One option is a videotape shower. This means that those family members and friends who are at another location actually host a separate shower. They can designate someone to be "mommy-to-be", and that person can open presents and act in place of real mommy-to-be (a pillow under shirt is optional). There should be cake and games, just like any other shower. The shower is videotaped and then given to mother-to-be. The tape can either be sent directly to her and viewed at her leisure, or if an in-person shower is being held, it would be a nice touch for tape to be presented and perhaps even viewed at "live" shower. It would also be thoughtful to make sure that you tape live shower and send it back home to friends and family who are unavailable.

There are numerous ways that you can cut costs when planning a shower. Perhaps easiest way is to split hostess duties among several friends. Homemade food, favors, and invitations are another way to make things less expensive. The time of day you have shower may also influence cost. A mid-afternoon party with cake, punch, and light snacks is much less expensive than a dinner or a spa afternoon. Having party at a restaurant may be less expensive if guests all know each other and are willing to pay for their own meals. This may be somewhat awkward, though, so it definitely is a plan that will only fit certain situations.

Handmade invitations are a very easy way to cut corners. With a computer, a printer, and cardstock or specialty paper, you can make invitations that will look practically professional. Or you can choose to make a crafty invitation that perfectly complements your theme. Another option for invitations is to email invitations. Sites like sendomatic allow you to send invitations and maps, track responses, and even send weather reports for big day for less than $15 dollars for 100 invitations. Sending email invitations saves on purchase of invitations, as well as postage.