How to plan a baby shower
Most baby showers happen four to eight weeks before the due date and last about three hours. The planning is mostly invites, the registry, food and a couple of games, timed so the parent-to-be isn't on their feet all afternoon.
Baby shower checklist
6 weeks before
- Draft the guest list
- Book the venue, or confirm the space at home
5 weeks before
- Share the gift registry
4 weeks before
- Send invitations
- Choose the menu
- Pick a theme and décor
2 weeks before
- Chase RSVPs from anyone who hasn't replied
- Confirm vendors in writing
- Order the cake
- Plan games and prizes
7 days before
- Lock the headcount
- Collect allergy and dietary notes
- Buy decorations and non-perishables
- Draft the party-day run of show
3 days before
- Confirm every vendor's arrival time
1 day before
- Send guests parking and arrival details
- Buy perishables and ice
Party day
- Set up décor and the space
2 days after
- Send thank-you notes
- Settle costs with co-hosts
- Share photos with guests
Add your date, guest count and budget and get this checklist with real due dates, plus a menu that respects dietary needs.
Plan mine freeHow to split the budget
A typical split for a baby shower, shown for 30 guests and a $700 budget. The percentages hold at any size.
| Category | Share | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Food & drinks | 40% | $280 |
| Decorations | 20% | $140 |
| Cake & desserts | 10% | $70 |
| Favors | 8% | $55 |
| Plates & supplies | 8% | $55 |
| Games & prizes | 7% | $45 |
| Buffer | 7% | $55 |
Party-day schedule
A 3-hour party starting at 3:00 PM.
- 2:00 PMSet up the space and décor
- 2:45 PMFinal walk-through, music on
- 3:00 PMGuests arrive, welcome drinks
- 3:30 PMGames
- 4:15 PMFood
- 4:45 PMGifts
- 5:15 PMCake and thank-yous
- 6:00 PMParty ends, start clean-up
Menu ideas
- Beef sliders
- Chicken wings
- Caprese skewers
- Hummus and veggie platter
- Cheese and charcuterie board
- Mini tacos
- Dessert bar
- Mocktails and sparkling water
Shopping for 30
- Plates45 plates
- Cups90 cups
- Napkins90 napkins
- Drinks90 cans or bottles
- Ice3 10 lb bags
- Trash bags2 bags
- Cake30 servings
Tips from the plan
- Share the registry with the invite
- Guests shop early. Linking the registry five weeks out saves duplicate gifts.
- Plan around the parent-to-be's comfort
- Keep seating close, the schedule short and a quiet spot available.
- Two games is enough
- Pick games that work for mixed groups and have small prizes ready.
- Leave time for gifts
- Opening gifts takes longer than people expect. Allow half an hour, or skip it and send thank-you notes after.
Questions
When should a baby shower be held?
Usually four to eight weeks before the due date, when the parent-to-be is still comfortable and gifts arrive in time.
Who hosts a baby shower?
Traditionally a close friend or family member, though many parents now host their own or co-host with a friend.
How long does a baby shower last?
Two to three hours: arrivals and drinks, games, food, gifts, then cake.