Creating a guest list for baby shower . Guest List Template.
Creating a guest list for baby shower would be hectic work with budget constraints and missing out would be very bad. Let's make it easy.
Creating a Guest List According to the Budget
Hey there, fabulous moms-to-be! It’s Shopia here, your baby shower planning bestie. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: creating a guest list that fits your budget.
Whether you're planning a cozy backyard gathering or a larger event, I’ve got you covered with some solid strategies and I shared downloadable Excel sheet template for you. Click. Download. Finish the work. Easy.
Why Your Guest List Matters
Did you know the size of your guest list can make or break your budget? Imagine throwing an amazing baby shower without breaking the bank. Yes, it's totally possible! Here’s how you can nail it.
Magic Budget: Keep It Intimate
Start with Essentials: Begin with your closest family and friends. These are the folks who matter most. Think immediate family, besties, and those who’ve been there for you.
Use Categories: Create three categories:
Must-Haves: People you can’t imagine celebrating without.
Nice-to-Haves: Those you'd love to invite if the budget allows.
Extras: Folks who are fun but not essential.
DIY is Your Best Friend: Opt for DIY invitations and decorations. Sites like Canva offer free templates, and dollar stores have great budget-friendly decor options.
Magic Venue: Host the event at home or in a free local venue like a park. This saves a chunk of your budget for other essentials like food and games.
Limit the Plus-Ones: Politely mention on the invites that plus-ones are not included, unless they’re significant others.
Medium Budget Tips: Balance and Enjoy
Broaden the List: With a bit more budget, you can invite more people. Include extended family and friends you see regularly.
Magic Buy : Bulk Buy for Savings: Buy party supplies in bulk. Stores like Costco or online retailers can save you money when you purchase larger quantities.
Food and Drink Hacks: Consider a potluck-style meal where guests bring a dish. This not only saves money but adds a personal touch.
Entertainment on a Dime: Create fun and inexpensive games. Think baby bingo or guess-the-baby-food flavor. These are cheap to set up and loads of fun.
FAQs from Reddit: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: "How do I handle RSVPs efficiently?" Use Google Sheets or apps like RSVPify to track responses. It's easy and keeps everything in one place (Reddit) (Reddit).
Q: "What if my guest list keeps growing?" Stick to your categories and be firm. If you have to cut, start from the bottom of your “Extras” list (Reddit).
Q: "Is it rude to limit guests?" Not at all! Most people understand budget constraints. Clear communication is key. Politely state your limitations on the invites (Reddit).
A Little Story: My Budget-Friendly Baby Shower
Picture this: A sunny afternoon in my backyard, surrounded by 20 of my closest family members. I spent $200 in total. We had homemade sandwiches, a charcuterie board, and refreshing lemonade. It was simple, yet perfect.
My cousin led the games, which we crafted ourselves. By the end of the day, we shared heartfelt stories, and there wasn't a dry eye in sight. It was intimate, memorable, and didn't cost a fortune.
Remember, the best baby showers aren’t about how much you spend but the love and joy shared with those who matter most. (I repeat this again and again.)
Resources;
Guest response tracking in Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/weddingplanning/comments/51sg4j/best_way_to_make_guest_list_any_excel_formatting/
What is first budget or guest list in Reddit; https://www.reddit.com/r/weddingplanning/comments/32pnpk/what_comes_first_the_budget_or_the_guest_list/
Guest list advice in Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/ym5f7c/guest_list_advice/
Template : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14blBhDRLoXWKhAAYz0klTP90lTOKAJps/export?format=xlsx
Are you worrying about choosing the venue on budget ? Read this.