Gender reveal parties are a popular alternative to baby showers. At them, the sex of the child is revealed to party attendees. If you plan on doing this type of announcement with family and friends present, there are some things you’ll want to do to prepare for the occasion.

Here are five ways to prepare for a gender reveal party:

1. Pick a date to have the party.

Once you’ve learned the sex of the child, decide when to announce it to everyone else. Keep it a secret until you’ve had the party. Decide which date would be best so that your family and friends can join in on the excitement.

2. Decide who you want to invite to your event.

Create a guest list based on who you’d like to celebrate with you. The size of the event and venue determines how many people you can invite. If you’re hosting a big party at a hotel or recreational center, you’ll be able to have as many people as you’d like on your guest list. If you’re hosting the party in your home, you may need to account for how many people could attend comfortably.

3. Send out invitations.

You can send out traditional invites through the mail or set up an event on Facebook. Either way, ask that people RSVP so you have a head count for food and drinks. You’ll also want to know how many people to buy party favors for.

4. Order party supplies.

Take count of the guests that RSVPed and order party favors. You’ll find a lot of fun gift ideas on our website. Choose gender-related favors depending on whether you’re having a girl or a boy. It’s easy with SG Wedding Favors’ wide selection of baby shower products and gifts.

5. Make food or have it catered.

Decide what you want to serve. Will it be finger foods or a full buffet? Are you planning on just serving dessert and coffee or will the party be going on for a while? Would sandwiches from the local deli be good or do your guests need to eat something more substantial?

Parents magazine suggests documenting the event. You need to have someone standing by with camera or video camera in hand to record the occasion. You’ll want to include photos of the event in your child’s baby book.

You can also have everyone guess the gender of the child. Draw a name of the jar of people who guessed correctly. Give them a prize such as a gift card, movie tickets or a special token of your appreciation such as a framed photo of you and your spouse and the baby bump one of you has.

A gender reveal party offers hours of fun and entertainment. By following the advice above, you’ll have a great time revealing the sex of your baby to family and friends. The memories that you create in the process will be something you hold onto for years and years.