A baby shower is a celebration to honor the expectant parent(s) and help them prepare for the new baby's arrival with gifts, advice, and community support. Traditionally hosted by a close friend, family member, or coworker, baby showers typically take place during the third trimester (28-36 weeks) and last 2-3 hours.
32 steps across 5 sections
1. 8-12 Weeks Before the Shower
- Consult the parents-to-be — Confirm they want a shower and discuss preferences:
- Co-ed or women-only?
- Theme or style preferences?
- Any guests they specifically want invited?
- Registry information
- Any dates that do not work?
- Set the date — Aim for 4-8 weeks before the due date (28-36 weeks pregnant). The sweet spot is 32-34 weeks — the parent is visibly pregnant but still comfortable. Avoid scheduling too close to the ...
- Set the budget — Determine who is contributing and how much. Typical costs: $300-$1,500+ depending on venue, food, and guest count.
- Choose a venue — Options: host's home, restaurant private room, community center, park/outdoor space, event venue, or virtual platform.
- Create the guest list — Coordinate with the parents-to-be. Typical size: 15-40 guests. Consider both sides of the family, friends, and coworkers.
2. 6-8 Weeks Before
- Send invitations — Mail or send digital invitations 4-6 weeks before the event. Include:
- Date, time, and location
- Registry information (link or QR code)
- RSVP deadline (2 weeks before the event)
- Theme or dress code (if applicable)
- Meal/dietary info request
- Plan the menu — Options range from light refreshments to full meals. Consider dietary restrictions. Popular choices: finger foods, a dessert table, brunch menu, or catered lunch.
- Order or make decorations — Match the theme if applicable. Essentials: balloons, banner/signage, table centerpieces, tableware, and a gift table.
- Plan activities and games — Popular options:
- Guess the baby food
3. 2-4 Weeks Before
- Confirm RSVPs and finalize headcount — Follow up with guests who have not responded.
- Finalize food and beverage orders — Confirm catering, bake the cake, or assign dishes if potluck.
- Prepare party favors — Small thank-you gifts for guests (candles, cookies, mini plants, bath products).
- Assign roles — Designate helpers for setup, food service, game running, gift recording, and cleanup.
- Confirm any rental or delivery orders — Chairs, tables, tent (outdoor), decorations.
4. Week of the Shower
- Do final shopping — Buy perishable food, fresh flowers, ice, and any last-minute supplies.
- Prepare a gift log — Create a spreadsheet or designate someone to record who gave what gift for thank-you notes.
- Set up the day before or morning of — Decorations, food display, gift area, seating, game supplies.
- Day of: Enjoy the celebration — Welcome guests, serve food, run games, open gifts, and celebrate.
5. After the Shower
- Help the parents-to-be transport gifts home.
- Send a gift list to the parents — The recorded gift log makes thank-you notes easier.
- Parents send thank-you notes — Within 2-3 weeks of the shower.
Common Mistakes
- Not consulting the parents-to-be
- Scheduling too close to the due date
- Not sending invitations early enough
- Over- or under-planning games
- Forgetting dietary restrictions
Pro Tips
- Create a shared planning document (Google Doc or spreadsheet) with the co-hos...
- Set up the gift/registry station near the entrance so arriving guests can pla...
- Have a backup plan for outdoor events (tent, indoor alternative, rain date)
- Consider a "book instead of a card" request — guests bring a children's book ...
- If hosting at home, prep food the day before