Throw a Co Ed Baby Shower
Times are changing, and more fathers-to-be and their male friends, family, and co-workers are being included in pre-baby celebrations. However, many of the male gender are hesitant to attend such a previously girls-only event. It's easy to get guys to show up, be comfortable, and even HAVE FUN!
Contents
Steps
- Pre-planning. If you are the Mom-to-be (mtb), or the designated party-planner, make sure Dad-to-be (dtb) can and will attend. If he is not interested (and excited), it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to entice the other guys to show up.
- If, for some reason, there is no, "dad" available to help out with planning and advice, One should designate a special male friend or family member. Preferably, choose someone who will be excited about the party, will actively participate in planning, and who you know will really encourage male guests to show up and have a great time.
- Talk to him about what he would want/like for the shower. What are his tastes? Also, what he would definitely NOT like. If he won't like it, the other men probably won't either.
- If it's a surprise shower, definitely get dtb involved in the planning as much as possible.
- Send out "Couples Baby Shower" invitations! If purchasing invitations look specifically for couples or co-ed baby shower invitations which feature graphics and text that clearly indicate that couples are invited. If DIY, be sure to clearly indicate that it's a couples shower and that the dtb will be attending. Address the envelopes to both the male and female guests to make it clear who is invited.
- Make sure dtb knows all the important information off the top of his head (he will be asked): Date, time and specific location of shower; where the gift registry(s) is/are; etc.
- Plan your decorating scheme with the guys in mind. Don't go too crazy with lacy, loopy, flowery decorations, invitations, and gift bags; even if baby's a girl! Keep things simpler than you normally would.
- Include man-friendly foods in your menu. Keep Mom-to-be's restricted diet in mind, but don't expect the guys to be happy with fresh fruit and punch. Again, dtb's opinion is a big help here!
- Avoid, "Baby Shower Games." Nothing makes some guys catch 'baby shower flu' faster than the threat he'll be caught up in potentially embarrassing games. Instead, have a diaper raffle (every guest brings a bag of diaper bags and gets a raffle ticket), and make sure the prizes are guy-friendly; or other male-appropriate activities. You may have to clarify with the men ahead of time that there won't be games, to help raise their comfort-level. Dtb can be very helpful with this.
- If you must have games, don't make the men feel they must participate. Instead, provide a place for hasty retreat where the guys can hang, and avoid feeling uncomfortable.
Tips
- Don't ignore dtb's input, if you want to make sure everyone has a good time.
- Don't exclude guy-friendly items offhand, just because it's a "Baby Shower." Sure, Mom can't have beer, but a round of cold, frosty ones gives dtb a job as bartender, and is a great ice-breaker for the guys.
- Remember, guys eat more, so make sure you have plenty of extra man-friendly foods and drinks so the fellas can last the afternoon.
- Try to avoid long-winded discussions or detailed descriptions of labor and delivery, or extreme diaper-changes, unless the guys seem into it. Have topic-changers planned ahead of time.
- Co-ed baby showers are a great opportunity to break the mold and try new things: sillier or more modern invitations; innovative party-favors; a more relaxed atmosphere; and unusual or humorous baby gifts, can all work together to make this a baby-shower people actually talk about and remember!
Warnings
- Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with fewer male guests than expected. If the men are too outnumbered, allow for the group of guys to have their own space at the party if they need it.
- This is still a welcome party for a special arrival: remind dtb not to invite his pals who he knows drink or party too much. If the guys get out of hand, my party will be ruined, too.
- Don't be tempted by the female guests to, "sneak one over," on the men, and have silly games or fru-fru decorations, despite what you may have promised dtb. Advise these guests that it's dtb's party too, and he helped plan it. Be firm.
