Question:
Can I charge a moderate price for a baby shower held at a restaurant? What to do?
Answer:
Dear Nikki,
Thanks for your question! When it comes to money...it's nearly always a sensitive subject. As much as it is a financial burden on the hostess and every little bit would help in chipping in, my advice is to not ask for any financial help from your guests or from the Mom-to-Be. If anyone asks if they could help, the classy answer would be "Oh no, please enjoy!" However, if your pocketbook is really smarting from the additional costs of the restaurant, you may opt to accept any donations others offer. But, I would definitely not ask for it.
If throwing the shower at a restaurant proves too costly, have you considered someone's home? There are many inexpensive ways to throw a shower in a wonderful setting for pennies on the dollar. If you are concerned about cleanup, hiring a cleaning crew for a few hours is less than the price of a few meals at a restaurant.
If the Mom-to-Be has her heart set on a restaurant setting and you really just can't afford it, then I would consider letting the guests know that the shower will be held at a restaurant and that they will be expected to contribute to the overall cost in addition to the gift they purchased. This may change how the guest may gift the new parents, however.
Most people today live on a budget. Since they'll only have X number of dollars to set aside for the shower, they're going to have to use a portion of their shower gift funds to cover the meal. If your shower guests also need to chip in on Mom-to-Be's meal tab, that additional amount will also be deducted from the guests' party budget. In the end, Mom-to-Be is going to wind up with a lot less baby or mommy gear.
The bottom line? See what you can do about holding the shower at a cost-free venue. Finesse it with the Mom-to-Be by telling her that you want her shower to be warm and intimate. As much as you'd *love* to hold it at the Four Seasons, you want to throw her a private bash. Mom-to-Be will probably take the hint with understanding and grace.
Happy Showering!
Susan "The Shower Diva"
Where Fun Reigns!™
