showers...like small sandwiches, cake, and punch...a few games, open presents, and your done! I am getting the impression that she wants something on a larger scale...renting a hall and having it catered. I want to make it nice, but I am spending hundreds of dollars just to fly up there and don't have the money to rent a hall or to cater. For those of you up North, are large showers customary? Am I going to look like the southern hick of a sister if I have something small for her? Just looking for other people's thoughts on this...I need to get her to understand I don't have a large budget! TIA!
Re: Baby Showers
I'm from South Florida, not NY/NJ, but I think our showers can be kinda "big" down here too, so I understand where your sisters is coming from. I think it's great that you're trying to please her and your wallet at the same time.
Could a nice compromise be to go a little swankier than you're used to, but to have less guests?
Also, there are ways to dress up sandwiches, cake and punch. A nice display table with inexpensive fresh flowers and a pretty table cloth from the back of your linen closet, etc. GL!
Agree
first thought -- is there anyone else who can host it w/ you to help cut costs? and of course you are wise to do it in your price range!! I have only been to a few that are catered but totally think you can dress up a baby shower & make it awesome & budget-friendly on your own! Sorry you are having this struggle re: diff of opinion w/ your sister!
It is really sweet of you to take your sisters wants into consideration. However, you have to work with in your budget. I would come up with what you are comfortable spending, and then sit down with your sister and let her know your ball park budget. Perhaps your sister would be willing to pay for the shower that she wants, while having you host it.
An other thought, is there a grandma to be (ie your mom) in the picture? Would she want to help out with some aspect of the shower?
Lastly, I agree with the above. There are really cheap ways of making things look really classy. White linens, candles, some flowers can go along way.
GL! Let us know how it turns out.
I'm from NYC and I can tell you that showers vary and there are no set "rules" or typical showers. Some people go all out and some people do quiet, simple showers. It's all about budget. I had a shower of about 30 people at a nice restaurant with a cash bar. My sister's baby shower was at our other sister's home and we ordered food from a nearby restaurant. My friend had hers at the armory and it was open bar.
If you are throwing the shower, then you do it your way. Too bad for your sister that it's not being held at Nobu or The Plaza. She should be grateful that she's getting anything at all. If any of your family has a problem with it, they can pay for it or at least chip in to pay for the bigger shower.
But totally agree with this!