Preparing for a baby shower can be both exhilarating and exhausting. It's a wonderful opportunity to gather loved ones and celebrate the arrival of your little one. Whether you're planning the shower yourself or someone else is taking the lead, this step-by-step guide will ensure that your baby shower is a memorable and joyous occasion.
Much like planning a wedding, organizing a baby shower requires attention to detail and thoughtful preparation. With this checklist in hand, you'll have everything you need to host a delightful celebration for the expectant parents. Let's dive in and make this baby shower one to remember!
Who Plans and Hosts a Baby Shower?
It's usually a friend or family member of the expectant parent(s) who takes on the role of
planner and host. The parents-to-be are the guests of honor, allowing them to relax and enjoy the celebration while surrounded by love, support, and gifts. Is it acceptable to host your own baby shower? Nowadays, anything goes, and there's no strict rule against throwing your own party. However, traditionally, friends or family members are the ones who organize the event.
As for who foots the bill for the baby shower, it's usually the same person who hosts it. Often, a group of family members, colleagues, or close friends collaborates to plan the party and share the expenses.
Choose a Date and Time
Choosing the right date and time for a baby shower is crucial to ensure the comfort and convenience of the expectant parent(s) and guests. Typically, baby showers are held around the seventh month of pregnancy. At this stage, the expectant parent is well into their pregnancy but likely still comfortable enough to enjoy the celebration fully. However, it could also beheld after the baby arrives. If you're planning a celebration after the baby's arrival, known as a Sip & See or meet-the-baby party, it's best to wait three to eight weeks post-birth to ensure the family has settled in and identified their needs.
Determine the Guest List and Invitation
Determining the guest list is a crucial step in planning a baby shower. Working with the parents- to-be allows you to work within budget constraints and decide on the appropriate number of guests to invite. Also, consider whether the expectant parents prefer a small, intimate gathering to ease any baby shower anxiety, or if they envision a larger coed celebration surrounded by friends and family. Tailoring the guest list to their preferences ensures a memorable and enjoyable event for all.
Once the guest list is decided, you should send out the invitations to your guests approximately six weeks before the baby shower. This gives them ample time to mark their calendars, RSVP, shop for gifts, and make any necessary arrangements, such as finding a babysitter. If your baby shower is on the casual side, an email invitation works perfectly. However, if you're aiming for a more formal affair, consider sending out paper invitations to set the tone for the event.
Choose a Venue
When considering where to host your baby shower, it's essential to factor in various considerations such as the time of year, the size of your guest list, and your budget. Choosing a cozy home setting can offer intimacy and comfort, often at no additional cost. Conversely, if you're expecting a larger group or have room in your budget, exploring venues like nearby hotels or restaurants can provide convenience with catering and cleanup services. Hosting a virtual baby shower can be a practical solution, especially if guests live far away.
Parks and outdoor venues provide a beautiful setting, especially in pleasant weather. Just be sure to check if you need permits and have a backup plan in case of rain. If you prefer a cozy atmosphere, consider hosting at home or booking a favorite restaurant or café . For more flexibility, renting an event space allows for customization, while outdoor locations offer a relaxed and scenic option. Whatever you choose, tailoring the venue to the parent-to-be's preferences ensures a unique and enjoyable celebration.
Pick a Baby Shower Theme
Once you've covered the who, when, and where, it's time to dive into the actual planning of the party. While it may seem like there's a lot to consider, selecting a theme early on can set the tone for the entire event. Although not mandatory, having a baby shower theme helps simplifythe planning process, guiding everything from invitations to decorations.
When choosing a theme, draw inspiration from various sources. Consider the parent-to-be's interests, favorite books, or even the baby's due date to personalize the celebration. If the expectant parents are avid travelers, a theme based on their favorite destination can add a unique touch. Or, choosing a seasonal theme, such as a cozy winter celebration for a baby due in colder months. Whatever theme you choose, make sure you finalize the details well in advance to allow time for purchasing decorations and coordinating additional elements like flowers.
Plan the Menu
Delight the mom-to-be with her favorite foods or stick to the theme or color scheme for the baby shower menu. Add special touches like a colorful fruit display, a fancy charcuterie board, or a fun ice cream bar. Don't forget to include a beautifully decorated baby shower cake or some cute cupcakes for a sweet treat.
For drinks, get creative with DIY cocktails, mocktails, or a refreshing batch of baby shower punch. If you're hosting the shower online, you can even send guests a list of ingredients so they can join in the toast during the virtual celebration.
