You’ve been there through the highs and lows of her pregnancy, and now it’s time to get the helium balloons out and shower the mum-to-be with love and support at her baby shower. Whether you’re planning a baby shower for a friend, a family member, or even yourself, we’re here to help guide you through this exciting time.
How To Plan A Baby Shower: Step-By-Step
Planning a baby shower can feel like a lot of pressure; it’s the first party the bump will attend (even if they won’t remember it!). But, by grabbing your notepad and pen and highlighting the key elements to tick off (sooner rather than later!), you can ensure your party planning goes off without a hitch.
Decide Who Is Hosting The Baby Shower
Traditionally, a close friend or family member hosts the baby shower; however, there are no hard-and-fast rules. The most important thing is to keep stress to a minimum, especially if the mum-to-be is involved in the planning.
To make things easier, assign roles among the guests. One person might take charge of games as the “gamemaster,” perhaps your auntie's job could be to holla the waiter to get a group photo. With a little planning and clear responsibilities, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable baby shower for everyone.
Set A Budget
Setting a budget is ESSENTIAL during the early stages of planning. There is no point in 'pinning' your dream décor, complete with extravagant balloon displays, if it’s going to cost more than your monthly rent.
Remember, the day is about showing love and support for the mum-to-be, not flexing your party-planning skills on Instagram. Aim for a realistic budget that aligns with the guest of honour’s preferences and priorities.
Who pays for the baby shower will depend on your group dynamic. The host may choose to cover the costs, or expenses can be shared among close friends and family.
Choose A Date & Location
Baby showers are typically held during the third trimester, ideally around 4–6 weeks before the due date. This timing helps ensure the mum-to-be is still comfortable and feeling her best for the celebration (and the photos!).
When it comes to the venue, the world is your oyster, from cosy, intimate brunches at home to hiring a private dining room at her favourite boujee restaurant, or even transforming the local village hall into the perfect party space.
Try to keep the location within a reasonable travelling distance, especially during this stage of pregnancy. It’s also important to consider accessibility; if any guests have mobility needs, make sure the venue is easy to navigate and comfortable for everyone attending.
Pick A Baby Shower Theme
Now that the location is sorted, it’s time to bring everything together with a theme. While a theme isn’t essential, it can help tie the whole celebration together, from the invitations to the décor and balloon colours.
If you’ve opted for a cosy brunch, why not create a whimsical Wonderland-inspired tea party? Or, if you’re celebrating at her favourite restaurant, add a sprinkle of stardust with a celestial theme. Hosting in the village hall? Lean into outdoorsy camping vibes, especially if she feels most at home on the fells.
Create The Guest List & Send Invitations
This is where you’ll want to work closely with the parents-to-be. Make sure no one important is missed from the guest list, it is the social event of the year after all!
Be sure to give guests plenty of notice, especially if you’re planning a summer baby shower when calendars can quickly fill up with weddings, holidays, and hen parties. Send out paper invitations, e-invites, or even create a Facebook event at least 6–8 weeks in advance. This gives everyone enough time to RSVP, plan ahead, and get excited for the celebration.
Plan Food & Drinks
Food glorious food, arguably the main reason people attend any party, right? Who can say no to a table filled with M&S picky bits?
In all seriousness, catering will be one of the key elements of the day, especially if the mum-to-be is opting for a dry celebration. To keep things simple, consider sharing the load by asking guests to each bring a dish for a buffet spread. Alternatively, take the pressure off your shoulders entirely by booking a restaurant, where catering and dietary requirements can be handled for you.
For a more personal touch, why not create a cute DIY drinks station? Perfect for a cosy brunch, you could include themed mocktails like “Baby Bellinis” for guests to enjoy.
Organise Baby Shower Games & Activities
Baby shower games are a bit like Marmite, some people love them (hello, blind-tasting baby purée), while others couldn’t think of anything worse! That’s why it’s important to check in with the mum-to-be before planning a full afternoon of being the gameshow host.
If she’s not a fan of traditional games, don’t worry, there are plenty of other ways to keep guests entertained. One thing she’s sure to appreciate is creating something sentimental during the day.
Whether it’s asking guests to write advice cards or decorating fabric squares to be sewn into the baby’s first quilt, these thoughtful activities can become lasting keepsakes.
Choose Thoughtful Gifts
Help give the mum-to-be a head start by focusing on gifts that are both useful and meaningful. As the host, you might consider setting up a gift registry to guide guests and avoid the unwrapping of duplicate presents.
Some parents appreciate practical essentials, like nappies in various sizes or burp cloths to stock up for those early days. Others may prefer more sentimental gifts, such as a favourite childhood book, to help build a ready-made library for their little one's arrival.
If you’re hosting a baby shower earlier in the second trimester, a supportive pregnancy journal can also make a thoughtful gift, helping the mum-to-be document her journey and special milestones along the way.
Some parents-to-be may request second-hand or pre-loved gifts, making the celebration more sustainable and personal. Whatever the preference, the key is to align with what the mum-to-be truly wants and needs.
Decorate The Space
When it comes to decorations, you don’t have to go all out to pack a punch. If you’re working with a tighter budget, focus your efforts on “hero” areas, like the dessert table or a dedicated photo spot where guests can gather and take pictures. A simple balloon arch or backdrop can go a long way.
There’s also no need to rely heavily on disposable items. Instead, consider investing in something more meaningful, like a custom neon sign with the baby’s name. Not only will it elevate the space on the day, but it can also be reused as a keepsake in the nursery afterwards.
Capture Memories
At the end of the day, it’s the memories that matter most. So why not make sure all those special, candid moments are captured?
If your budget allows, you could hire a photographer to document the day. Alternatively, place a few disposable cameras around the venue and encourage guests to snap photos throughout the celebration.
Once developed, you can curate the pictures into a photo album and gift it to the mum-to-be, a thoughtful keepsake she can treasure for years to come.
Tips For Planning A Baby Shower
So now the basics have been covered, it’s time for what you really came for: the top tips for planning a baby shower!
Get Support
Don’t let all the responsibility fall on your shoulders or get bogged down in the details; it’s meant to be a joyful celebration after all. Reach out to family and friends for support, especially those who are a whizz in the kitchen or love to help with organising.
As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and the same goes for planning a baby shower.
Sneak Information Out Of The Mum-To-Be
If the mum-to-be has handed you the reins but is usually quite particular, try to keep her gently in the loop without giving away all the surprises. Drop subtle hints and ask casual questions to find out exactly what she’d love for her special day.
This helps you plan a celebration that feels personal, thoughtful, and perfectly tailored to her once she steps through the party door.
Build A Checklist
You don't have to be super regimented to the second, but creating a rough timeline will help alleviate the stress. Set reminders on your phone, or pencil dates on your calendar, to make sure you get those invites out on time and the balloons pre-ordered!
Final Thoughts
With a sprinkle of creativity, a dash of organisation, and a whole lot of love, you’re all set to throw a baby shower that’s as wonderful and unique as the mum-to-be herself!
