Hosting a baby shower is a wonderful way to celebrate a growing family. With a simple timeline, you can plan a beautiful shower without last-minute stress.
8 to 10 weeks before
- Talk to the parents-to-be. Ask about the date, style, guest list and whether they want a surprise.
- Choose a date. Most showers are held four to eight weeks before the due date.
- Set a budget and decide if you're co-hosting.
- Book a venue. A home, restaurant, garden or tea room all work well.
6 to 8 weeks before
- Pick a theme. Floral, "Oh Baby," storybook or a simple color palette.
- Order invitations. Our Black & White Orchids Baby Shower collection comes in "Oh Baby" and "Baby in Bloom" designs, with matching signs, games and favor tags.
- Collect addresses from the parents-to-be.
4 to 6 weeks before
- Mail invitations. Guests should receive them four to six weeks before the shower.
- Include the guest of honor's name, date, time, address, host and RSVP details.
- Add registry details on a small insert card if you like.
3 to 4 weeks before
- Plan the menu. Brunch, finger foods or afternoon tea.
- Choose games. Baby bingo, advice cards, predictions or a diaper raffle.
- Order decor. Welcome sign, napkins, cups and a guest book.
1 to 2 weeks before
- Confirm numbers with the venue or caterer.
- Prepare favors with matching tags.
- Make a simple schedule for the day.
The day before
- Set up decor and the gift table.
- Print game cards and lay out pens.
- Prepare a basket for cards and a list for gifts.
On the day
- Greet guests and point them to games and drinks.
- Assign someone to record gifts and who gave them.
- Take photos of the parents-to-be with their guests.
After the shower
- Give the gift list to the parents-to-be for thank-you notes.
- Share photos with guests.
Planning a virtual or hybrid shower
If family live far away, add a video call for part of the shower, such as gift opening. Send virtual guests a digital invitation with the link, and mail them a game card so they can join in.
Baby shower menu ideas
- Brunch: mini quiches, fruit skewers, pastries and a mimosa or mocktail bar.
- Afternoon tea: finger sandwiches, scones and a selection of teas.
- Garden party: salads, lemonade and a pretty dessert table.
Always offer alcohol-free drinks so the mom-to-be has something festive to enjoy. A matching drink sign or menu card makes the food table look special.
The bottom line
Start eight weeks out, keep the parents-to-be involved, and let matching stationery make the details easy. For wording ideas, read baby shower invitations made easy.
