How to Plan a Baby Shower
Throwing a baby shower is a wonderful opportunity for loved ones to come together and celebrate as you await the imminent arrival of a new baby, allowing guests to ‘shower’ the parents-to-be with love, support and gifts. It’s also a time to celebrate new life and create joyous memories.
A successful baby shower requires thoughtful preparation and careful attention to detail. From choosing the perfect baby shower theme to organising fun baby shower games, there are many attributes to consider when planning a baby shower that it can almost feel a bit like planning a wedding!
In this complete baby shower checklist, we’ll answer some of the most asked questions about baby shower parties and discuss the ins and outs of how to plan a baby shower. Whether you’re planning a baby shower for yourself or a loved one, here are some simple steps to help get you started:
What is a baby shower?
A baby shower party is a special event held to celebrate the impending birth of a new baby. The purpose of a baby shower is to show emotional support for the mum-to-be, as well as to gift essential items needed to take care of the baby.
Baby showers are a joyful occasion where friends and family gather to share love, support and gifts, with the mum-to-be and baby-to-be at the focal point. They are often filled with fun baby shower games and delicious treats, depending on the desires of the new mum.
When do you have a baby shower?
Baby showers are usually held later in pregnancy, often around four to six weeks before the due date, but always check with the mum-to-be first. At this stage they are well into their pregnancy but are probably still pretty comfortable.
It’s best to send invitations about four to six weeks before the shower so guests can save the date. This time frame will also give the parents-to-be plenty of time to organise the baby shower gifts and decide what they’ll still need to purchase before their little one arrives.
Who organises a baby shower?
Typically, a baby shower is organised by close friends or family members of the expectant parents as the point of these events is for the mum-to-be to sit back and allow herself to be celebrated, not to worry about refreshments and invitations.
In reality, there’s no strict rule against organising your own baby shower if you feel comfortable doing so and even though the mum-to-be isn’t expected to be the host, she can still get involved in some of the planning, like helping to put the guest list together and choosing a venue.
How to plan a baby shower
Set a budget
After the guestlist is confirmed, one of the first things you should decide on when planning a baby shower is the budget. A baby shower can be as extravagant or as low-key as you want and a budget will guide the selection of the baby shower venue, food services, decorations and any activities you have in mind without overspending, ensuring a stress-free baby shower.
Choose a date
Choosing a convenient date to host your baby shower party should be a top priority on your baby shower checklist. Consider the expectant mother’s schedule and due date, key family members’ availability and venue considerations. While some baby shower venues will only allow events on weekends, others may offer mid-week hire which is typically much cheaper.
Decide where the baby shower will be held
Choosing the right venue is crucial for a successful baby shower party. Whether it’s a cosy home setting, a lush outdoor garden or a beautiful boutique hotel, the right baby shower venue will complement your theme and accommodate your guests comfortably.
The Lawrence Hotel, located on the edge of the Ribble Valley, features a choice of entertainment spaces and dining options enabling you to bring your baby shower ideas to life. After you’re done reading, check out baby showers at the Lawrence Hotel and fall in love with our beautiful venue!
Decide on a baby shower theme
When deciding on a baby shower theme, it’s important to consider the mum-to-be’s preferences and style to create an event she will love. Whether it’s a chic contemporary style or a gender-neutral colour scheme, the theme sets the tone for the entire event. From baby shower invitations and decorations to baby shower games and favours, the theme ties everything together seamlessly.
Send the invitations
Ideally, guests should receive their baby shower invites about six weeks before the event, that way they’ll have plenty of time to reserve the date, RSVP, shop for gifts and find a babysitter if need be. For a casual baby shower an email or text message invitation is perfectly fine though if you’re hosting a more formal baby shower, go with a paper invite.
Plan the menu
Catering is the highlight of any baby shower. Depending on your venue, baby shower menu options may vary but our favourite baby shower food ideas include afternoon teas and buffet style spreads. Whether you opt for a full meal, afternoon tea or a light buffet, ensure the menu aligns with the theme and consider dietary requirements (ask guests to list any dietary requirements in their RSVP).
Get creative with baby shower decorations
It’s important to select baby shower decorations that align with the colour scheme, banners, centre pieces and table settings as it can enhance the whole look and feel of the event. From elegant floral arrangements to colourful balloon arches, choose decorations that are visually appealing and create a festive atmosphere. Personalised touches such as photos, baby-related items and DIY crafts, can also make the baby shower decorations more meaningful and special.
Organise fun baby shower games
Organising baby shower games is an excellent baby shower idea for keeping the mood light and celebratory. Consider popular baby shower game ideas such as guess the gender of the baby, baby bingo, baby food tasting or baby-themed trivia. Personalising games to include details about the parents-to-be or the baby can make the day even more enjoyable and providing small prizes for game winners can add an extra element of excitement and friendly competition.
Planning a baby shower can be fun and you can be as creative as you want. By following the steps in our baby shower checklist, you’re well on the way to organising a baby shower that perfectly reflects and celebrates the soon to be mum. Tailoring the theme, decorations, catering and games to reflect the mum-to-be’s preferences and style, ensures a celebration that not only honours the expectant mother but provides a delightful experience for all attendees. When it comes to baby shower venues, whether you’re after an intimate baby shower or a more extravagant affair, The Lawrence Hotel offers the perfect setting for baby showers of all shapes and sizes. Get in touch to arrange a viewing.
Comments