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There is a lot more to bridal shower etiquette than making sure to say thank you to guests that bring gifts, although this is definitely imperative. Bridal shower etiquette should be considered by the bride-to-be, the hostess, and even the guests.

Most bridal showers include food and drinks and sometimes even liquor. Obviously, it is important to ensure that nobody has too much to drink. We all know that nerves run high for the bride, the bridal party, and both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom. It can be easy to over imbibe and start acting unlike ourselves!

Every guest at the bridal shower should bring a gift, whether it is from the bridal registry, a monetary gift, a sentimental gift, or something entirely unique and different. The purpose is to help celebrate the bride but to also help her set up her new home with her husband. If money is an issue, then there is no shame in giving a card only. However, bringing nothing at all is poor bridal shower etiquette.

It is proper bridal shower etiquette for the bride-to-be to give the hostess of the bridal shower a thank you gift. The hostess gift can be anything that the hostess might enjoy such as flowers, wine, candles, or spa gift certificates.

The bride will spend a good amount of time sitting in front of all her guests and opening her gifts. It is important that she reads the card and loudly says whom the gift is from and then shows the gift to everyone. Then, she thanks each guest. It is important that the bride has someone writing down the gifts she receives and who each gift is from. This is so that she can also send thank you notes. Yes, it is proper bridal shower etiquette to send thank you notes even when a verbal thank you is given.

Have you been to a bridal shower lately? Are you planning a bridal shower? Do you have any etiquette rules to add to our list? Share your views on bridal shower etiquette.

A milestone birthday is any birthday of significance, whether it is 16, 21, 25 or any number ending in a zero. The most important consideration is the milestone age. A 16 year old will not want the same birthday party as someone turning 80! It is also a good idea to make sure that the birthday boy or girl wants a party. Are they accepting this new age gracefully?

A milestone birthday is a time to celebrate. As we age, each birthday becomes seemingly less important. Nothing can rival our birthdays as children. We may not have a party for every birthday, but those milestone birthdays are the time to celebrate!

A milestone birthday party is usually going to be a big event. Friends and family should all be invited to share in such a special occasion. This means that the party should be held in a large space which usually means holding the party in a hall or reception site. This can be costly, but is usually worth it in order to not have to clean up after a party!
Consider doing something special for the birthday boy or girl. Perhaps a slideshow of their life or a collage that showcases the most important events will make a special statement. If you really want everyone to remember such a special occasion, then order party favors to give out. These can be personalized with the name of the birthday boy or girl and a special message!

Remember to handle all of the standard party planning such as food, drink, decorations, and music. A large party will need a caterer or if money is tight then consider a potluck!
Are you planning a milestone birthday party or have you attended one recently? What made it a special occasion? What made it different than other birthday parties? Do you have any advice on planning one of these events? Give us the scoop so that we can all throw parties to remember!

In this world of excess is it possible to do too much for our children? The Jewish religion celebrates the coming of age of children at the age of thirteen. Not only does this involve a lot of party planning, but the child must spend a lot of time studying and attending religious classes in order to stand in front of their friends and family and recite from the Torah.

These children must work for this extra special coming of age party, but does that entitle them to an overblown party that can cost as much as a typical wedding? Why do parents feel the need to outdo every other parent when it comes to their children’s birthday parties? I understand that a Bar Mitzvah is an extra special occasion and should not be compared to the average birthday party, but it is still a party for a thirteen year old.
After the religious service, it is customary for the parents to throw a party that generally entails a meal and entertainment. This may include renting out a hall, hiring a caterer, ordering a bartender, and hiring entertainment such as a band of DJ. But when does it go too far? Is it extravagant presents? Is it in the decorations or entertainment? Perhaps the guest list is very large. There is so much that goes into party planning that a parent can lose track of expenses.

While the Bar Mitzvah should be an event to remember, it is important to keep everything in perspective. Have you been to a Bar Mitzvah lately? How does it compare to a Bar Mitzvah from ten years ago? Do you think parents are going too far or do these children deserve an over the top party for their coming of age? Give us your opinion and your thoughts on planning a perfect Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah!

I must admit that I have never been to a Quinceanera or Quince Años .  I was never privileged to attend such an event. Now, as more people of different cultures and ethnicities are moving into my neighborhood, I am hopeful that my children will be able to have the opportunity to experience different cultural events. My limited knowledge of the Quinceanera comes from two television shows. Mtv’s, My Super Sweet 16, did an episode with a girl planning her Quinceanera and an episode of Dora the Explorer where her cousin was celebrating her Quinceanera.

