Question:
A friend of mine is pregnant with her second son and doesn't need much baby "stuff". Instead of a traditional baby shower I would like to throw her a shower in which people bring gifts to pamper the mom-to-be. I thought gifts that pertained to her particular interest (dance,art,butterflies) would be nice. Or the guest could bring Pampers (diapers) for the new baby boy. I have considered having an at-home-day-spa at the party as well. Where maybe guest could each bring their favorite nail polish, perfume, hair product,etc. I think the idea is wonderful and my friend loves it as well. But I'm having trouble thinking of an appropriate way to say this in the invitation. Is it acceptable to say or do these things at all? Could you help me with this please? Any guidance you could give me would be wonderful! Thank you so much.
Answer:
Dear Anna,
Not only is a spa-themed baby shower acceptable, it's Diva-Dynamite! You are one awesome, creative shower planner!
Before you get down to the wording on the invitation, take some time to think through all your party details. If it's a spa shower, will you be hiring a manicurist or a masseuse or skin care expert for the day? Will you be holding it at a day spa or in your home? Is the spa shower theme going to include attendees in the beauty procedures or will it be focused on collecting up goodies for Mom-to-Be to take home and enjoy?
Once you've settled on how you're going to stage your spa shower, you'll have a much clearer idea of how to set up your invitations.
Creations by Leslie has fun and pretty spa shower invitations you can browse for ideas. You can also find a couple of spa-themed invitation collections here at our sponsor's site: badabadabingo.com. Once you see them and the way they're laid out, you'll get the right idea on how to word yours. After the date, time, place and RSVP information, spell out what guests should know:
"Bring a luxurious spa shower gift for ______ and bring one of your personal favorites for a group share at spa time!"
Women will love trading products back and forth during spa time. The Group Share at a spa shower party is a guaranteed ice breaker when combined with a "show and tell" before spa time starts. Have each woman share with Mom-to-Be (and before the group) why she chose the personal product she brought that day.
Be sure to have Mom-to-Be check with her obstetrician so that she knows what beauty products, spa activities (such as tanning beds, self-tanning lotions, etc.) or other beauty procedures she should avoid. Pregnant women are cautioned about using hair dyes during pregnancy - and the evidence is deemed inconclusive. Some say it's okay after the first 12 weeks. Others still caution against using hair dyes. I'd prefer to err on the side of caution. There are hennas that are natural and can be a great option! Here's a link to a more in-depth discussion about the topic if you are interested.
Also, when receiving massages, it's vital that the masseuse be trained in pregnancy massage. There are areas of the body (such as the feet) that need to be avoided to refrain from inducing labor early! If you're going to hire professionals such as skin care experts or a masseuse, be sure to talk with them in advance to make sure they're aware of any restrictions Mom-to-Be might have.
You might like perusing these beauty tips for pregnant women:
- Beauty Procedures and Pregnancy -- What's Safe and What's Not?
- Beauty Do's & Don'ts for Pregnant Women
- Pregnant women advised to avoid certain beauty products
I think you're well on your way to a fabulous day of glamour! Kudos for your creativity!
Happy Showering,
Susan "The Shower Diva"
Where Fun Reigns!™
