Baby showers used to be a foreign concept to Nigerians but it is now embraced as part of our lifestyle. Either friends or church members of the expectant couple do it before or after the delivery of the
baby is born. The concept of a baby shower is to show love and appreciation for the expectant parents. It involves helping them prepare for their bundle of joy with gifts and some pampering.
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A few things are necessary for a successful baby shower. First on the list is communication. Communicate details of the shower early to inform invited guests of the occasion so they can adequately prepare. Next, is food/catering and colour/theme for the day, followed by a choice of venue and interior décor. There is also photography and the unveiling of the gifts.
The part we are interested in is choosing the right location. As travel enthusiasts, we have seen a lot of amazing places that would be great for a baby shower. And if we had to pick, these are the ideas that would guide our decisions:
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Natural Aesthetics
A baby shower looks exciting when you choose a naturally beautiful location. For instance, you could decide to have it in City Park like Rabby recreational park in Abuja or in a floral garden like Jhalobia recreational park in Lagos. There are a few garden locations in Nigeria that are already decorated and would make a great backdrop for a baby shower, e.g. The Garden at Victoria Island, Lagos. Some people prefer hosting it in daylight while others want nightlight so their additional decorations can pop against the dark night. So if you are planning a baby shower, consider a venue that showcases nature and is and visually beautiful.
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Artificial Aesthetics
Some halls come alive when you decorate them for an event. For example, a marquee structure like Grace Garden in Lagos or Marquee De Haven in Benin City. There are also some outdoor spaces that are amazing to work with, like a rooftop e.g. Atmosphere Rooftop at Lennox Mall or The View rooftop at Twin Towers both in Lekki. The right lighting, artistic objects, artificial flowers, colourful helium-filled balloons and more can create a dreamy effect in any hall. You can even decide to rent a canopy and place it in the middle of an open football field. These items will make it come alive. Just make sure you work with an environment that is clean, complimentary to your aesthetics and makes them pop.
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Already Made Food
Speaking of clean locations, using a café or a lounge comes with menu options to take care of your food and catering worries. E
.g. the La Paz Café and Grill in Ikeja and Café Jade in Lekki Phase 1, both in Lagos. With these venues, the ambience is set and you can work with a budget or get your guests to help themselves by paying for their meals. You can reserve a part of the café for your guests or choose a time where most of their customers will be scarce.
Besides using your home or your own backyard, most of these places come with extra cost. They might ask you to pay for the chairs and tables you may use during your stay there. They could also ask you to pay to bring in food or to use their services. Some might place restrictions on the number of guests coming, others might not allow you to decorate their venue because it may displease other customers. So be ready to pay the price.
Also, consider the weather and proximity when picking a venue. The dry season is the best time to plan an outdoor baby shower but if it is the rainy season, consider using an indoor space.
Remember, the
second trimester is the best time to travel. So if any of the places listed above interest you, you can add travel to your planning list. Have you ever hosted a baby shower outside your home? Where did you use in your state and how did using that venue make you feel?
Featured Image Source: BellaNaija
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