What I learned from these two shows is that a Quinceanera is the event that defines a young woman’s life (her 15th birthday); this is her coming of age. This is similar to the tradition of the Bar Mitzvah or the sweet 16.

The Quinceanera is a big party and so it should be planned early! Many parents will spare no expense such as on the episode of My Super Sweet 16. This event can be as big as a wedding and in some regions it is also a religious event. The birthday girl has a court of her family and friends and they learn specific dances to be performed. This is a truly cultural event.

Since I have such limited information, I am turning to all of you to help one another to plan the perfect Quinceanera and to give me some insight as well. What are the most important details? Tell us all about your Quinceanera party planning!

The very first consideration when choosing a theme for your party is whom the party is for! Is it for a toddler, child, teenager, adult, retirement, house warming, anniversary, or one of the many other reasons to celebrate???

Themes for children 12 and under

The best way to choose a theme for a party where all of the children will be under the age of 12 is to look at what your child and his or her friends enjoy.

Think:

Music such as top 40 or country

Television shows such as Dora, Blue’s Clues, and even American Idol

Movies such as Finding Nemo, Spiderman, Superman, and Cars

Activities such as sports, dance, crafts, and cooking

Other general themes could include princesses, superheroes, circus, and animals

The most important factor is choosing a theme that your child will enjoy so ask your child if he has a specific theme in mind for his party.

Themes for Teens

First things first, your teen may not want a theme. Themes may be very uncool at this time in their lives. So ask first. Use the same guidelines as above if your teen gives you the ok. Also consider something as simple as a color scheme so that you can at least decorate and make the party space look festive.

Themes for Adults

The best way to choose a theme for an adult party is to consider the personality of the person or people that the party is for. Would they enjoy a Hawaiian luau or a karaoke party? Is an “Over the Hill” theme appropriate? The best place to go to get ideas is a party store or party web site. They offer decorations and favors in all sorts of themes!

What You Need for Your Themed Party

All of these items should be within the chosen theme or something complementary such as a coordinating color.

Decorations

Balloons

Banners

Table Centerpiece

Streamers

Serving Items

Dinner Plates

Cake Plates

Cups

Napkins

Cutlery

Tablecloth

Don’t forget about party favors. Children’s parties should include goodie bags that include small toys and candy. These favors are a special thank you to guests for attending the party. Try to keep in the theme of the party and the favor will be a special memory for years to come!

You want this shower to be one that your loved one will remember forever! Stick to these timeline suggestions to keep your party planning on track and ensure that you have everything you need to throw the perfect baby shower!

6 to 8 weeks before the shower

• Talk with your loved one about her expectations of the shower. Does she want women only or a Jack and Jill? Is there a theme she particularly enjoys?
• Choose a date for the shower and make sure that all important guests will be able to attend.
• Develop the guest list and get all addresses.
• Order personalized invitations or purchase invitations and start addressing them. Make sure to buy stamps too.
• Find out where your loved one has registered for gifts or ask her for items she particularly needs.
• Choose the shower location and book the venue and caterer if necessary.

4 to 6 weeks before the shower

• Mail out the invitations. Include information on where the mother-to-be is registered. Keep a list of everyone that RSVP’s using the Guest List Manager.
• Research baby shower games and choose which ones to play.
• Purchase all items for shower games as well as all other shower supplies. Use the supplies checklist to make sure you get all the necessary items.
• Decide on the menu. Will it be a full lunch, a tea, or just finger foods?
• Order the cake.
• Order shower favors that will give guests and the new mother something special to remember the day!

2 to 4 weeks before the shower

• Decide on the agenda for the party. This will need to include games, food, gifts, and cake.
• Start putting together favors.
• Keep in touch with the mother-to-be and make sure everything is going ok with her.
• Purchase your gift for the shower. Don’t forget the card and wrapping paper.
• 1 week before the shower
• Call anyone that has not called to RSVP.
• Start cleaning if the shower is going to be at your house.
• Confirm the venue and caterer if necessary.
• Buy food and drinks for the shower.

The day before the shower

• Finish cleaning the house.
• Pick up the cake or bake one.
• Prepare any food that can be made ahead of time.
• Set out any games or decorations that can be put out early.
• Set out all cutlery, dishes, and platters for food and drinks.
• Make sure you have all the supplies you need for food, decorations, and games.
• Purchase fresh flowers.
• Charge batteries for cameras and video cameras.

