Baby is incubating nicely, the house is filled with excitement (and perhaps a little fear – don’t worry, it’s completely normal) and your friends are placing bets on whether it’s a boy or a girl.
Yep, it’s definitely time for a baby shower.
Our guide to planning a baby shower
There’s a lot to think about when planning a baby shower, but luckily for you, we’ve created the ultimate guide on how to host a baby shower to make the planning process as stress-free as possible.
1. Baby Shower Decorations & Themes
Taking the reins on hosting a baby shower can be initially daunting, but the best way to squash those nerves is to jump right in. Once the venue has been decided, sit around with friends or mum-to-be and brainstorm a baby shower theme.
Once a baby shower theme is in place you can really start to enjoy the fun stuff like decorations, invites, games and favours.
We hosted our very own bumble bee baby shower and it was bee-autiful! Adorable motifs to inspire your baby shower theme could be baby clothes, owls, rocking horses, tiny feet, baby elephants, storks, rubber duckies, confetti and popular children’s story figures, such as Peter Rabbit.
2. Guest List & Baby Shower Invitations
About a month before the baby shower date it’s time to start crunching numbers. Chat with the mum-to-be to see how big she wants her baby shower to be. Is it open to all family and friends? Or is an intimate gathering more her thing?
When the shower guest list is done you can get to work on the invitations. If you already have a baby shower theme in mind, look for complimentary invites. We can’t go past these gorgeous personalised baby shower invitations.
3. Baby Shower Gifts
Who doesn’t love cooing over itty-bitty baby items? From useful sock sets for sweet little baby feet to generous gifts such as bouncers or nappy bags – there are just so many fabulous baby shower gift options.
To help you source the coolest, must-have newborn baby gifts, we’ve put together our very own ultimate guide to baby shower gifts.
4. Baby Shower Cakes, Food & Drink
It goes without saying that the mum-to-be is exempt from cooking, serving and cleaning duties, so when considering food and drink for the big day, keep it simple.
Offering guests nibblies rather than a sit-down meal is more conducive to mingling.
An afternoon tea is always a winner and a few fresh platters tend to go down a treat; think finger sandwiches, petits fours and vegetable or fruit crudités with a selection of dips or yoghurt. These doughnut cupcakes will definitely tick the sweet treat box.
For more pretty party food, take a look at these cutesy confetti food ideas.
5. Baby Shower Games
Baby shower games are a great way to get the laughter flowing. Baby showers can be crazy for mum-to-be, so it’s nice to take the pressure off and encourage some silly fun. After a few rounds of embarrassing questions, ‘spit the dummy’ or ‘dunking for nipples’, the atmosphere will be more relaxed and enjoyable for all.
If traditional games aren’t your thing, check out our favourite alternatives to baby shower games – they’re super easy to organise too!
6. Gender Reveals
If you haven’t already let it slip to your nearest and dearest, the baby shower is a great time to make the big gender reveal. Have a gender-neutral themed baby shower to leave guests none the wiser until you are ready to dish on the deets. It’s bound to make a big impact.
Stuck for reveal ideas? Take a look at these 8 creative ways to reveal the baby’s gender.
7. Baby Shower Favours
The baby shower is all about showering mum-to-be with love and enjoyment. But baby shower favours are a memorable way to give something back to your beautiful guests for sharing in your special day.
From lasting mementoes to edible treats that won’t last the car ride home, lovely baby shower favours will surprise and delight your friends and family.
Read next …
Looking for more baby shower ideas? From woodland baby shower cakes to what to write in a baby shower book, you’ll find stacks of inspiration in the articles below:
- 101 baby shower theme ideas
- 16 beautiful baby shower guest book ideas
- Practical gifts parents will love
Now that your baby shower planning is underway, it’s time to hang out and share ideas with other mums-to-be planning their shower too!
The Mum’s Grapevine closed pregnancy groups are safe and supportive Facebook groups based on the season you’re due – so you’re all expecting at the same time! Click below and join your group today.
Top Image via Miss Kyree Loves
