How to Plan a Baby Shower: Step-by-Step Guide
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Baby showers are a fun way to celebrate the arrival of your newborn—but they often require quite a bit of planning. From setting up a registry to choosing a theme and picking out baby shower decorations, there are more than a few items to cross off on your “how to plan a baby shower” checklist before you can enjoy the festivities.
Fortunately, we’re here to help.
Whether you’re throwing the party yourself or putting a close friend in charge, this guide breaks down the step-by-step process of baby shower planning.
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Step One: Choose a Host
To start, decide who will host the party. Traditionally, a close friend or family member is in charge of the shower, but this is by no means a requirement. Anyone, including close coworkers, cousins, or neighbors, can host.
If you’re the expecting parent and want to host the party yourself, that’s fine too! You can also consider co-hosting to split up duties and reduce any potential stress.
Step Two: Set the Date
Even if you’re thinking of themes and possible decor ideas now, it’s important to consider a date and venue first. Settling these aspects allows you to plan for headcount, budget, and decorations before getting too far along.
As a general rule of thumb, you should plan the shower’s date one to two months before the baby’s expected arrival. Remember to ask for the soon-to-be parents’ preferences since some may want the event earlier or even after the child is born.
Step Three: Pick a Venue
After selecting a date, consider appropriate venues for the event. Some people will host the baby shower at someone’s home, while others may choose a local event space.
Popular baby shower venue options include:
Restaurants
Hotels
Private residences
Churches
Event halls
When deciding between these locations, consider your estimated headcount, theme, and distance. You’ll want a baby shower venue that meets these requirements without going over budget.
Step Four: Select a Theme
Once you’ve selected a host, date, and venue, it’s time to move on to one of the most exciting parts: possible baby shower themes!
Choosing a theme early in the process can make the entire event easier to plan—you can use your theme to guide other choices, like decor, menu, and activities.
If you’re not sure where to start when brainstorming themes, consider using your date and venue for inspiration. For instance, if you’re having a shower in the winter, you can choose a Winter Wonderland theme. Or, if you’re hosting the shower in an outdoor space, you might opt for a “Baby-Q” Backyard BBQ theme.
Step Five: Create and Send Invitations
Next, it’s time to prepare and send themed baby shower invitations. During this step, consider desired attendees. Some options include:
Adults only
Close family only
Mixed gender
Make sure to include the venue address (along with the date and time), the baby registry, and an RSVP deadline on each baby shower invitation.
Keep in mind that custom-printed invitations may take longer to create than virtual baby shower invitations. No matter which you choose, aim to deliver them about two months before the party date.
Step Six: Purchase Decorations
When it comes to buying decorations, choose items that match your theme. Common decor options for a baby shower event include:
Balloons
Fairy lights or lanterns
Welcome signs
Centerpieces
Tablecloths
You can also DIY certain pieces of decor, such as your welcome signs and centerpieces!
Step Seven: Plan Games
Although games aren’t a requirement for a baby shower event, they can make the event more lively and fun. Plus, you can give away cute, themed prizes to winners!
Popular baby shower games include:
Guess Mom’s Age – Put out photos of the mama-to-be at various ages and have guests try to guess her age in each one.
Blind Diaper Change – Blindfold your guests and have them race to be the first to change a diaper on a baby doll.
Place the Pacifier in the Baby’s Mouth – A baby shower-themed take on Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Event
Once you’ve planned every detail, it’s time to celebrate! To ensure a memorable, hiccup-free shower, consider the following tips:
Assign someone as a gift recorder – This person can keep track of who gave what gift to make sending thank you notes easier.
Personalize the shower for the parent-to-be – Incorporate some of their favorites into the event, like songs, food, or flowers.
Choose pregnancy-safe foods – Some foods aren’t recommended for pregnant people, including certain seafood, undercooked meats, and unpasteurized cheeses.
Shop Fashionable Attire for Mom and Baby at Posh Peanut
Now that you’ve learned how to plan a baby shower, trust Posh Peanut with all your fashion needs. We’re proud to offer luxe, high-quality clothing and accessories for parents, newborns, and toddlers.
If you’re the mama-to-be, check out our selection of comfy and cute dresses to find the perfect baby shower look. If you’re the baby shower host, explore gift options for the future bundle of joy—our baby clothes are soft, breathable, and designed for delicate skin. You can also find baby shower gifts ranging from diaper bags to swaddles and bath sets.
Browse our collection today to get started.
Sources:
1. Babylist. How to Plan a Baby Shower: Your Ultimate Checklist. https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/baby-shower-checklist
2. The Bump. How to Plan an Awesome Baby Shower. https://www.thebump.com/a/baby-shower-etiquette
3. Parents. Tips To Plan the Perfect Baby Shower. https://www.parents.com/baby/shower/planning-a-baby-shower/how-to-plan-a-baby-shower/
4. What to Expect. How to Plan a Baby Shower. https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/preparing-for-baby/planning-baby-shower/
5. Mayo Clinic. Pregnancy week by week. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20043844
