Baby shower planning is an exciting and joyous milestone for expecting parents. It is a special occasion to celebrate the impending arrival of their little one and to gather with loved ones.
However, whether you are a first-time parent, a grandmother, or a best friend taking on the hosting duties, the list of to-dos can feel overwhelming. From themes to food to games, where do you start?
Here is everything every parent (and host) should know about baby shower planning to make the day magical.
When Should You Start Planning?
Timing is everything. Ideally, the baby shower should be held 4 to 6 weeks before the due date. This means you should start your baby shower planning about 3 months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to book a venue and allows guests to clear their schedules.
The 7 Essential Steps to a Perfect Shower
Follow this checklist to keep your planning stress-free.
1. Determine the Date and Venue
The first step is to decide on the date and venue.
Budget-Friendly: Hosting at a home, a local park, or a community center.
Premium: Renting a private room at a restaurant, a tea room, or an event hall. Always consider the comfort of the mom-to-be. If she is far along in her pregnancy, a cozy venue with comfortable seating is a must.
2. Create a Guest List
Next, create a guest list with the help of the parents-to-be. Include close family members, friends, and colleagues.
Tip: Managing RSVPs can be a nightmare with paper mail. Using a digital tool makes baby shower planning much easier because you can see the headcount instantly on your phone.
3. Choose a Theme
Selecting a theme adds a fun and cohesive element. It ties everything together—from the napkins to the cake.
Popular Ideas: “Little Pumpkin,” “Safari,” “Prince/Princess,” or a simple color palette (Pastels, Sage Green).
Check out our guide on [5 Unique Baby Shower Themes] for inspiration.
4. Send Video Invitations
This is the most important communication step. Send out invitations 4-6 weeks in advance.
Don’t rely on slow paper mail. Use a video invitation maker like Partyza.
It’s eco-friendly.
It allows you to include registry links directly.
It sets the mood with music and animation.
5. Plan the Menu and Activities
Decide on the food and drinks. Will it be a brunch? A high tea? Or a full lunch? Always ask about dietary restrictions.
Don’t forget the fun! You need games to break the ice.
We have compiled a list of games that aren’t boring. Read our guide on 15 Fun Baby Shower Games to find the perfect activities for your crowd.
Also Read : 15 Fun Baby Shower Games
6. Decorate and Set Up
Transform the chosen venue into a baby shower wonderland.
Focus Areas: You don’t need to decorate the whole room. Focus on a “Photo Booth” area (for Instagram photos) and the “Dessert Table.” These are the two places everyone will look at.
7. Capture Memories
Designate someone to take photos or hire a professional photographer. The parents-to-be will be busy greeting guests, so they won’t have time to take pictures. These memories of the baby shower planning journey will be cherished for years to come.
Modern Baby Shower Etiquette
Traditions have changed, and modern baby shower planning is much more flexible than it used to be. Here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind:
Who Hosts? Traditionally, a close friend or distant relative hosted to avoid appearing “greedy” for gifts. Today, it is perfectly acceptable for a sister, mother, or even the parents-to-be to host their own shower.
Co-ed Showers: “Jack and Jill” showers (where both men and women attend) are becoming huge. If you choose this route, make sure your baby shower planning includes food and games that appeal to everyone (like a BBQ instead of high tea).
Gift Registries: Include registry information on a separate card or a link in your digital invitation. Never put it directly on the main invite face.
Understanding these modern rules makes the entire baby shower planning process smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.
The Easiest Way to Invite Guests
Remember, the most important aspect of a baby shower is to celebrate the parents-to-be and their upcoming bundle of joy. You want to spend your time celebrating, not licking envelopes.
Partyza makes the invitation process effortless. Choose from adorable baby shower templates, add the ultrasound photo or a cute maternity pic, and send it instantly via WhatsApp.
Click Here to Create Your Free Baby Shower Invite
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Traditionally, the host (a friend, sister, or grandmother) pays for the shower. However, nowadays, it is common for family members to split the cost or for the parents-to-be to contribute if they are hosting it themselves.
Invitations should be sent 4 to 6 weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to buy a gift and RSVP.
It depends! Some moms love it, while others find it awkward. A popular modern trend is a “Display Shower,” where guests bring unwrapped gifts with clear tags, leaving more time for mingling and games.