There is nothing wrong with planning a shower alone, but there are some distinct advantages to planning a shower with a group.

Sharing the work and responsibilities with family, friends, or coworkers can lighten the load and increase the fun factor. You will be able to draw on the skills and expertise of the group; maybe one of you is a fabulous cook, or an invitation artist, or a floral designer. Plan to make use of the particular strengths and interests of each shower-thrower. Everyone who wants to should be able to participate in the planning, staging, and preparation of the party.

Communication is the critical, pivotal piece when it comes to planning a shower by committee. If your fellow shower-throwers are in the same area, get together to discuss and plan the details. If not, have a phone meeting, conference call, even an online chat with the group.

As a group, determine the shower theme (see Creating a Theme) and who will handle what, from food to décor to invitations, and the like.

You should also appoint someone as the point-of-contact person. She will be responsible for making sure that as you move forward, everyone has received the most up-to-date information regarding the shower and that nobody gets left out. Plan to stay in touch throughout the planning process and schedule a meeting or phone call during the week of the event to catch up on any last-minute details and changes.

The point person should keep a working list of the shower details and responsibilities and each cohost should have a copy. Including cohosts in all aspects of the planning is so important to the outcome of the party. It may take a little more time and a little more effort, but the results will be well worth this extra attention. Brainstorming a theme and how to accomplish it is a great excuse to get together, have some laughs, and pull the party details into focus as a group.