If Tennesseans are known for their state pride, Nashville-ites have plenty of reasons to boast. For local expecting mothers planning a gender reveal party, Nashville has an incredibly fun range of options to offer. With monickers like “Smashville,” “Cashville,” “Nashvegas,” “Music City,” and many others, it’s no wonder that the nation’s fastest-growing city is, among many other things, a “smashing” fun place to celebrate starting a family.
As families grow, our city, too, grows and flourishes – all of which are a joy to recognize and celebrate.
Nashville parents can say “Cheers!” to living in one of the best metropolitan regions for raising a family. But by way of a gender reveal celebration, they get to step back from the stress and remember to enjoy each other, relish the moment, and excitedly usher in the new life of their child. As one expecting mother told Vox of her own gender reveal, “It validated everything I was doing to make sure [my daughter] was going to have a good life and reassured me that she would have the best family to support and love her.”
How best to do so in the music capital of the world, you ask? Look no further, y’all: here are a few ideas for planning the most memorable baby gender reveal for you and your guests.
Styling it Southern
Your gender reveal should ideally express the unique flavor of life in the South. For instance, classic rustic decor with mixed-texture accents (such as lace, wood, and metal) stays true to the nature of your Southern roots – and your soon-to-be-baby’s. For a good ole’ Tennessee “barn burner,” encourage guests to don their best cowboy boots (not that they need it); set up cornhole and horseshoe; and corral your guests around a bonfire, the best way to end a great party. A rustic venue like a beautiful barn, spacious and scenic enough for gathering close friends and family, might just make the best dang venue for an intimate gathering of any size or occasion.
For incredible, jaw-droppingly fun options for gender reveal props and materials, check out Gender Reveal Celebrations. Family-owned and parent-tested, this company offers great products and gender reveal ideas to make your event as special and unique as can be.
Finger-Lickin’ Good
Nothing says “Smashville” like serving up authentic Southern barbecue for your guests (after all, Mama-to-be is eating for two, is she not?) Send ‘em home fat n’ happy with your classic spread of ‘cued meats (gotta have both smoked and fiery-sauced), collard greens, mashed potatoes, mac n’ cheese, and hush puppies. Serve a hot “Bun in the Oven” as a side. Consider top-ranking spots like the Peg Leg Porker, Martin’s Bar-B-Que, or Jack’s Bar-B-Que to cater your party and ensure your guests leave perfectly stuffed.
A Song for Your Little One
Is it really a Nashville gathering without great music? Nashville is and will remain the worldwide mecca that is “Music City, USA.” What does that mean for you? A wide range of live music options-for-hire at your fingertips, and up-and-coming bands and singers are at your full disposal, as they’re looking for gigs and platforms to promote their careers. If you’re going for never-more-authentic-Nashville-than-this, hire a singer-songwriter to sing a list of your favorite covers. Or, take a leap and make it extra special by having them write an original song dedicated to your family and new babe.
On the note of venues, a barn is an ideal choice. Not only does one offer enough space for a stage and setup, but it also plays into the geography of where you live: there is nothing quite like hosting a country singer as the crown jewel of your event, in a rustic-chic barn, in the heart of Nashville.
Party Favors for Your Nashville-ite Guests
However small you choose to do it, this can be a sweet way to get creative as you thank your guests for their presence in your lives (and soon, your kid’s). Nashville’s top bakeries (Five Daughters, Brightside Bakeshop, or Baked in Nashville, for instance) can bake custom cookie bags in themed shapes like booties, strollers, or pacifiers.
While time-consuming, writing heartfelt notes to your closest friends and relatives are a kind gesture that will speak volumes to your loved ones. Tell them how important they are in your lives, and how much you want them to be present in your little one’s life.
Thanks for the Memories
While it’s fun to sift through Pinterest boards and plan out your gender reveal, what matters most is the people you love. Outweighing logistics and cake filling and confetti bombs are those making these memories with you, celebrating with you and watching your family grow.
Nashville-ites rejoicing the arrival of a new baby have so much to celebrate; secondarily, but far above the rest, is that they’ll get to celebrate this new chapter in the best city in the world.
