The decision to plan a shower alone or with a group will depend on myriad factors — geography, budget, time, desire, expectations — and you know best what will work for you. The tradition of bestowing showers varies around the country in social communities, family situations, and business environments.

If you have decided to plan the shower alone, let your effort be the labor of love intended by following this advice:

• Keep size and budget within your means. If you’re hoping to do all the work yourself, keep it small and simple. If your budget is expansive — knock yourself out and hire help.

• Enjoy the planning. This is a party for a friend, not a survival game, so don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed by the decisions. No one but you will know that you wanted hot-pink napkins but couldn’t find them.

• Allow extra time. When possible, give yourself the gift of time. Use six weeks lead time instead of four. Making one party favor might seem simple, but making twenty by yourself will take longer than you may expect. Don’t leave a lot of details for the week of the event.

• Have a party slush fund. Give yourself a small cash fund for use in the days before the party. If you do run out of time to make the centerpieces, you’ll have some cash to run to the local florist.