I Offered a Small Bridal shower....she Requested a Large One!

You can do a theme or any other kind of party on a budget...you just have to know what you budget is. Your tropical idea sounds very festive. A couple grass skirts....tropical hut w/ umbrella drinks or a cute area for drinks. Finding a festive punch is more economical. Serve some polynesian-type food - these are good foods to make in large quantities (chicken and pineapple, bbq or sweet & sour pork, fried rice...etc...) Not sure how many people or whether you want to have it at a home...If you want more ideas...I have lots! Good luck!

I'd be willing to bet that if you talked to her mother, future MIL and any sisters of the bride and groom you'll find someone who can help you out with the shower. Usually, more than one person does the work. Just come up with a list of things that need to be done and when you talk to any of them (you will probably have to talk to them about the date of the shower or something anyway) say "Is there any chance you can do x, y or z? It would really help me out." Hopefully, you'll get some help. I have found that if you just say "I need help" you're less likely to get it than if you give people a specific task to do.

I think a themed party could be a lot of fun. Check out www.orientaltrading.com or http://www.shindigz.com for inexpensive themed decorations. Luau type things will probably be on sale since it's off season.

Also, consider calling Cortiva School of Massage or any massage school in the area where the shower will be held and see if you can get a few student massage therapists to come out and do massages during your party. I am a "retired" massage therapist and did this as a student (for free -- you get school credit toward your required practical hours) and later as a paid professional. They can do fully clothed, 10 - 15 minute massages or up to half hour massages usually.

I would decline and send her a nice gift basket. What you offerd was not good enough so let her do it on her own. I had a similar situation my best friend helped my mother plan my baby shower and it was at my home. When my friend announced she was preggo for the second time I didn't know she wanted a baby shower. I found out second-hand. Anyway I offered to give her a shower even though I'm out of state. I suggested a Karaoke baby shower you know do something different. She shot that down. Then she was switching dates because she found out people were throwing a get together that weekend. Meaning she didn't want me to come in town and attend the other function on the day of her baby shower. So I sent her a gift through the mail. I did not know she didn't want me involved because she wanted an "extravagant affair" And had solicit the services of a friend of the family who was a caterer. This was the kicker when I suggested she have it at her house she said No. And said she didn't want folks in her house. I was perplexed because I thought baby shower was for friends and family. Whew I said all of that to say save yourself time and money and back-out and send nice gift.

What do you mean by a large shower? I am helping my mom through one for my sister and it is a combined shower with our family, her in-law family, and friends. There are going to be over 100 guests.
If you are having the shower at your house, I wouldn't worry about doing any sort of a theme. A few decorations would be fine. It is a waste of money to go and buy themed plates, napkins, ect. I would play a few games maybe to pass the time. You can do gift bingo, bridal mummy wrap, maybe a few door prizes. All can be done rather inexpensively.
Do you have to feed everyone? If so do spaghetti and salad or something like that where you can feed large numbers for a low cost. Showers are expensive, between food, invitations, decorations, games, prizes, ect. I know the one I am throwing is costing me a fortune.
Does she have any family members or friends that can help you out?
Your friend is lucky to have someone like you!
Good Luck!
J.

Hi A.,
I have a mom-owned invitation and favor business located in Oak Lawn. I can help if you need shower invitations or shower favors. I would definitely do a tropical theme. Let me know if I can be of any help. I would be happy to email you samples.

My email is: ____@____.com.

Thank you.

D.
Good Times Invitations

I think its AWESOME that you are doing this. Small or large it can be done! Was the concern going from small to large the money factor or the amount of people or something else all together?

I have an "At home" business with The Body Shop At Home. I have done several showers. Here is how it worked. They had the bride pick several tihngs out of the catalog I came in and did a theme... facial, make up or a spa treatment. (THis is all free adn the host gets free products) The host always gave all the host benefits to the bride and most of the products were for the bride too. They have been a lot of fun and this really helped the host to cut back on costs as I supply all the products. She did have cake and food for after and everyone had a blast.

Check out my website
www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/faithjones

There are several independent business' out there you could pick from. Of course I would love to do it another idea is the pampered chef which then the consultant/guests actually make food.. and the bride picks out cookware which may be needed.

We have had them in the home or a local clubhouse/park district if it was bigger.

Do the best you can and everyone will enjoy it.

That is alot to take on especially with you being so busy with your baby. I would call her mother and see if an aunt, sister, or the other bridesmaids want to throw the shower with you. it would probably be easiest to have it at a restaurant if nobdy volunteers their home. God knows you can't have it at your house . It would be way too much for you so don't offer that :)it's actually cheaper at a restaurant . You can have a simple meal and sometimes they will include tea, coffee,iced tea. NO open bar . You would be surprised how many women will try to order a drink at noon:)If nobody will chip in I would talk to her or her mom and tell them you can only afford to have a small shower. If she is truly a good friend she will understand. Hope this helps !

forget the theme, costs more money. just get flowers and some balloons and have a huge cook out : ). that's what we did!

Hi A., first of all best of luck with your baby's surgery. Your friend should not have put you on that situation, if she valued your friendship she should have accepted what you offered considering all the circumstances. My advise to you. remind her about your original offer and if she wants something larger, team up with other people that can help out with the cost and most important all the time needed to put it together, I'm sorry but how dare she. Don't feel bad and focus focus focus on that little boy that deserves all your time and attention.

Call her sisters, Mother and other friends. Get people on board! They will help and you will be happy without paying for everything and dealing with everything. Just start dialing those numbers, I am SURE you will get plenty of help.