So I found out yesterday that a friend has volunteered me to help her co-host a shower for a mutual friend. Here's my biggest dilemma-our budget!! I don't mind helping plan the shower in the least and even pay for some items, but i CANNOT afford to pay for the entire thing. I have already found the "theme" for the shower and have 2 games picked. However, I'm worried about the menu and favors!! I need suggestions for VERY inexpensive, yet personal favors and the menu. Any and all suggestions will be taken into consideration.
(I don't want to sound cheap, but I'm hosting a shower for a family member approx 2 weeks prior to this friend's shower...I had planned (budgeted) to help with the family shower-not the friend shower so I'm trying to make my budget stretch to cover both showers)
Re: Budget Issues....
I agree with pp. Say no if you need to.
If you feel obligated and go through with it anyway, I'd avoid a lunch-type thing. Just do a cake and punch thing - which can be really cheap. Especially if you do it yourself. Can even be fun, decorated cupcakes. And gingerale/sherbert mixed for punch. I'm not sure on favors. I"ve never actually been to a shower with favors. Maybe not in my circle... But as for prizes for your games - get in there now and get some good after Christmas steals at 80% off. Like I saw a Bert's Bee's package for like $6, but you could break it down and get five prizes out of it.
I don't think that you sound cheap at all. We all have our own lives and $$ goals/issues.
Don't do the favors. They are not needed to make the shower a blast. Just tell the other host that you want to make the shower the best it can be by concentrating on the food. Then tell her that if she wants to do the favors she can.
Food: presentation, presentation, presentation. A really neat presentation of food can give it a richer look. There is an entertaining board over on the nest - they have great ideas and could give you some really good advice if you share your set up.
HOw many people will be invited to the shower? If I knew this then I could give you some ideas for food.