Looking for a theme for a women’s retreat? Many women’s ministry leaders find themselves in the position of creating a new theme for the annual women’s retreat. When choosing from the myriad of possible themes, there are several things to consider.

1. Know the needs of your group. It is important to be in touch with the women being served. What issues are they facing? What topics of conversation have arisen over the past year? What concerns or difficulties do they face in their relationships, in their work, or in their community? A women’s retreat is sure to be a success if the topic of the retreat addresses these key issues.

2. Discover what motivates your group. Keep in mind the motivating factor behind why the ladies will be attending this women’s retreat. Young mothers need time away from preschoolers, as well as some adult conversation. Working women generally gravitate toward times of recreation and a relaxed schedule. Empty-nesters will most likely want extended time for conversation.

3. Pick a simple theme around what motivates your group. Simply choose one word to be the theme for the women’s retreat. Simple words can be the springboard for many activities. For example, the topic may be “Freedom.” From this word, there is direction as to what books to study. Discussion time can focus on areas of one’s life that need to feel freedom. Meditation time may focus on getting free of the thoughts that do not bring life to the heart. Even decorating the retreat center can focus on freedom, with red, white, and blue colors. Once the topic is chosen and the audience is identified, the rest of the women’s retreat plans will come to life. Choose a word and let the ideas flow.

4. Plan well and keep the schedule simple. Accommodating this vast audience may seem overwhelming, but with a well-planned women’s retreat schedule, it is possible to meet the needs of most of these ladies. The best recipe for success includes times of study, discussion, prayer, worship, meditation, recreation, free time, and of course, some great snacks available at all times.

How can you have a complete baby shower without baby shower cakes?

A baby cake is more than a moist, yummy confection to eat. You can use it as a wonderful baby shower centerpiece to make a special party setting that every guest can share and enjoy.

Also turn the baby shower cake baking into a funny baby shower game if you want to make a special and memorable moment that the mom-to-be can cherish for a long time.

What if you’re looking for something that can do triple duties for your baby shower? A diaper cake decorated with all kinds of baby items is your best choice – it’s not edible!

Keep the guidelines below in your mind. You’ll find that have the bakery design cakes for you is just a snap.

1. Set your party theme and budget, it will help you focus on what you really need.

2. Check out 4 or 5 bakeries (at least). Look at their cake pictures and ask for a sample-taste.

3. Make a decision on the cake that most fits your need. Tell the baker how many people will attend your party so they don’t make the wrong size. (A standard round cake serves approximately eight to ten people. An 11 x 9 x 2 inch sheet cake serves up to fifteen people.)

4. Tell the baker which day and what time the shower will start. ( you should order the cake a minimum of one week in advance of the shower.

5. Pay a 50 percent deposit. Ask the bakery to deliver the cake directly to your shower location (again, don’t forget to tell them the date and time!).

Instead of the traditional baby cakes, try baking a batch of baby shower cupcakes which guests can frost and decorate.

You can even try the idea of an Autograph Cake – it’s a sheet cake only have a standard “Congratulations!” inscription on it and the rest are left plain. Guests were asked to sign their names on the cake when they arrive.

And imagine a cake with the mommy’s photo or a classic pooh poster on it! The only thing you need to do is to choose one photo of the mom-to-be or any graphics related to your shower theme. The bakery will blow up the photo and decorate around it for you – it looks great and inexpensive!

No matter what you’re looking for, put your heart and energy into the cake planning, the ideas are endless.