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Pregnant Woman Is Left Furious And Disappointed After Her Huge Baby Shower Doesn’t Go As Planned
Pregnant Woman Is Left Furious And Disappointed After Her Huge Baby Shower Doesn’t Go As Planned
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Pregnant Woman Is Left Furious And Disappointed After Her Huge Baby Shower Doesn’t Go As Planned

Interview With Expert

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Baby showers are quite a recent tradition that celebrates the upcoming birth of a baby and allows family and friends to ‘shower’ the parents-to-be with attention, essential items, and gifts. Typically, these joyous occasions are hosted by close women of the mom-to-be. But now it’s becoming common for expecting women to throw these celebrations themselves. Even though they choose to take matters into their own hands, they still need all the help they can get, as throwing a baby shower while being heavily pregnant isn’t an easy task.

This brother offered all the support he could to his expecting sister planning her baby shower. However, as her demands grew, he lost his patience, which got him uninvited from the event altogether.

Scroll down to find the full story and a conversation with Katie Montell, a professional baby planner and founder of The Baby Planner, and Virginia Trafton Frischkorn, one of the top event planners in the US and CEO and founder of Partytrick, who kindly agreed to tell us more about planning baby showers. 

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    When a mom-to-be takes it upon herself to host a baby shower, she needs all the help she can get

    Man with sister holding a balloon at a baby shower, with pastel balloons and banners, highlighting family dynamics.

    Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

    This brother tried supporting his pregnant sister planning for her baby shower as much as possible but lost patience when her demands started growing

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    Text discussing a man's conflict with his entitled pregnant sister over a baby shower.

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    How far is too far when it comes to asking for help from loved ones while preparing for a baby shower?

    Image credits: peoplecreations / freepik (not the actual photo)

    Katie Montell, a professional baby planner and founder of The Baby Planner, tells Bored Panda that traditionally, a baby shower is hosted by a close friend, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, or another close family member. “Often, as soon as the pregnancy is announced, someone will extend an offer to host. In some cases, multiple people may want to host, and they can either collaborate to plan the event together or host separate showers. If no one offers by the time the parents-to-be are around 15-20 weeks, they can subtly mention it to close friends or family members who may be willing to take the lead,” she explains.

    But as times and etiquette are changing, moms-to-be often take it upon themselves to host this joyous celebration. “These days, it’s perfectly acceptable for siblings, parents, or even the expectant parents themselves to take the lead—especially if they love to entertain! What matters most is that the celebration feels thoughtful and joyful for the parents-to-be,” says Virginia Trafton Frischkorn, one of the top event planners in the US and CEO and founder of Partytrick.

    Even though they might be thrilled to throw their own baby shower, moms-to-be still need all the help they can get, as running around planning an event while being 8-9 months pregnant is quite the challenge. But how far is too far when it comes to asking for help from loved ones while preparing for this occasion?

    “Friends and family can help by handling RSVPs, setting up décor, organizing a game or activity, or curating a playlist. Many parents-to-be also appreciate help with food and drinks—whether that’s catering, a potluck-style setup, or a themed cocktail/mocktail bar. And, of course, letting someone else take care of the cleanup is always a great idea!” says Frischkorn.

    Montell also suggests that multiple friends and family can offer to collaborate on planning and covering the costs and stay on top of gift organization and guest management.

    A beautiful and meaningful baby shower doesn’t have to be expensive

    Image credits: Bizon / freepik (not the actual photo)

    The size of the baby shower often depends on the parent’s-to-be preferences. It could be a more intimate celebration with 10-20 guests or a larger one with 30-50 guests and more.

    “Typically, guests include close friends, family members, and sometimes coworkers, but the parents-to-be should consider the costs and logistics when finalizing the guest list. Couples’ baby showers tend to have larger guest lists, which can increase the cost and complexity of the event,” Montell told us.

    Frischkorn believes that a beautiful and meaningful baby shower doesn’t have to be expensive. “The best celebrations focus on connection, not cost. A DIY approach—using digital invitations, at-home hosting, and creative (but simple!) décor—can be just as special as a lavish event. At Partytrick, we believe in smart planning: with the right blueprint, any celebration can feel elevated, no matter the budget,” she says.

