How to plan a baby shower?

A baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate the impending arrival of a new baby. It is a time for the parents-to-be to receive gifts and support from their friends and family. Planning a baby shower can seem daunting, but with a little planning and creativity, it can be a fun and memorable event.

When does the baby shower happen?

Baby showers are typically held 6-8 weeks before the baby is due. It is best to choose a date and time that is convenient for the parents-to-be  and the majority of guests.

Who hosts the baby shower?

The baby shower is traditionally hosted by a close friend or relative, such as a sister, aunt, or cousin. However, anyone can host a baby shower.

Where is the baby shower held?

The baby shower can be held at the home of the host, a rental hall, or any other location that can accommodate the number of guests.

What is the guest list?

The guest list should include people who are important in the parents-to-be’s life. It is up to the host to decide whether to invite men/women, children, etc.

Why is it so important to hold a baby shower? 

A baby shower is not only a great way to celebrate the impending arrival of a new baby, but it is also a time for the parents-to-be to receive gifts and support from their friends and family. It is an opportunity for the parents-to-be to bond with their loved ones and to start planning for their new arrival.

Timeline for a baby shower

7 weeks before the baby shower

1. Set a date and time: Pick a date and time that is convenient for the parents-to-be and the majority of guests.
2. Set a budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on the baby shower.
3. Select a location: will the baby shower be held in a venue or in a home?
4. Create a guest list: The guest list should include people who are important in the parents-to-be’s life. It is up to the host to decide whether to invite men/women, children, etc. The list should be created with the parents to be. Make sure to get all the information about guests to be able to send invitations and RSVP.
5. Select a baby shower theme: A theme can help to set the tone for the baby shower and make it more memorable. Popular themes include nursery rhymes, children’s books, baby animals, and colors. Ask the parents-to-be their preferences. Check out some baby shower ideas for boys here.
6. Plan the baby shower decorations: Once you have selected a theme, you can start planning the decorations. You will need to decorate the venue or space where the baby shower will be held. Keep in mind centerpieces, tableware, banners, and other decor items that fit with your theme.

5-6 weeks before the baby shower

1. Order and send out invitations: Invitations should match the theme chosen. Decide if the invitations will be sent physical or digital.
2. Make a menu: Decide what food and drinks will be served at the baby shower and whether it will be cooked or catered. Keep in mind the number of guests and plan accordingly.
3. Purchase/order supplies: Make a list of all the supplies you will need for the baby shower and purchase them ahead of time. This will save you time and money. Some supplies you will need are balloons, decorations and tableware. Don’t forget masking tape, scissors, and a ladder if you plan on hanging decorations.
4. Plan activities: Choose a few fun activities to keep the guests entertained. Popular baby shower games include guessing the baby’s weight, length, and birth date.
5. Order favors: Decide what type of favors you would like to give the guests and order them in advance.
6. Order game prizes: If you will be playing baby shower games, make sure to purchase prizes for the winners in advance.
7. Make a schedule: Having a schedule of events for the day of the baby shower will help to keep things running smoothly.
8. Delegate tasks: Ask friends or family members to help with set-up, clean-up, and running errands on the day of the baby shower.
9. Photography: hire or assign who will be in charge of taking photos.

3-4 weeks before the baby shower

1. Follow up with guests: If you have not received a response from some of the guests, follow up with them to confirm their attendance.
2. Food and drinks: If food and drinks will be cooked, make a list of ingredients and purchase them ahead of time. If the food will be catered, make sure to confirm the order and delivery time.
3. Prep the house: If you are holding the baby shower at your home, start to prepare a few weeks in advance. This will help to make sure everything is ready and you are not scrambling at the last minute.
4. Check if anything needs to be rented or ordered: order flowers, rent tables and chairs, or anything else you may need for the baby shower.
5. Mom-to-be corsage: Purchase or make a corsage for the mom-to-be to wear at the baby shower.

1-2 weeks before the baby shower

1. Confirm details with vendors: If you are using any outside vendors, such as a rental company or caterer, confirm all the details with them.
2. Confirm RSVPs: Follow up with any guests who have not yet RSVP’d.
3. Finalize the menu: If you are still working on the menu, finalize it this week.
4. Prepare the house: If you are holding the baby shower at your home, finish preparing the house. This includes putting up decorations, organizing the furniture, and cleaning.
5. Pack up supplies: Gather all of the supplies you will need for the baby shower and pack them up in a box or bag. This will help to make sure you don’t forget anything on the day of the baby shower.
6. Wrap favors and game prizes: Wrap any favors or game prizes you have purchased.
7. Plan the music: Make a playlist of music to play during the baby shower.

On the Day of the Baby Shower

1. Arrive early to set up the venue for the baby shower. This includes setting up tables, chairs, and any decorations.
2. Welcome guests: Greet the guests as they arrive and make sure they are comfortable.
3. Serve food and drinks: Serve the food and drinks you prepared in advance.
4. Oversee activities: Make sure the baby shower games are running smoothly and that everyone is enjoying themselves.
5. Thank guests: Thank the guests for coming and send them off with a goody bag. Check out some than you wording ideas here.

After the baby shower

Clean up: Once the baby shower is over, it is time to clean up. This includes taking down any decorations, cleaning up the food area, and putting away any supplies.

Thank vendors: If you used any outside vendors, make sure to thank them for their services.

A baby shower is a fun and special event to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new baby. There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a baby shower, such as the date, time, location, guest list, and registry. It is also important to decide who will be hosting the baby shower. Once all of these details are ironed out, the fun can begin! There are a variety of games and activities that can be enjoyed at a baby shower, so make sure to plan accordingly. And don’t forget to thank the host for all their hard work in putting together the event. Most importantly, relax and enjoy this special day.