How to Plan a Baby Shower
Sweet ideas for a happy celebration before the baby arrives.
A baby shower celebrates the parents-to-be and helps them get ready. Keep it comfortable and easy for the expecting parent, and let the small sweet details do the work.
Step 1
Pick the date
Most showers happen about four to eight weeks before the due date. The parent-to-be still feels comfortable, and there is time to use the gifts. Check the guest list with the parents before setting the time.
Tip: Choose a date a little earlier for twins.
Step 2
Choose a theme and colors
Soft colors, animals, flowers or clouds all work. If the parents are keeping the baby's gender a surprise, choose neutral colors such as cream, green or yellow. Use the theme on the invitation so guests see it first.
Tip: Ask the parents before you reveal anything on the invitation.
Step 3
Make a centerpiece
A diaper cake is both a decoration and a useful gift. Roll the diapers, stack them in layers around a center, and add ribbons, flowers and small baby items. Put it on the main table as your focal point.
Tip: Use a middle diaper size so the baby can wear them for longer.
Step 4
Plan the sweets
Cupcakes are simple to serve and easy to match to your colors. Add a small cake and one or two extras on stands of different heights. Label anything with nuts, and keep a few choices without too much sugar.
Tip: Plan two sweets per guest.
Step 5
Add personal treats
Small themed details are what guests remember. Decorated cookies can double as favors when wrapped in clear bags with a ribbon and a thank-you tag. Order them at least two weeks ahead from a local baker.
Tip: Place favors near the door so guests remember to take them.
Step 6
Organize the gifts
Share the registry with the invitation. Give one person a notebook to record each gift, and leave a basket for diapers, as they are always useful. Keep the gift opening short so it does not take over the party.
Tip: Ask a friend to help carry gifts to the car.
Your planning timeline
- 8 weeks beforeDate, guest list and place
- 6 weeks beforeTheme and invitations
- 2 weeks beforeOrder sweets and make the centerpiece
- 1 day beforeDecorate and prepare the food
Common questions
When is the best time to have a baby shower?
Most showers take place four to eight weeks before the due date.
Who should plan a baby shower?
A close friend or family member usually plans it, with the guest list agreed with the parents-to-be.
Photo credits
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, cropped and resized.
- Personal Creations (CC BY 2.0)
- normanack (CC BY 2.0)
- Yacine Hichri (CC BY 2.0)
- Personal Creations (CC BY 2.0)
- Shixart1985 (CC BY 2.0)
- Ayca Wilson from Farnborough, UK (CC BY 2.0)
- Personal Creations (CC BY 2.0)