The Ultimate Baby Shower Planning Checklist

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Whether you’re the mum-to-be’s best friend or a family member who’s been volunteered, a baby shower is one of those parties where getting the tone right matters — warm and celebratory, not overwhelming. This checklist covers it from the six-week mark to the day itself.

6 Weeks Before

  • Check with the parent-to-be on timing — most showers happen around 6–8 months into the pregnancy
  • Confirm the guest list with them directly, including anyone who must be invited
  • Pick a venue: a home, a café private room, or a garden if the season allows
  • Set a budget and decide if it’s a group-funded event or one host covering it
  • Send save-the-dates

3–4 Weeks Before

  • Send formal invitations with an RSVP date
  • Set up a gift registry link if the parent-to-be has one, and include it on the invite
  • Plan 2–3 games — enough to fill time without dragging
  • Order decorations in gender-neutral or confirmed colours [PLACEHOLDER AFFILIATE LINK: baby shower decoration set]
  • Book any catering or plan a menu

1–2 Weeks Before

  • Confirm final headcount
  • Buy game supplies and prizes [PLACEHOLDER AFFILIATE LINK: baby shower game bundle]
  • Plan the food and drink shopping list
  • Prep a playlist — low-key background music works better than anything too loud

Games That Actually Work

  • Guess the baby food — blind taste test, always gets a reaction
  • Baby word scramble — quick, works for any group size, easy to print at home
  • Advice cards — guests write a note or tip for the parents-to-be instead of a traditional game; doubles as a keepsake
Keep games to 20 minutes total. One or two well-run games beat five rushed ones — leave the rest of the time for actual conversation.

Party Day

  • Set up food, seating, and a gift table with early arrival time to spare
  • Have a plan for gift-opening — whether it happens during or after the main event
  • Assign someone to jot down who gave what, for thank-you cards later
  • Keep a comfortable seat reserved for the guest of honour throughout

Browse more Baby Shower guides as we publish them, or check our budget party guide if you’re planning on a tighter spend.

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