    To keep the costs down if the host is working with a limited budget, Montell suggests thinking about hosting the celebration at home, planning to have the event at a non-meal time (in the afternoon), and having minimal games and prizes. “A beautiful and enjoyable baby shower is about celebrating the parents-to-be and bringing their loved ones together—it doesn’t have to break the bank!”

    Lastly, Montell notes, “If parents-to-be don’t want a traditional baby shower, they can consider alternative celebrations like a nesting party (where guests help prepare their home for the baby), a sip & see (a post-birth gathering to meet the baby), or a sprinkle (a smaller shower for second or third-time parents). Also, if organizing a registry feels overwhelming, I offer baby registry consultation services to help parents build a list tailored to their needs and lifestyles!”

    Most readers were on the brother’s side, saying the sister was being ungrateful

    Text exchange about being removed from a chat with two sisters, mentioning blessings. Entitled sibling conflict discussed.

    Reddit comment discussing a man's conflict with his entitled sister over a baby shower.

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    Reddit comment discussing a typical baby shower, highlighting simplicity and small gatherings.

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    Comment discussing someone's entitled sister inviting 120 people to a baby shower for gifts.

    Text from an online forum post giving advice about family conflicts and boundaries.

    Some thought it was the fault of both parties

    Comment criticizing entitled sister for inviting 120 people to a baby shower, noting rude behavior.

    Text exchange discussing an entitled sister's baby shower and uninviting a man for calling her out.

    Reddit comment criticizing an entitled sibling's baby shower expectations.

    Text exchange about an entitled sister and baby shower expectations.

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    Austeja Zokaitė

    Austeja Zokaitė

    Writer, Community member

    Read more »

    Hi, glad you swung by! My name is Austėja, and in the past, I was a writer at Bored Panda. In my time here, I’ve covered some fun topics such as scrungy cats and pareidolia, as well as more serious ones about mental health and relationship hiccups. You can check them out below! I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them:)

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    Austeja Zokaitė

    Austeja Zokaitė

    Writer, Community member

    Hi, glad you swung by! My name is Austėja, and in the past, I was a writer at Bored Panda. In my time here, I’ve covered some fun topics such as scrungy cats and pareidolia, as well as more serious ones about mental health and relationship hiccups. You can check them out below! I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them:)

    What do you think ?
    Suzie
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd be cancelling every reservation and vendor I could, return the stroller and whatever else I could return, and wipe the evite registration site.

    Terri Robinson
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES - THIS IS WHAT SHE SHOULD DO - SCREW HER!!

    Load More Replies...
    The Doom Song
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think every baby shower I've been to only had like 10 guests...

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, my first thought was "why not pay for her shower", but I was thinking a cake and non-alcoholic drinks for 10-15 people.

    Load More Replies...
    Romy Rösli
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ESH comments leave me baffled. In my world „I‘ll help out“ does in no way mean „I‘ll pay for the whole thing“. And even if someone offered to pay for my whatever party I would make sure I know what their budget is and stick to it.

    Shoopyfloop Roundbird
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you! I was going nuts maybe i misread something. He said im hally to help not host not throw the shower. Help. As is set up or decorate. And def not throw.a.shower for 120 ppl which is bonkers btw.

    Load More Replies...
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    Suzie
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd be cancelling every reservation and vendor I could, return the stroller and whatever else I could return, and wipe the evite registration site.

    Terri Robinson
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES - THIS IS WHAT SHE SHOULD DO - SCREW HER!!

    Load More Replies...
    The Doom Song
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think every baby shower I've been to only had like 10 guests...

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, my first thought was "why not pay for her shower", but I was thinking a cake and non-alcoholic drinks for 10-15 people.

    Load More Replies...
    Romy Rösli
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ESH comments leave me baffled. In my world „I‘ll help out“ does in no way mean „I‘ll pay for the whole thing“. And even if someone offered to pay for my whatever party I would make sure I know what their budget is and stick to it.

    Shoopyfloop Roundbird
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you! I was going nuts maybe i misread something. He said im hally to help not host not throw the shower. Help. As is set up or decorate. And def not throw.a.shower for 120 ppl which is bonkers btw.

    Load More Replies...
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