A baby shower is a beautiful tradition—a special moment to celebrate an expectant mother and help her prepare for her new arrival with love, laughter, and thoughtful gifts. But planning it all can feel overwhelming. Whether you're organizing the event for a friend, a family member, or even yourself, having a well-prepared checklist ensures a smooth, joyful, and stress-free baby shower experience.
Here are 10 key things to keep in mind while planning the perfect celebration:
When to have a baby shower
The ideal time for a baby shower is between the late second trimester and early third trimester. This gives the mom-to-be enough time to enjoy the celebration without feeling too close to the due date. The event is usually scheduled between 11 AM and 4 PM - early enough for a relaxed brunch or lunch, but not too late to tire out the guests and the mom-to-be.
Where to have a baby shower
Comfort and accessibility are key! Consider options like a cozy home setup, a favorite restaurant, an intimate outdoor garden, or a rented event hall. Choose a location that makes the mom-to-be feel special, whether she’s in stylish maternity wear or a casual flowing maternity gown for the occasion.
Planning the theme
A good theme sets the tone. Think: classic & elegant, whimsical & cute, or something funny and personal. The theme also helps guide decor, invites, and even the choice of outfit—like a maternity photoshoot dress or coordinated accessories for the mom-to-be.
Sending timely invites
Send out invites 4–6 weeks in advance to give guests enough time to RSVP and make arrangements. Whether you go for digital cards or printed invites, include all essential details—date, time, location, and RSVP info.
Confirm RSVPs
Follow up with those who haven’t responded. A final headcount helps you plan everything—from seating to catering—with zero last-minute stress.
Planning the menu
Having a well-thought-out menu is essential. Consider dietary restrictions and include a mix of sweet and savory treats to keep everyone happy to ensure there's something for everyone.
Planning games and activities
Baby shower games can make the event even more memorable. Choose the games and activities that ensure everyone is engaged and having a good time. Some classics are:
• Guess the baby food
• Baby bingo
• Mom vs Dad questions
Games not only engage the guests but also create moments of laughter and bonding.
Gifts ideas and registry options
While gift registries are still gaining popularity in India, they help guests pick useful and thoughtful gifts for pregnant women. If you're going the traditional route, consider gifting essentials like soft maternity kurta sets, nursing dresses, cozy kaftans for women, or self-care hampers. Items that bring comfort are always appreciated—especially as she gets closer to delivery.
Choosing return gifts
Return gifts are given to guests as a thank-you for attending the baby shower. They're a charming way to express gratitude and leave guests with a lasting memory. The thoughtful gifts usually are: scented candles, mini chocolates or cookies, small potted plants, personalized keychains or bookmarks, etc.
Always keeping a back up plan
If your venue is outdoors, have a Plan B in case of unpredictable weather. For indoor spaces, ensure there's a fallback for things like extra seating, power supply, or food delays. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your baby shower runs smoothly.
With these essentials in place, planning a baby shower can be an enjoyable and a stress-free experience. The key is to stay organized and focus on celebrating this special moment with the mom-to-be and loved ones. No matter how big or small, the most important thing is creating beautiful memories!