Make sure the menu matches the guest of honor's tastes, whether they love classic comfortfoods like mini sliders and fried chicken or prefer a Mexican feast with tacos and guacamole. If you're hosting at a restaurant, check out their menu options. And don't skip dessert—whether it's a simple cake or a fancy dessert table, plan ahead to end the celebration on a sweet note.
Games and Activities
Deciding on the activities for a baby shower depends on the preferences of the guests of honor, so it's a good idea to ask them if they'd like to include some baby shower games. Consider the guests as well—are they familiar with each other or from different stages of the parents-to-be's life? This can help determine whether to plan energetic games or more relaxed, interactive activities to help everyone get acquainted.
Once you've decided on the number of games, gather ideas for baby shower games, ensuring you have the necessary supplies and prizes for the winners. Don't forget to plan for virtual baby shower games if some guests will be joining online!
While guests enjoy mingling and watching the mom-to-be open her gifts, adding a few fun activities to the party itinerary can enhance the celebration. Whether it's one main activity, like decorating onesies or quilt squares, or several smaller games, these activities can make the baby shower memorable and help break the ice among guests. You don't need to spend a lot— simple printable games and basic supplies are often all you need to keep everyone entertained throughout the two to four-hour event.
Check out 40 Fun Baby Shower Activities!!
Pick a Baby Shower Favor
When it comes to selecting baby shower favors, remember it's the thought that counts. While not mandatory, a small token of appreciation for guests as they leave is a sweet gesture.
Consider options like scented body wash, delicious treats, or even a tiny potted plant. You can also tie the favors into the event itself, such as offering bud vases with blooms from the tables or cute gift bags filled with candies from the dessert buffet.
For a more hands-on approach, consider DIY favors guests can create during the shower, like decorating cookies or making potpourri sachets. And don't forget about creative packaging to match your theme! Whatever you choose, enlist the help of those close to the parents-to-be to ensure a memorable baby shower that guests won't soon forget.
Discover our super cozy Chenille baby blankets, so soft and plush you'll want one for yourself, your little one, and even your furry friends! They make delightful party favors, offering warmth and comfort to all your guests!
With the baby shower planning steps in mind, we've put together simple timelines for both the parents-to-be and the baby shower host to follow! These timelines will help keep everything on track for the big celebration.
For the Parents-to-Be:
Three to Four Months Before Baby Arrives:
• Decide if and when you want a baby shower. You can have it before or after the baby arrives, or even skip it altogether.
• Work on your baby registry. You might have already started it, but make sure it's mostly done before sending out invites.
• Make a guest list. Decide who you want to invite, considering venue capacity. On the Day of the Baby Shower:
• Relax and enjoy being the guest of honor! Let the host take care of things unless you want to help.
• Remember to arrange transportation for your gifts if the shower isn't at your home. One to Two Weeks After the Baby Shower:
• Send thank-you cards promptly to show your appreciation. It's especially important if the shower was before the baby arrives, as you'll be busier afterward.
For the Host:
Two Months Before the Baby Shower:
• Decide who will host the shower. It can be a close friend, family member, or even the parent(s)-to-be themselves!
• Set the budget. Plan your expenses early to avoid overspending on decorations and food. Six Weeks Before the Baby Shower:
• Set the date. Consider the parents' schedules and venue availability when choosing the perfect day.
• Set the theme. Decide on decorations, games, and favors that match the chosen theme.
• Set the location. Choose a venue that fits the theme and accommodates the expected number of guests.
• Order invitations. Include all necessary details like date, time, location, and RSVP information.
One Month Before the Baby Shower:
• Send invitations. Ensure guests have enough time to RSVP and plan for the celebration.
• Plan food and drinks. Consider pregnancy-friendly options and accommodate any dietary restrictions.
• Plan games and activities. You may want to do some shopping for props and prizes for the games.
One to Two Weeks Before the Baby Shower:
• Finalize headcount and confirm RSVPs. Adjust reservations as needed based on the final guest count.
• Confirm reservations for location and/or food. Double-check arrangements with vendors or hosts.
• Get decor, favors, and game supplies. Bring the theme to life with decorations, homemade favors, and entertaining games.
• Write down a schedule for the baby shower. It might help the guests of honor and other guests plan their time accordingly.
The Day of the Baby Shower:
• Prep snacks or any homemade food. Make final preparations for food and drinks.
• Set up/decorate party space. Add finishing touches to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
• Get someone to take photos. Capture precious moments throughout the celebration for lasting memories.
• Keep track of gifts. Make sure all gifts are recorded for the parents' convenience.