Baby showers are a time-honored tradition to celebrate new life and shower the parents-to-be with love (and diapers). While there are no strict rules on who plans the party or who gets invited, organizing one can feel daunting.
For the event planner, the pressure is real. You want everything perfect, but you might feel overwhelmed by Pinterest boards or stuck with zero ideas. Organizing a shower for a best friend or relative carries high stakes; you definitely want to avoid any party disasters.
If you are in charge of planning, take a deep breath. We have done the research to simplify the process. From picking a theme to managing the guest list, here is your guide to hosting a stress-free, memorable event.
Key Takeaways
- Timing is everything: Schedule the shower for when the mom-to-be is around seven months pregnant so she is comfortable but has time to organize gifts.
- Budget first: Determine spending limits early; costs range from $100 for intimate gatherings to over $1,000 for large events.
- Theme and tone: Choose a theme that reflects the parents’ personality, whether that is a casual backyard BBQ or a formal high tea.
- Menu matters: Offer a mix of easy-to-eat foods, consider dietary restrictions, and always have fun non-alcoholic drinks for the guest of honor.
Who Should Host the Baby Shower?
Traditionally, etiquette dictated that immediate family members shouldn’t host to avoid looking like they were asking for gifts. Thankfully, those rules are history. Today, anyone can take the reins.
Common hosts include sisters, best friends, mothers, or mothers-in-law. It is also increasingly common for the expectant mother to plan her own celebration, especially if she has a specific vision.
If you want to plan a surprise shower, proceed with caution. Ensure you know the mom-to-be’s schedule and preferences perfectly to avoid causing unnecessary stress.
Your Baby Shower To-Do List
1. Plan a Date and Time
Pick the date early. You need ample time to coordinate vendors, guests, and decor. Do not try to throw this together with one week’s notice.
Consult the parents-to-be first. Showers are typically held when the expectant mother is about seven months (28 to 32 weeks) pregnant. This is the sweet spot. She has a cute bump but isn’t too exhausted to enjoy the party.
Hosting around the seven-month mark also gives parents time to unbox gifts and see what essentials they still need to buy before the due date. Avoid scheduling past eight months; the mom-to-be might be uncomfortable (1), or the baby might decide to arrive early.
2. Determine a Budget
Money talks, and it dictates the venue, food, and guest count. You don’t need a celebrity budget to host a beautiful event. Low-budget parties in a living room can be just as sentimental and fun as catered hall events.
Here is a realistic look at costs:
- Total Cost: Showers range from $100 to $1,000+ depending on the venue and guest count (2).
- Invites: Paper cards cost $0.50 to $2.00 each, plus postage. Digital invites are often free or low-cost.
- Decor: Budget between $30 and $200. DIY items save money; custom floral arrangements increase costs.
- Food: Catering averages $10 to $20 per person. Homemade dishes drastically reduce this expense.
- Venue: Parks and homes are free. Rented rooms or restaurants can cost $200 to $500+.
If funds are tight, consider co-hosting. Splitting the bill and the responsibilities with another friend or family member makes everything more manageable.
3. Select a Venue
Before you book anything, look at your guest list and the season. Are you hosting 50 people in December or 10 people in July?
- Home: Perfect for intimate gatherings and tight budgets. It offers privacy and comfort, but the host handles prep and cleanup.
- Restaurant/Hotel: Ideal for larger groups. They handle catering, tables, and cleanup, which reduces your stress. However, it is the most expensive option.
- Outdoors: Parks or backyards are great for summer and spring. Just be sure to have a rain plan (like a tent or indoor backup).
- Virtual: If family is scattered across the country, a Zoom shower is a valid option. You can mail favors in advance and play virtual games.
4. Do You Need a Theme?
A theme isn’t mandatory, but it helps tie the decorations and invitations together. It makes the event feel cohesive and “Instagrammable.” Here are a few reliable favorites:
Rubber Duck Theme
This is a classic, gender-neutral option. Rubber ducks are cheap and cheerful. You can float them in punch bowls, use them as cake toppers, or set up a “lucky duck” prize game.
Dinosaur Theme
You can go fierce with a “Jurassic Park” vibe or soft with cute watercolor dinos. Use leafy greens and earthy tones for decor. Signs like “Hatching Soon” add a fun touch.
Mustache Theme
Best for a “Little Man” shower. This theme is playful and leans into humor. Use props like stick-on mustaches for photos and decor that says, “I mustache you a question.”
Cowboy Theme
Perfect for outdoorsy families. Think hay bales for seating, checkered tablecloths, and BBQ food. Inexpensive cowboy hats make great props for guests.
Bee Theme
“Mommy to Bee” is a sweet, popular theme, especially if the gender is a surprise. Yellow and black decor is easy to find. Serve honey-glazed treats or tea in adorable wine glasses.
Mermaid Theme
Create an underwater fantasy with purples, teals, and shiny scales. Netting, shells, and pearl accents work well here. It is a whimsical choice for a baby girl.
High Tea Theme
For a more sophisticated vibe, go with High Tea. Serve finger sandwiches, scones, and macarons on tiered stands. It’s elegant and works for any gender.
Balloon Theme
Balloon arches and garlands are incredibly trendy. You can choose a specific color palette (like pastels or monochrome) to make a big visual impact without needing much else.
Minimalistic Shower
Less is more. Focus on white space, greenery, and simple wood accents. This modern style feels fresh and clean, perfect for the stylish minimalistic mom.
