When you’re planning a baby shower, one of the decisions you might grapple with is whether to include alcohol in your celebration - and while there’s certainly valid points on both sides of the debate, what should you do if you’re unable to decide?
In the following blog, we’re going to take a look at some pros and cons, considerations for the mother-to-be and guests, alternatives to alcohol, and the impact on social dynamics and interactions. Let’s dive in!
Tradition vs. Modern Trends
Traditionally, baby showers have been alcohol-free events, focused mostly on celebrating the upcoming arrival of a new baby with games, gifts, and non-alcoholic refreshments. However, modern trends have shifted towards more inclusive and diverse celebrations, so it’s perfectly normal to see showers incorporating alcohol to accommodate a wider range of guest preferences. When you decide on whether to serve alcohol, consider the changing dynamics of social gatherings as well as the ages and expectations of your guests.
Pros of Serving Alcohol
So, what are some benefits of serving alcohol at a baby shower? Firstly, alcohol can add a festive touch to the celebration, making it feel more like a party for the adults in attendance. It can also help guests to relax and mingle with one another with more ease, which can improve the overall atmosphere of the event, especially if not all the guests know each other.
Cons of Serving Alcohol
On the flip side, there are several considerations that might sway you against serving alcohol. First and foremost is the comfort and preferences of the expectant mother, who naturally won’t be able to drink and might end up feeling left out at her own shower.
There's also the potential for overconsumption by guests, leading to drunken behavior or awkward situations that detract from the event's focus on celebrating the new baby. On the logistical side of things, including alcohol may increase the overall cost of the event and require additional planning, such as obtaining permits or hiring bartenders if the shower is location-based.
Considerations for the Mother-to-Be
Importantly, the expectant mother's opinion should be the most significant factor in your decision-making process. If she prefers a more traditional, alcohol-free shower, it’s incredibly important to honor her wishes. After all, it’s essential to create an environment where she feels celebrated and comfortable, especially since she won't be indulging in any alcoholic beverages herself. Plus, you could consider creative non-alcoholic options that can still feel special and festive, such as mocktails or artisanal juices.
Guest Considerations
When contemplating serving alcohol, you might also want to think about the makeup of your guest list: will there be guests attending who might not drink due to personal preferences, health reasons, or even religious beliefs? Even if the mom-to-be is fine with alcohol being served, you’ll want to ensure that everyone feels included and catered to; you can do this by offering a variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to help accommodate all your guests' needs and ensure that no one feels left out of the festivities.
Alcohol-Related Activities
Incorporating alcohol into your baby shower doesn't have to be limited to simply serving drinks; you can also think about alcohol-related activities that engage your guests in a fun and responsible manner, without leaving out the mother-to-be. For example, you could take a class on the art of wine bottle wrapping, and each bring a bottle of wine for the new mother to enjoy once it’s safe for her to drink alcohol again. Yes, just like that episode of Friends!
Alternatives to Alcohol
If you decide against serving alcohol or want to ensure there are options for everyone, there are plenty of creative and enjoyable alternatives to choose from!
For example, crafting signature mocktails that mimic the sophistication of their alcoholic counterparts can offer a festive touch without the downsides of alcohol, and these drinks can be just as fun to prepare and serve. They can even be tailored to match the baby shower's theme or the expectant mother's tastes for that added personal touch. In fact, you can personalize almost anything for the event!
From wrapping paper for your baby shower to custom shower invites, you can create an event that celebrates the mother-to-be and leaves her with a range of sentimental mementos to hold onto and look back at after the arrival of the new baby.
Social Dynamics and Interactions
If you do plan to serve alcohol - with the approval of the expectant mother - it's vital to monitor the atmosphere to ensure that it remains inclusive and respectful of all attendees; encourage responsible drinking and set a tone that prioritizes the celebration of the upcoming arrival. Remember, it’s not a regular party; the goal is to foster an atmosphere of love and support for the expectant mother, making her feel special and excited about the new chapter in her life.
Key Takeaways
Overall, whether or not to serve alcohol at a baby shower will come down to the preferences of the new mother, as well as the guest list and the type of atmosphere you wish to create. And if you do go ahead and serve alcohol at the shower, simply make sure that it doesn't: a) leave the new mother out of the festivities, and b) get out of hand and detract from the purpose of the event. After all, the most important aspect of a baby shower is about celebrating the impending arrival of a new life, and to surround the expectant parents with love and support - with or without alcohol.
