How to Cancel a Baby Shower Due to Bed Rest

Learn how to cancel a baby shower with finesse.

Being on bed rest can give you a free get-out-of-work ticket, which includes work in the office and around the house. Though bed rest does have its perks at times, leaving you unable to have a baby shower is not one of them. A baby shower includes lots of gifts from your family and friends, which means less stuff you and your partner have to buy for baby, but once you're ordered to bed rest, canceling your baby shower may be the next thing on your to-do list.

Instructions

1. Notify the host. The host should be the first to know of your cancellation because she is usually the one coordinating the games, making food arrangements and keeping the guests in the know. Since she is the host of the party, it is acceptable for you to inform her of the reason for the cancellation. It is also considered respectable for the host to assist you with canceling the shower if necessary.

2. Notify the guests. Notifying the guests in a prompt manner is most important because it provides them with an efficient amount of time to alter their schedules if necessary. Whether you are informing your guest of the cancellation by email, social networking, regular mail or phone, confirm that they have received the notification before making assumptions to prevent any confusion. When informing the guests of the cancellation, it should be a brief discussion that excludes any personal information, unless you'd like to inform your guests of your bed rest instructions. For example, "Hi Jen, I am sorry to say that under current circumstances, I will have to cancel the baby shower until further notice. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you." This notification was brief and informative without providing any personal information.

3. Return items. If items such as decorations or game prizes were purchased, return them to the store. The items will more than likely need to be unopened and accompanied by the original receipt. Ask a friend or family member to return the items to prevent going against your doctor's orders. If you are planning to reschedule your baby shower, store the items in a safe place for later use.

4. Distribute cancellation fees and collect refunds. If you hired a catering service or rented space for the baby shower, more than likely you paid a deposit, which will need to be collected. Also, some companies have policies that require a fee if a service is canceled, especially if the shower is canceled at short notice. Inform each company of the cancellation and discuss repayment or payment options.

5. Thank everyone who participated in planning the baby shower, including the host and co-host. Writing a short letter is a decent way to say thank you. It will show everyone who participated that their hard work did not go unnoticed.

References

• Baby Center: Bedrest
• Stork Net: Baby Showers
• Baby Shower Ideas: Expectant Mother on Bed Rest