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How do you plan a baby shower?

How to plan a baby shower: who hosts, when to hold it, guest list and invitation timing, a simple agenda, activities that aren't awkward, and a budget.

Storybook Studio Editorial Team5 min read
Paper-cut bunting strung beside a window with a stack of blank invitation cards on a small stool

The short answer

Plan a baby shower by agreeing with the parents on the date (often 28 to 34 weeks), guest list and style, sending invitations 4 to 6 weeks ahead with the registry link, booking a venue or home, keeping the agenda to about two to three hours, and dividing hosting tasks and costs among co-hosts.

Plan a shower by first agreeing with the parents-to-be on the date, guest list and style; most showers happen between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Send invitations 4 to 6 weeks ahead with the registry link, keep the party to two or three hours, and split hosting jobs among two or three co-hosts.

Key takeaways

  • The parents decide the guest list; hosts handle the logistics.
  • Book the date before 34 weeks in case of an early arrival.
  • One or two light activities are plenty; skip anything that embarrasses the guest of honor.
  • Co-hosting spreads both the cost and the work.

Who hosts

Traditionally a close friend or relative hosts, but today anyone can, including coworkers or both families together. Many showers include partners and friends of all genders. Ask the parents what they'd like before planning anything: a big party, a small brunch, a virtual gathering, or a "sprinkle" for a second child.

Timeline

8 to 10 weeks before

  • Agree on date, time and format with the parents.
  • Choose co-hosts and divide jobs: invitations, food, decorations, activities.
  • Set a budget and how costs split.

6 weeks before

  • Book the venue or confirm the home.
  • Get the guest list with addresses or emails from the parents.
  • Confirm the registry is live.

4 to 6 weeks before

  • Send invitations, paper or digital, with the date, time, place, RSVP date and registry link.
  • Note any dress or theme, and whether it's a surprise (most aren't).

2 weeks before

  • Count RSVPs and order food or plan the menu.
  • Buy decorations, paper goods and supplies for activities.
  • Plan the seating so the guest of honor has a comfortable chair.

Day before

  • Set up decorations.
  • Prepare a gift table and a notepad for recording gifts and givers.

A simple agenda (about 2.5 hours)

  1. Arrival and mingling (30 minutes). Name tags help when two families meet.
  2. Food (45 minutes). Brunch or a light lunch suits most groups.
  3. One or two activities (30 minutes).
  4. Gift opening (30 to 45 minutes), or skip it and let the parents open later.
  5. Thank-you and goodbye.

Activity ideas that don't feel awkward

  • Advice cards: guests write one piece of advice or a wish.
  • Book library: guests bring a favorite picture book with a note inside.
  • Price guessing game using everyday items, with a small prize.
  • Onesie decorating with fabric markers.
  • Bingo during gift opening.

Leave out games that measure the parent's belly or involve diapers with melted chocolate unless you know the parents will enjoy them.

Food and drinks

Keep it simple: a few savory options, fruit, one dessert and a nonalcoholic drink everyone can share. Label common allergens. Ask whether the parent-to-be has any foods they're avoiding.

Health courtesy

Anyone who will be around the infant after the birth may want to check their vaccines. The CDC recommends a whooping cough booster (Tdap) for adults who will be in contact with infants and encourages staying up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Ask guests who feel sick to join virtually instead.

Invitation wording

Keep it short and complete. A sample:

Please join us for a shower honoring [parents' names]. [Day and date], [start and end time], at [address]. RSVP to [host] by [date]. They're registered at the link below.

Include parking notes for busy streets, whether children are welcome, and whether the gathering is a surprise. For a mixed in-person and virtual group, put the video link on the same invitation so remote guests don't need a second message. Send a short reminder about a week before.

Budget and splitting costs

Common costs: venue, food, decorations, invitations, prizes and a host gift. Co-hosts can each take a category. Keep receipts in a shared note so no one carries more than their share.

Virtual and hybrid showers

  • Send the video link with the invitation.
  • Mail small activity kits ahead if budget allows.
  • Have one host run the camera during gift opening.
  • Keep it to about 90 minutes; screens tire people faster.

After the party

  • Send the gift list to the parents so they can write thank-yous.
  • Take leftover food to their freezer.
  • Share photos privately unless the parents are happy for them to be posted.

A note for later

Weeks later, some families like a printed story about the first days at home. The new baby book is built from the moment you pick, such as coming home or meeting family, plus optional details and photos of real places; you approve a proof before it prints in softcover or hardcover with a PDF. Look through a sample new baby book, see the gift guide and check pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Is it okay to host your own shower? Many people do now, especially for a casual gathering.

Should partners be invited? It's increasingly common; ask the parents.

What about a second child? A smaller "sprinkle" focusing on diapers and essentials is popular.

Related reading:

Sources

  1. Whooping Cough Vaccination for Adults, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accessed November 3, 2026
  2. COVID-19 and Flu: Protect Yourself and Others, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accessed November 3, 2026

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