Lush and Luxe Theme
If the budget allows, go all out with fresh floral walls, gold cutlery, and velvet accents. This formal theme makes the mom-to-be feel like royalty.
5. Plan the Decor
Once the theme is set, list what you need: table centerpieces, a backdrop for photos, and banners.
Save money by DIY-ing items like paper garlands or diaper cakes. If you are buying perishable items like flowers or helium balloons, schedule the pickup for the morning of the party. Always do a “dry run” of the layout so you aren’t scrambling to move tables 10 minutes before guests arrive.
6. Sending Invitations
Send invitations four to six weeks before the event. This gives guests time to clear their schedules and shop.
- Format: Paper invites are traditional and classy. Digital invites (Evite, Paperless Post) are eco-friendly, cheaper, and make tracking RSVPs easier.
- Details to Include: Date, time, location, RSVP deadline, and registry info.
- Etiquette: If it’s a surprise, say so clearly! If it’s a “display shower” (where gifts aren’t wrapped) or a “diaper party,” explain that on the card.
The RSVP
7. Plan the Menu
Food is the heart of the party. You don’t want “hangry” guests.
- Style: Buffet style encourages mingling and is easier to manage than a sit-down meal. Grazing tables (charcuterie boards) are very popular.
- Dietary Needs: Check for allergies. Ensure there are vegetarian or gluten-free options if needed. Avoid unpasteurized cheeses or raw meats so the pregnant honoree can eat everything safely.
- Drinks: Offer a signature “Mocktail” for the mom-to-be so she feels special. Have wine or champagne for guests if you like, but ensure plenty of water and iced tea are available.
8. Baby Shower Games
Not everyone loves games, but they act as great icebreakers. Aim for 2 or 3 activities to keep the energy up without dragging on.
Here are some crowd-pleasers:
“Don’t Call Me Baby”
This passive game runs in the background. Hand each guest a clothespin upon arrival. If they say the word “baby,” another guest can steal their pin. The person with the most pins at the end wins a prize.
Pregnant Twister
This is hilarious to watch. Have guests strap on “bellies” made of fanny packs, balloons, or pillows. Then, play Twister. It is harder than it looks and makes for great photos.
“Who’s the Celebrity Baby?”
Print photos of celebrities and their children. Guests have to match the baby to the famous parent. It is a simple, sit-down game that works well while people are eating.
Baby Stroller Olympics
If you have outdoor space, set up an obstacle course. Guests have to push a stroller (with a doll inside) through cones, over jumps, and around corners. Time them. If the “baby” falls out, they are disqualified.
Baby Babble
Think of this as baby-themed word scramble. Print sheets with mixed-up words like “ripeda” (diaper) or “tetobl” (bottle). Set a timer for 3 minutes. The guest with the most correct answers wins.
9. Party Favors
Favors are a nice way to say “thank you,” but don’t feel pressured to spend a fortune. Edible gifts are usually the biggest hit because they don’t clutter up people’s homes.
- Sweet Treats: Decorated sugar cookies, cake pops, or a small bag of gourmet popcorn.
- Pampering: Mini bath bombs, sugar scrubs, or nail polish (“mani thanks”).
- Living Gifts: Small succulents or packets of wildflowers (“watch love grow”).
- Themed: Mini honey jars for a Bee theme or tea bags for a High Tea.
FAQs
How Do You Throw a Simple Baby Shower?
Keep it small and intimate. Host it at home during a non-meal time (like 2 p.m.) so you only need to serve snacks and cake. Skip elaborate decor in favor of fresh flowers and focus on socializing rather than structured games.
What Is a Good Budget for a Baby Shower?
A reasonable budget typically falls between $300 and $500 for a standard home shower with 15, 20 guests. However, you can do it for $100 with DIY efforts, or spend $1,000+ for venue rentals and catering.
How Many People Should You Invite to a Baby Shower?
Most showers have between 15 and 30 guests. This size is manageable for a host and allows the mom-to-be to actually talk to everyone. If the list grows beyond 40, consider a “drop-in” style shower or renting a larger hall.
How Long Should a Baby Shower Last?
Two to three hours is the perfect length. It provides enough time for food, gifts, and cake without exhausting the pregnant guest of honor or boring the attendees.
Do You Have to Open Gifts at a Baby Shower?
No, this tradition is changing. Many moms prefer “display showers” where guests bring unwrapped gifts (often with clear cellophane) to display on a table. This leaves more time for mingling and relieves the pressure of opening gifts in front of a crowd.
How Many Games Do You Play at a Baby Shower?
Aim for two or three games max. You want to facilitate fun, not force it. If the group is chatting happily, it is okay to skip a game.
Should There Be Cake at a Baby Shower?
Yes, cake or cupcakes are a staple. It serves as a centerpiece and a sweet ending to the event. If you want something different, a donut wall or cookie bar are trendy alternatives.
What Drinks Can You Serve at a Baby Shower?
Offer water, iced tea, lemonade, and coffee. A punch bowl with sherbet is a classic touch. If serving alcohol, mimosas or wine spritzers are popular, but always ensure there are distinct, fancy non-alcoholic options for the mom-to-be.
Can Men Attend Baby Showers?
Absolutely. “Jack and Jill” or Co-ed showers are becoming very popular. If men are attending, the vibe usually shifts to be more like a casual hang-out or BBQ, and the games tend to be less traditional.
What Is a Sip and See?
A Sip and See is a party held after the baby is born. Guests come to sip drinks and see the new baby. This is a great alternative for parents who are superstitious about celebrating before birth or for adoption celebrations.
