There comes a point in every gal’s life where a good friend, co-worker, family member is pregnant. And it’s time! Time to plan a baby shower. But where do you even start? Lucky for you, event planning is one of my special skills. Well, seriously, I have fifteen years of event planning experience. I’ve put things for you together step by step! And if you want to get super organized, download this free guide to keep all your planning organized!
COVID-19 Pandemic Note: Please keep social distancing in mind as you plan your event! And wear your masks!
First things first: Pick a date
Check with the mom-to-be and see what works for her. You’ll need at least two months lead time to ensure planning. After choosing a date, make sure you pick a time of day as well. The time will impact what type of food you’re serving to your guests.
Have the mom-to-be compile her guest list
You’ll need to know how many possible guests will be in attendance. Your max possible guest count will help you choose a location that can accommodate everyone. If you are having it at a restaurant, club house, or event space you will need to reserve as far in advance as possible to ensure your date.
Choose a theme
Themes can be simple like a color scheme, sweet, or go all out. Check with the mom-to-be if she prefers the theme to match her nursery. Also check if she prefers a gender neutral theme.
Send out invites
Now that you have a date, location, and theme, pick an invitation. Mail an invite out to each guest. Remember to add an RSVP date 7-10 days out from the event date so you have an accurate headcount.
Recruit some ladies
Make sure you’ve gotten commitment from a few of the other close friends or family members of the mom-to-be to help plan and set up the party!
Pick a menu
Choose if you’ll be cooking, purchasing party platters from a grocery store, or hiring a caterer. Make sure there is food for the mom-to-be, check in with her on food aversions and other things she’s avoiding during her pregnancy. Make dessert special by getting the mom-to-be’s favorite cake flavor.
Plan for takeways
Thank you goodies for your guests can be fun and in-theme or even a favorite treat of the mom-to-be. Get creative!
Get ready for fun
Most baby showers have one to three games for the guests to play. Check in with your mom-to-be if she wants to keep them polite or get a little cheeky. Generally each game winner receives a prize. Don’t worry you can make them small and simple.
Make it personal
Have your guests do an activity that the mom-to-be can cherish. We love this countdown calendar that allows friends and relatives to write encouraging messages to the mom-to-be up until her due date.
Make it nice
Plan for decor to make your event beautiful. You may want floral centerpieces, balloons, candles, to display maternity photos, or a few fun things that play up your theme.
Take a picture
Get props, backdrop, and signage to make a cute selfie station.
Plan for a photographer
Hire a photographer or assign it to a party guest that will dutifully take on the role.
Set the Tune
Find a great playlist to play in the background of the party.
Signage
You may want to have a welcome sign, countdown to the due date, or other directional signs. We also suggest making small table tent signs for the food and drinks to help guests know their options (mark vegetarian, gluten free, or other dietary restricted items). Signs are great decor but also help down on the number of questions you have to answer while hosting. Use them to make your life easier.
We can help make your planning easier. Download this FREE easy baby shower planning guide. It will guide you with organized worksheets, timelines, and helpful hints to make things run smoothly. Happy planning!
