Baby Shower Quick-Start Guide
Start here before Pinterest gives you eight hundred things to think about.
1. Talk with the parent(s)-to-be
- Preferred date
- Who should be invited
- Traditional / co-ed / family format
- Children attending?
- Games or no games?
- Gift opening preferences
- Registry
- Food preferences
- Anything they definitely do not want
2. Set a comfortable budget
- Venue
- Food and beverages
- Décor
- Invitations
- Activities
- Favors
- Dessert
- Rentals
- Supplies
3. Build the actual guest list
Use names, not “about 40.” The headcount drives food, seating, parking, activities, gifts and room layout.
4. Check the venue
- Capacity
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Accessibility
- Kitchen/prep area
- Climate control
- Setup/cleanup access
- Weather backup
5. Plan the flow
- Arrival
- Food
- Conversation
- Activities
- Gift opening or no public opening
- Dessert
- Photos
- Departure
Real Life Inspiration
If many registry gifts are shipped directly before the shower, consider a small photo display so those gifts and the people who sent them are still part of the celebration.
6. Choose activities intentionally
Activities should fit the actual group. An inclusive co-ed shower might use a lighthearted balloon pregnancy-belly challenge, while another group may prefer no games at all.
7. Assign jobs
- Setup
- Food
- Photos
- Activities
- Gift recording
- Cleanup
