If you’ve decided to throw a baby shower for your mom-to-be friend but need to keep the cost from spiraling out of control, your options may seem limited. However, there are lots of ways to create a baby shower menu that’s both personal, delicious and won’t break the bank. Here’s how to do it.
Mom Comes First
First and foremost, the baby shower menu needs to reflect the soon-to-be mom’s needs and preferences. For example, given that your friend can’t drink alcohol right now, it’s a good idea to leave it off the menu entirely. If mom’s a vegan, have an all-out vegan menu. You get the idea.
Think carefully about your friend’s favorite meals, drinks, and snacks for inspiration or dishes that have special significance for her. Perhaps there was food served at her wedding’s evening reception that everyone raved over, or maybe tacos were your go-to post-party snack in days gone by. Does your friend have any specific pregnancy cravings?
However weird and wonderful these are, it’s a fun idea to incorporate them. Ensure the mum-to-be’s loves and needs take center stage, and plan the baby shower menu from this foundation. And if you need some ideas for the theme or decorating options? Your friend’s baby registry is a good place to look to get some idea of her style preferences right now.
The Time is Crucial
When it comes to creating the menu, the time of day that the baby shower will be held is vital. Events held between 10.00 am and 11.30 am are perfect for light snacks on weekdays or a full brunch on weekends, while it’s best to serve a full lunch for showers that run from around 12 pm to 1.30 pm.
Between 2 pm and 4.30 pm is the time for light snacks, and 5 pm to 7.30 pm is the perfect time for a baby shower full dinner. And after 8 pm? Lights, snacks, and/or desserts are the best options.
To keep costs under budget, you’re best avoiding main meal times. As well as saving on food, this is likely to be a more affordable option when booking a venue, if relevant. Having the baby shower at your home or that of a mutual friend is also, of course, a way to keep costs as low as possible. And means you can decorate exactly how you- and your friend – will want!
DIY the Catering
Consider catering the event yourself for the most budget-friendly baby shower. Even better – get in a small group of mutual friends to help you, or suggest that everyone bring a dish that’s been pre-decided. A streamlined menu is your friend in this scenario.
If the mom-to-be is a big fan of Italian food, then whipping up an oversized lasagne and serving it with pasta, salad, garlic bread, and store-bought zeppole is a simple, affordable, and delicious option for a baby shower menu. You could also create a charcuterie board (very trendy right now) by asking each guest to bring either a selection of cheeses, deli meats, olives, fruits, nuts, crackers, artisan bread, and fruit.
Need some more inspiration for tasty yet cheap to make dishes? Try these wallet-friendly options:
- BBQ sliders and fries
- Ham and cheese pinwheels
- Taco salad
- Mini cheeseburgers
- Omelets with a topping bar
- Hummus and roasted vegetable toast
- Potato skins with bacon and sour cream
- Pesto chicken tea sandwiches
- Caprese skewers
- Fried mac and cheese bites
And for desserts? You’re spoilt for choice. Select from sheet cake, fruit salad, strawberries dipped in chocolate, pink sherbet punch, and a selection of store-bought ice cream served alongside an edible decorating bar stocked full of treats such as chocolate balls, edible glitter, and chopped berries.
Other Ways to Save
Beyond the menu, there are other ways to save when planning a baby shower for your friend. Send e-invitations rather than paper versions, hit the dollar store for things like party tableware and napkins, and – despite the growing popularity of this option – resist inviting couples.
And if you’re feeling creative, you can create beautiful DIY decorations for the event. If the baby shower will be held in the fall, consider filling glass jars with acorns and fairy lights or collecting branches to spray paint for a stunning centerpiece. Balloons, paper lanterns, and honeycombs are also cheap – yet highly effective – means of decorating.
Final Thoughts
Use the guide above to create the perfect baby shower menu that the mom-to-be will love. The best part? With a little creativity, you can easily create a menu that’s so meaningful and delicious that no one but you will know it’s been done on a budget!