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Planning a baby shower for the first time? No pressure, right? 😅 You just want it to be special, memorable, and—most importantly—stress-free for the mama-to-be. But where do you even start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this simple, step-by-step guide to throwing the perfect baby shower.
1. Pick a Date and Time That Works for Mama-to-Be
Timing is everything! Ideally, baby showers happen between 28-34 weeks of pregnancy—far enough along to celebrate, but not so close that there’s a risk of baby making an early entrance.
📌 Tips for Choosing the Best Date:
- Check with the guest of honor for her availability and preferences.
- Consider whether weekends or weekday evenings work best for guests.
- If guests are traveling, give them plenty of notice.
2. Decide on a Venue (Big Party or Cozy Get-Together?)
Your venue sets the tone for the whole shower. Think about:
🏡 At Home: Cozy, intimate, and budget-friendly.
🎉 A Restaurant or Tea Room: No cleanup—just show up and enjoy!
🌳 A Park: Great for an outdoor, casual vibe.
🏠 Event Space: Ideal for a bigger guest list and Pinterest-worthy decor.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re hosting at home, plan ahead for seating and space for gifts, games, and food setup.
3. Choose a Baby Shower Theme (Optional but SO Fun!)
A theme isn’t a must, but it definitely makes planning easier. It helps tie together invitations, decorations, food, and even games! Some popular themes:
🎀 Berry Sweet Strawberry – A girly, pink, and fruity theme 🍓
🌸 Baby in Bloom – A floral, garden-party vibe 🌿
🚀 Little Star or Space Theme – Perfect for a gender-neutral celestial look ✨
🦒 Safari Adventure – Fun, playful, and full of adorable animal decor
Not sure where to start? Choose colors first (pastels, neutrals, bold brights), then build from there!
➡️ This way for more Baby Shower Theme Inspo!
4. Send Out Invitations (Digital or Paper?)
Once you have the date, venue, and theme, it’s time to invite guests! You can go old-school with paper invites or keep it simple with digital invitations (Zazzle makes this easy whichever option you choose).
🎟 What to Include in the Invite:
- Date, time, and location
- RSVP details
- Registry information (if applicable)
- Any special requests (e.g., bring a book instead of a card)
💡 Pro Tip: Send invitations 4-6 weeks in advance so guests have plenty of time to plan.
5. Plan the Menu (Snacks, Sweets, or Full Meal?)
Think about the vibe—do you want a casual brunch, a tea party, or just light bites and cake? Easy-to-eat, crowd-pleasing food is the way to go.
🍽 Simple Baby Shower Food Ideas:
- Mini sandwiches, fruit platters, and cheese boards
- A ‘Build-Your-Own’ bar (mimosa, waffle, or taco bar)
- Cute baby-themed desserts (cupcakes, cake pops, or cookies)
🍹 Drinks That Fit the Occasion:
- Mocktails (because the mama-to-be deserves something fancy!)
- Flavored lemonades or iced teas
- A light bubbly option for guests who want a sip of champagne
6. Plan Some Fun (Games & Activities!)
Baby shower games don’t have to be cringey! Here are a few that are actually fun:
🎈 Baby Prediction Cards – Guests guess baby’s arrival date, weight, and features
🍼 The Price is Right – Guess the price of baby essentials (diapers, wipes, pacifiers)
🎶 Name That Nursery Rhyme – Play snippets of lullabies and see who can name them fastest
🎨 Onesie Decorating Station – Guests customize baby onesies with fabric markers
💡 Pro Tip: Aim for 2-3 short games so the party flows smoothly without dragging.
7. Set Up a Cute Gift Table & Seating Area
Make sure there’s a designated space for gifts and a comfy spot for the mama-to-be to sit while opening them. If she prefers, you can skip the traditional ‘gift opening’ and let guests drop off gifts at a designated spot instead.
🎁 Gift Table Must-Haves:
- A big basket for cards
- A cute sign or decor element to match the theme
- A notebook to track who gave what (so thank-you cards are easier!)
8. Send Guests Home with a Sweet Favor
Party favors don’t have to be elaborate—just a small token to say “Thanks for celebrating!”
🎁 Simple Baby Shower Favor Ideas:
- Mini candles or bath salts
- A small succulent plant
- Custom cookies wrapped in pretty packaging
- A sweet handwritten thank-you note
9. Capture the Moments (Without Stressing About Photos!)
A quick and easy way to make sure you get great pictures:
📷 Set up a Photo Booth: Use a backdrop and props that match your theme.
📱 Delegate Someone to Take Pics: A close friend or family member can snap candids throughout the party.
📸 Create a Shared Album: Use Google Photos or an event hashtag so guests can upload their snaps.
10. Most Importantly: Keep It Simple & Enjoy the Day!
The biggest tip? Don’t overcomplicate it! The mama-to-be just wants to feel loved and celebrated. Focus on the fun, the memories, and the happy moments, and the rest will fall into place.
Planning your first baby shower might feel overwhelming at first, but with a little organization and a whole lot of love, it’s going to be a beautiful day. 🎀
🔖 Save this post to Pinterest so you can find it later! 🍼🎉
