For expecting parents, a baby shower is most especially a joyous event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gather loved ones together in celebration of a momentous occasion.
A baby shower is traditionally held for the expecting mother in the third trimester of her pregnancy. A baby shower is also known as the Full Month Celebration among many Singaporean households. This is a momentous occasion for most families, as it marks the passing of the first month since the baby’s birth.
Even though it is wonderful to share the joy of a new baby with loved ones, it is not necessary to break the bank to do so. It’s easy for baby shower costs to spiral out of control if you don’t set a limit beforehand.
If you’re planning a baby shower in Singapore, consider these low-cost options.
Throw the party at your house
It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of a party at a hotel, restaurant, or trendy rooftop venue. Venue costs can add up quickly for a baby shower, starting at $125/hr exclusive of food or drinks.
Hosting the party at your own place is the easiest and most effective way to cut costs, especially with the recent COVID-19 incidence. A small group of visitors won’t feel too squished into a three-bedroom HDB flat. With a celebration held at home, you can save money on catering and still spend much less than you would at a restaurant or hotel.
If you’d like to have the shower somewhere with more space, you could ask relatives or friends who live in condos if they would be willing to reserve a function room for you.
Hold a small party with closest friends and family
Don’t feel obligated to throw a huge baby shower; a smaller party will allow you to save money on food and drink. If you and your partner are on the fence about inviting anyone other than immediate family and friends, the answers to the following questions may help you decide:
- Do you expect this person to play a significant role in your child’s upbringing?
- How often do you and this person celebrate other milestones?
- Do you think this person will be a good influence for your family?
- Is this person someone you’d trust to care for your newborn?
You can either have a dry party or encourage guests to bring their own drinks.
It will cost you several hundred dollars to serve champagne, beer, and other alcoholic beverages, even if you only invite a handful of people. Make sure your guests understand that there will be no alcoholic beverages provided, or that they are welcome to bring their own.
Don’t schedule party during mealtimes
Guests will likely have higher expectations for food at a shower held during the morning, afternoon, or evening (ie. more food). Hosting the baby shower in the middle of the day allows for finger foods and snacks to be served instead of a full meal.
The hours of 2-5 p.m. would be perfect for hosting the shower. People won’t be very hungry right after lunch, so a simple spread of sandwiches, snacks, desserts, coffee, or tea should be enough.
Get some assistance if you need it
Taking care of a baby, especially after birth is not an easy task. Your loved ones are aware of how busy you currently are. Don’t be shy about asking for their insight into the planning process or handing off some responsibilities to them. Maybe a relative can take pictures of the event instead of paying for a professional photographer. See if a friend who enjoys party planning or decorating can make your party venue look festive if you don’t have time to source and buy affordable decors.
Participation from close friends and family members in the baby shower is a wonderful way to help them get to know the new addition to your family. Invite them to help make this once-in-a-lifetime experience even better.
Get baby insurance to protect your new bundle of joy
It’s true that having a child adds a lot of joy to your lives, but it also brings a lot of responsibility. As adults, we have a moral obligation to keep our children safe from harm.
Getting baby insurance as soon as your child is born is a simple way to accomplish this. Take into account the convenience of purchasing a plan either online or with the assistance of a financial advisor. Your mind can rest easy knowing that your child is safe, and you can devote your attention to enjoying each of their special achievements.