GENDER REVEAL is a new trend that has been gaining popularity over the last few years. Before sonogram technology was created, the gender was always a surprise, announced at the time of the birth! When sonograms were invented, parents were given an opportunity to find out sooner. The latest craze is a compromise of those two options. Hosting a gender reveal party means that you won’t need to wait until your baby is born, yet you can still share the surprise in the company of your friends and family.

Let’s face it! There are pros and cons to each of the two extremes.

You might go the route of finding out ASAP because you can’t take the suspense, feel that you’re pre-planning is limited, or the pressure from family and friends makes you cave.

You might insist on waiting for the birth because you love surprises, found that it simplified the planning process, or because you take the most natural possible approach to things.

  I was inspired to provide some helpful options (See them below) for moms-to-be who want to host an easy to plan, budget-friendly event. There are so many themes and favors and games available through online search, but the common approach isn’t always the best one. I created a list of the typical vs. the resourceful, and included some costs for your comparison. Shipping costs and transportation expenses were not included in the totals. The costs are based on a party of 18 people.

Also note that for Option #2 Resourceful Approach, everything is reusable and there is nothing to throw away after the event is finished. The best part about following this guide: You could save over $300, plus save time and energy on the simplified style, and you will not have bags of garbage to take out with you.

Typical Approach – Grand total $453

Cake

• Bakery-made gender reveal cake, $75

Surprise Factor

• Box of helium-filled Balloons, with no lasting value, $24

Snacks

• Catered Hors D’oeuvres, minimum $180

Tableware  (prices from Party City)

• Plates in pink & blue, $16
• Napkins in pink & blue, $8
• Plastic dining wear, $8
• Plastic drinking goblets, $20

Store-bought Decorations

• Paper Decorations, $28
• Paper table cover, $6

Voting Symbols

24pc Lips/Moustache Awls $26

Invitations

• Custom Invitations, $54
• Postage, $8

Resourceful Approach – Grand Total $118

Cake

• Friend or Relative bakes cupcakes, No direct cost

Surprise Factor

• Turnovers 2pc Set with free Gender Reveal Service, $42

Snacks

• Potluck-style appetizers, No direct cost

Tableware

• Reusable Plates, Silverware & Glasses, No added cost
• Cloth Napkins, No added cost (If you don’t own any, buy 20 for $11)

Homemade Decorations

• Baby Photos of Mom & Dad, Ultrasound Scans Banner, Flowers from the garden, No cost
• Tablecloth alternative: 5pk Baby Receiving Blankets, $13

Voting Symbols

Pink & Blue Wooden Clothespins, $4

Invitations

• Online Invitations, No Charge

Postage, No Charge

Remember, the object is to intentionally spend money on things that you need/ will use again, and eliminate the unnecessary extras that take up time and add to your never-ending list of things to do. Chances are, you will want to spend more time on prepping the nursery, creating gift registries and getting extra sleep before your bundle of joy arrives. Clean up will be a breeze, too! Just throw the receiving blanket “tablecloth” and the napkins into the washer, and use the dishwasher for the cutlery. You won’t have trash bags full of paper products. Follow our tips and you will enjoy your special day, and feel especially green while you do! (In spite of the pink and blue)

I hope this is useful for you! Please comment with your own helpful tips or questions. I will check back regularly and will do my very best to assist.