The day of the shower

• Set up the table and finish decorating.
• Prepare and set out the food and drinks.
• Finish setting up games.
• Purchase balloons.
• Set out favors.
• Set out a pen and paper near the gift area to record gifts.
• After the guests arrive, ask a few for some help with recording the gifts and serving the food and drinks.

Have an excellent time!

Guess that Baby Food
Set out several jars of baby food. Tear off the labels first. Put out some small sample spoons and pencils and paper. Each guest will have to take a turn and try each jar of food. They can taste it and smell it and look at the color and texture. Then they need to make their guess. What is that baby food??? You can use simple flavors such as bananas, sweet potatoes, and peas or get craftier and use blended jars of baby food such as chicken noodle, strawberry banana, and vegetable medley. The person that gets the most right wins a prize!
The Bottle Chug
First, no beer allowed. This is a baby shower and not a frat party! Fill baby bottles with milk, punch, juice, or water. Have every participant line up and see who can chug their bottle the fastest! This game gets everyone laughing! Give the winner a nice bottle of wine as her prize!
Guess the Number of Bibs
It is no secret that people cannot pass by a cute bib without buying it for the mother-to-be. They are always a little addition to the bigger gift. So, before the new mom opens her gifts, have each guest guess how many bibs the mother-to-be will receive. Each guest should write his or her name and guess on a sheet of paper. This can also be done with blankets, onesies, and rattles! Choose one or all in case of a tie. Make sure someone keeps track of how many of each is received. The closest guess wins a prize!
The Diaper Door Prize
This is a great game for guests and the new mother. Tell every guest that if they bring a package of diapers to the shower then they will be entered to win the door prize. Make it something nice like a restaurant gift certificate, spa gift certificate, or something equally as nice. The new mom will be thrilled to have all those diapers and someone walks away with a great prize!
Guess the Number of Safety Pins, Diapers, or Burp Cloths
Fill a clear jar with safety pins, diapers, or burp cloths. Have each guest try and guess how many are in the jar. Give the woman with the closest guess a nice prize and the contents of the jar go to the new mother!

This timeline is designed to keep you on track while planning a birthday party. This way nothing is forgotten, everything gets accomplished, and there is no last minute running around. This is as stress-free as it gets. Now if only cleaning up after the party was so easy….

6 to 8 weeks before the big day!

• Choose the date and time of the party.
• Check with all important guests that they have the date available.
• Create the guest list.
• Book the location of the party and make a deposit or hire any entertainers for a party at home.
• Choose the theme of the party and start thinking of cute ways to incorporate this theme.
• If you are ordering anything personalized, such as invitations, banners, or napkins, then place the order now so that everything arrives in time for the party.

4 to 6 weeks before the festivities!

• Address the invitations and mail out. Specify an RSVP date.
• Start shopping for your party supplies and favors. Try to stick with the theme!
• It is a good idea to keep the guest list handy to record responses when people call.

2 to 4 weeks before the celebration!

• Plan all activities including crafts, games, and other entertainment.
• Purchase all necessary supplies for all activities.
• Create a few CD’s for background music during the party.
• Decide on the menu. This should be based on the time of day the party will be held.
• Place an order for any catering and/or birthday cake.

The week before!

• Start cleaning your house now. Nobody likes to rush around at the last minute!
• Call any guests that have not yet responded.
• Test out all activities with your child to make sure they are doable and fun!

The day before the big party!

• Confirm any entertainers, caterer, and birthday cake.
• Prepare any food that can be made ahead of time.
• Put together goodie bags for the kids.
• Set up any of the activities that will be out of the way until the next day.
• Charge camera and video camera batteries.
• Finish up last minute cleaning.

The day of the party!

• Finish setting up all possible activities.
• Pick up the birthday cake.
• Purchase balloons and hang some on the mailbox for guests to see.
• Hang decorations and set out plates, napkins, cups, and silverware for food.
• Prepare a spot for gifts.
• Place the candles and matches near the cake and paper and pen near the gifts.
• Make sure your birthday boy or girl is all ready as well as any siblings.
• Set up the food.

Lastly, have a great time!

When I became pregnant for the first time, I found it hard to find good information about my pregnancy. A girlfriend of mine gave me the book “What To Expect When You’re Expecting”. I highly recommend this book to all first time Mothers. It is an excellent read with month by month reading outlining how you should look and feel, as well as all the important things about your growing baby inside.

Planning the seating arrangements for any large event can be tedious and cumbersome. This seating arrangement software is designed to take the anxiety out of that task. With this easy to use software you can plan your seating arrangements with ease. Perfect for Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, wedding anniversaries, weddings and more!

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