When you’re a new mommy-to-be, you want to make sure your baby shower is everything you imagined it to be. It's an exciting time to celebrate bringing a new little life into the world, so we wanted to make your job a little easier by giving you some tips and tricks on how to plan a baby shower or even a gender reveal baby shower. These types of parties are a great way for loved ones to gather around and show their love and support as you step into motherhood.

How to Plan a Baby Shower Checklist?

1. Set a Budget

The first task in your baby shower planning tips should be setting the budget. This will help set your expectations upfront, so you know how to manage the money being spent on your event. We recommend having an overall budget and then breaking that budget down into smaller categories like venue rental, décor, food and drink, activities, party favors, etc. This can be a good reference point for future parties you plan as well.

2. Choose the Guestlist

Next, you will want to decide on your guest list. This is important because it also affects where the best place to host a baby shower is, based on your head count. Depending on if you’re hosting a large number of guests versus a more intimate number of guests, will affect all the other details of your event. Make sure you’re inviting and including people who will make you feel your best on your special day.

3. Select a Venue

Once you have set your budget and created your guest list, it is now time to look at baby shower venues. Because you have chosen your number of guests, you can now select an appropriate event space based on your attendees. The venue will bring your event to life so make sure it’s a space that speaks to you. We recommend having a list of wants and needs going into it, so you have a reference point when comparing.

We always suggest expanding your search outside of the box as well. For example, if you’re looking at spaces in southern California, searching intimate wedding venues in Los Angeles or photoshoot rental space in Los Angeles may show you some great venues you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. If the venue has an event planning team behind them, this can be helpful as well when it comes to planning your party.

4. Plan the Décor and Dress Code

Now that you have your venue, you will begin planning the décor and what you want your theme to be. This will touch every corner of your event through the furniture, the table arrangements, food displays, party favors and so forth. It’s important to decide on a dress code as well if you want one at all so that guests know how to come dressed.

5. Set a Date and Send Out Invitations

Because the theme is chosen and the dress code is set, you can now set a date and send out the invitations. Your invitations should match the theme and you will want to include all the important detailing of your event, including what guests will wear. We recommend sending invitations out well in advance to give your guests time to clear their calendars.

6. Create the Food and Drink Menu

Next you will want to create your food and drink menu. Get creative with the displays of your choices so guests have a fun time indulging. We recommend having the menu match your theme as well so everything feels seamless throughout your event.

7. Plan Games and Activities

Finally, you will want to plan out games and activities for guests to participate in. There is a long running list of fun traditional games to play at baby shower events or if untraditional is more your vibe, you can always make up games and activities that speak to you and how you want to spend your time. This will keep guests entertained and focused on celebrating you.

At Ovation Square, we have an entire team of event planners behind us and would be more than happy to help you plan your baby shower to make it as special a day as it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What factors should I be basing my decision off when it comes to the venue?
A: There are quite a few factors to consider when choosing a venue such as budget, amenities, the event planning team and so forth, so it really depends on what’s important to you.

Q: What’s a realistic budget to set for a baby shower?
A: That can vary dramatically depending on the venue, the décor, the guest count, the type of food and so forth. You can create a budget and then work within it to not go over it.

Q: What are games that are typically played at baby showers?
A: There are games like don’t say baby, baby shower bingo, how big is mommy, changing a diaper, etc. You can also look games up online to get more ideas of what you want to play.