Many couples and singles who have a baby on the way like to find out the sex of their child well before it’s born so they can plan how to decorate the baby’s nursery and which clothes and other items to buy.
While it used to be the norm to simply ask a doctor for news on the predicted sex of the child, today, it’s increasingly common for couples to host a blowout gender reveal party. If you’re keen to do the same, read on for some of the best dos and don’ts you need to consider.
Do: Set a Budget
While it’s tempting to go all out on a gender reveal party when you’re incredibly excited about your little bundle of joy, you might regret this later. After all, with a baby on the way, you have all sorts of expenses to pay for, such as items to set up the baby’s room, transport them, clothing, and more. As a result, it’s wise to set yourself a budget that you’ll stick to for your gender reveal event.
Work out what you not only can afford to spend but also feel comfortable outlaying, considering what you’ll need to pay for in the future. Once you have the total amount in mind to invest in your party, you can break down each element into different areas with various budgets, such as food, drinks, venue (if needed), decorations, and so on.
Do: Plan in Advance
It’s also wise to give yourself as much time to plan your shindig as possible. The more time you have to plan the party, the less stress you’ll be under, which is important. Plus, giving yourself enough time to get ready will make it easier to decide on all the different event elements, order them in if needed, set things up, and make the occasion as special as you would like.
Keep in mind, too, that you may need to wait a little while before doctors can be sure about the sex of your baby, so you may need to schedule your event for weeks or months in the future anyway. Many sonographers and the like will advise you to wait until your little one is at least 20 weeks before determining their sex.
Do: Give People Enough Notice to Attend
You also need to remember that the people in your life are busy and have things on, meaning they need as much notice as possible to attend your party and receive the exciting news. As such, send out invitations or, if needed, “save the date” notices at least a month or more before the date so that people are more likely to be able to help you celebrate your baby’s gender reveal.
It’s generally impossible to find a date that will suit everyone in your family and friend circle, but the more advance notice you give people, the more likely it is that they’ll be able to keep the date free or reschedule things to be able to be there and support you.
Do: Decide on Your Reveal Strategy
One of the most fun aspects of planning your gender reveal party is deciding how you’re going to find out, along with your guests, whether you’re having a baby boy or girl. There are all sorts of options to consider. For example, you might have a baker create a fancy cake that you cut open to reveal pink or blue layers, or you could choose balloons to pop open and shower you with confetti or flower petals in the appropriate color.
Another idea is to create a real “wow factor” at your event by having a fireworks display and making this entertainment the way you discover your bubba’s sex. You might see a lot of blue fireworks if you’re having a boy, for example, or pink or red ones for a girl.
Don’t: Forget to Have a Backup Plan
Having a backup plan is vital just in case something goes wrong with the gender reveal solution. If balloons pop, a cake gets destroyed, or it rains when you’re about to have an outside reveal, it pays to have a Plan B. For instance, you might get the person you trust who finds out the sex of the baby for you to create a gender reveal video, just in case, or get a small alternate cake or multiple balloons. A backup confetti cannon can also be handy to have on hand if things don’t go as expected.
Don’t Try to Do Everything Yourself
Another thing to avoid is trying to do everything yourself. When you’re pregnant, you’re already likely tired and potentially unwell and overwhelmed. Avoid putting too much on your plate by getting someone to help you plan your gender reveal party.
This might be your partner, a parent or in-law, or a good friend, for instance. Sharing the responsibilities will help you enjoy the event more because you won’t be so exhausted when the party arrives.
Follow the above dos and don’ts to create an occasion you remember for all the right reasons for years to come. Remember, too, that you can put together an event that’s as low-key or big and bold as you like, so plan according to your desires, no one else’s.
