The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Baby Shower

Traditionally, friends or family are the ones who are responsible for planning a baby shower and guests are women. But in these modern times, traditions can go out the window and your baby shower can be anything you imagine. If circumstances call for it, the mama-to-be or any loved one can throw the baby shower and guests can be any gender or age. Whether you want to throw a traditional baby shower or something more contemporary, these baby shower theme ideas and party tips are sure to help make the perfect baby shower.

Timing

While many things have changed when it comes to planning a baby shower, timing has typically held the same. A baby shower shouldn’t happen too early as most women don’t publicly share their pregnancy until they’re further along. The average time a baby shower is held is when the mother-to-be is seven or eight months pregnant. This gives the parents time to set up the nursery and make sure they have everything they’ll need to bring their little bundle of joy home. The mama-to-be is also well into pregnancy but still feeling pretty comfortable. It’s best to send invites out at least four weeks before the party so guests can save the date and purchase gifts.

Create a Registry

When you’re planning a baby shower, be sure the mama-to-be makes a registry so you can include the registry link on the invitations. A registry ensures the parents don’t receive too many repeat gifts, especially on expensive items like car seats and bassinets. A registry is also helpful to let family and friends know what the family needs and what they don’t, like when the parents-to-be have already received some hand-me-down baby items. A registry is easy to make at a specific store, on Amazon, or on a platform like Bablylist that lets guests shop across multiple stores.

Choose Your Venue

Your guest list, budget, and the time of year will affect the rest of your baby shower planning. An intimate baby shower could easily and affordably be held in your home. Whereas with a larger guest list, you might want to look into venues like public parks or restaurants. You may need a permit for your local park and you’ll need a backup plan in case of poor weather. A hotel or restaurant may make it easier on the shower host because staff can help with set up, catering, and clean up.

Plan the Menu

If the mama-to-be is having some funny cravings, be sure to include those in your party menu! Traditionally when planning a baby shower, the host chooses appetizers and small bites that make it easier for guests to interact with each other and play baby shower games. Think sliders, mini quiches, cupcakes, etc. And while the guest of honor won’t be joining guests to indulge in adult beverages, it can be nice to have some sophisticated drinks on hand for guests like mimosas and sangria.

Fun Baby Shower Theme Ideas

These days there are tons of modern baby shower themes and ideas that will make your baby shower extra fun and memorable. While it’s popular to hold a separate gender reveal party prior to the baby shower so guests can purchase gender-appropriate gifts, you could always combine these events into one occasion. Or perhaps, you’ll want the shower to reflect the theme that was chosen for the nursery. Here are some other baby shower theme ideas to get creative with when planning a baby shower!

Baby, Brew, & BBQ

If you’ve got warm weather and are looking for a modern co-ed baby shower theme, you’ll love the baby, brew, and BBQ idea. You can play classic baby shower games and backyard games. Or, throw those out the window and enjoy spending time with all your friends and family who want to celebrate the new life that will soon be joining them. When you’re planning baby shower decorations, combine the baby theme with a picnic theme!

Balloon-Themed Baby Shower

When the mama’s about to POP, imagine planning a baby shower with tons of balloons! Balloons are an affordable way to make a big visual impression on guests. Balloon garlands, arches, and bouquets are beautiful decorations for indoors or outdoors. You can enlist the help of friends and family to do the setup right before the baby shower or you can hire a professional to create custom balloon displays.

Mother-to-Bee

Mother-to-bee is an adorable theme where you can run with the colors of yellow, black, and white and the flavor of honey. Offer foods like spicy honey chicken meatballs, honey and goat cheese crackers, and cookies decorated to match the theme.

Vintage Tea Party Baby Shower

If you’re planning a traditional baby shower, a tea party theme is an elegant way to execute it. Use tiered cupcake stands to serve your treats and appetizers like tea sandwiches. Serve hot or iced tea or even boozy spiked tea. Tea party themes are perfect for intimate baby showers and when you want to plan plenty of baby shower games.

Rubber Ducky Baby Shower

The rubber ducky theme is excellent when planning a gender-neutral baby shower. All babies love their rubber ducky! You can also use rubber duckies as part of your party favors, to float in punch bowls, and to top cupcakes with. Get extra creative with crystal clear balloons that look like bathtime bubbles.

Throw the Ultimate Shower

Plan on purchasing your non-perishable baby shower supplies about three weeks before the baby shower. This should give you plenty of time to pick out themed decor and order items online to arrive in a timely manner. Browse the Ultimate Party Super Store’s huge collection of baby shower decor, party supplies, and baby shower balloons today!