There are more wrong ways than right ways to do just about anything. The wrong way is easy because it requires no planning, attention to detail, or ownership of responsibility. You just let it happen and hope the carnage isn’t too bad. Unfortunately, that is the pattern we have seen for the hot, new category of gender reveal parties. The bad ones are really bad. They involve items that require a high level of responsibility wielded by people demonstrating neither responsible behavior nor personal accountability. That will always be a recipe for disaster.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a gender reveal party. When done right, they’re awesome! The examples of disastrous parties serve as a cautionary tale of what not to do. It just means you should take your gender reveal party a bit more seriously and put a lot more planning and care into it. Santa Monica is a great place for a party. But it also has a few challenges to overcome. Every party is a little different due to location, size and culture. So rather than giving a list of details to copy, here are a few general principles you can apply to your next gender reveal party:
Choose the Right Reveal Mechanism for Your Environment
You might not be able to set off a colorful smoke bomb just anywhere you like in Santa Monica. There will be specific regulations and licenses to acquire depending on the type and size of the display. You will want to be sure you are well clear of dry brush and highly flammable objects. You don’t hold a fireworks display in the middle of a forest for obvious reasons.
When your environment is more urban, spring for this gender reveal confetti popper instead. That makes a lot more sense for the venues you are likely to secure for such a party. The key is to pair your reveal mechanism with the environment you have. There are many options from which you can choose. You can make a big splash even in a small space if that is what you have. Accidents happen when the venue is ignored and the wrong tool is deployed. Pair the right reveal for the environment you have and your party will be remembered for all the right reasons.
Choose the Right Menu for Your Location
In Santa Monica, there is one place to go for a smash burger done right. You have to go to Tripp Burgers. Yes, it is street food. In Santa Monica, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that some of the best food you can get is street food. It is one of the things that makes the city what it is.
What are the special tastes of your city? When you have a gender reveal party, be sure to feature those tastes. Some of your guests will be from out of town. They might never have had the privilege of eating a smash burger. In New Orleans, there is a good chance that the party will feature some preparation of shrimp. For a good time had by all, make sure your unique location is represented in the menu options.
Make it Baby Friendly
It is somewhat ironic that many baby-focused parties are not suitable for babies to be in attendance. Make your gender reveal party one of the places where babies are welcome. There is a good chance that your social circle includes people in your demographic. That means others are likely to have small children as well. Some will be pregnant.
Serve non-alcoholic options. And hire a nanny for the event so that there is a staffed nursery for the babies. It doesn’t mean you can’t have adult options. Not all your friends will have babies of their own. Some might have already hired a sitter and are hoping for some time without baby responsibilities. By offering options, you are able to welcome more of your friends to join the celebration.
Babies are special, especially yours. So be sure to make those baby celebrations as special as possible. Pair the reveal with the venue. Pair the food with the unique location. And pair the options with the needs of your guests who also have newborns.
