Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Baby Shower
Planning a baby shower is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the arrival of a little bundle of joy. Whether you're throwing the party for a friend, family member, or even planning your own, it’s a chance to get creative, make lasting memories, and of course, shower the parent(s)-to-be with love and support.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to plan a memorable baby shower, from picking a theme to setting the mood with stunning décor (with a little help from Red Letter Events, of course).
Step 1: Choose a Theme to Build the Party Around
A theme is the heart of any great baby shower—it helps tie everything together, from invitations to decorations. Here are some unique ideas to inspire you:
Classic and Elegant
Theme: "Little Prince/Princess"
Décor: Sophisticated colors like gold and white with royal touches. Rent custom backdrops and a marquee sign spelling “WELCOME BABY.”
Activities: A tea party with dainty sandwiches and elegant desserts.
Whimsical and Fun
Theme: "Up, Up, and Away" (Hot Air Balloon)
Décor: A beautiful arch adorned with pastel balloons. Add uplighting in sky blues and pinks for an ethereal vibe.
Activities: A build-your-own sundae bar or cupcake decorating.
Modern and Chic
Theme: "Boho Baby Bliss"
Décor: Neutral tones with pampas grass and macramé accents. A photo booth with boho-themed props creates a perfect photo moment.
Activities: A flower-crown making station.
Gender Reveal Themes
If the shower doubles as a gender reveal, add dramatic flair with a marquee sign that says “BOY OR GIRL?” and a backdrop for the big reveal moment.
Step 2: Plan a Beautiful Setup
Transforming your space is easier than you think with the right décor elements.
Statement Pieces
Marquee Letters: Spell out “BABY” or the baby’s name for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Custom Backdrops: Perfect for behind the gift table or as a photo booth background. Add the baby’s name or a meaningful quote like “Dream Big, Little One.”
Arches: Frame the entrance with a floral or balloon arch to make a stunning first impression.
Lighting
Uplights: Use soft pastels to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
String Lights: Add a twinkling touch for evening showers.
Step 3: Keep Guests Entertained
Baby showers are more fun when there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Interactive Games
“Guess the Baby Food”: Blindfolded taste-testing that’s always good for a laugh.
“Baby Predictions”: Guests guess the baby’s gender, weight, and due date on fun cards.
Photo Booth Fun
Capture candid moments with a photo booth complete with baby-themed props like pacifiers, rattles, and onesie cutouts. Guests can leave with printed photos or share digital copies instantly.
DIY Activity Stations
Onesie Decorating: Set up a station with fabric markers and let guests create adorable, personalized onesies.
Diaper Messages: Guests write funny or sweet notes on diapers to make late-night changes more fun.
Step 4: Food and Drinks
Delight your guests with a menu that suits the theme.
Sweet Treats
A dessert table featuring a centerpiece cake and themed cupcakes.
A candy bar with color-coordinated treats.
Drinks
Mocktails: Celebrate the parent-to-be with non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling lemonade or a signature punch.
Coffee and Tea Station: A cozy option for cooler months.
Step 5: Create a Memorable Atmosphere
The mood of your baby shower is just as important as the food and games.
Audio-Visual Magic
Set up a slideshow of baby photos of the parents-to-be or a highlight reel from their pregnancy journey.
Use a speaker system to play soft background music or a curated playlist of lullabies and parent-to-be favorites.
Send Guests Home Happy
End the event on a sweet note with thoughtful favors like mini succulents, candles, or baby-themed cookies wrapped in pretty packaging.
Step 6: Capture the Day
Hire a photographer or videographer to document the shower. The parents-to-be will treasure these memories, and you’ll want high-quality photos of the décor and guest reactions.