Are you planning a baby shower and you’re not sure where to start? Well let me break it down for you with my easy to follow baby shower check list. You will want to begin planning your event 6 weeks in advance. The sooner the better…keep scrolling all the way to the end for your free baby shower checklist download…and to see 3 baby shower themes to help inspire you along your party planning journey!
5-6 WEEKS OUT:
Decide on a date and location. If you are not having your baby shower at home, you will want to book a venue as soon as possible. Once you determine your budget you will have a clearer picture of what you can afford for a venue. Be sure to factor in the cost of invitations, food/catering, decorations, party favors, etc.
Here comes the fun part! Choosing a theme. If you are not sure on a theme, I’ve curated a few charming choices from my collection just for you. Still want more ideas? Visit my Zazzle store at DoTellABelle. If you need help…or don’t see what you are looking for, convo me in my store for the quickest response. I’m always happy to help.
Next up is creating a guest list and ordering your invites. If you have chosen your theme, then choosing your baby shower invitations will be a snap. You will only need to know if you want a flat card, a trifold with detachable diaper raffle card, or a budget invite. There are even digital invitation downloads for paperless and evite options to choose from.
Keep guests entertained with games & activities. Include diaper raffle tickets or advice for mom cards with your invitations. Then you can hold a raffle or read off some of the funniest advice for mom responses. Are you throwing an outdoor Jack and Jill shower? Consider some activities that help your guests mix and mingle. Some ideas are horseshoes, croquet and/or cornhole.
4 WEEKS OUT:
If you are wondering when to send out your baby shower invitations…4 weeks is your best bet for a good turn out. You want to give guests plenty of time to make arrangements.
3-4 WEEKS OUT:
This is the time that you will want to purchase party decorations, supplies, favors, etc. Especially if you are ordering them online. In some cases, custom party favors can take 2 weeks for delivery. This will allow a bit of time for error. It is also a good time to order the cake to be picked up the day of the shower. If you are hosting a backyard baby shower, now is also the time to rent tables and chairs, if necessary.
2 WEEKS OUT:
Confirm your RSVP headcount. You may have to revisit your list and make a few calls to guests who have not yet replied. If you booked a venue, then be sure to confirm your reservations and give them your final headcount. If you are preparing food for the party consider starting your grocery list. I like to keep a running list because I’m always thinking of items that I have forgotten.
WEEK OF PARTY:
The week of the party is a good time to purchase your groceries. Any sooner and you risk them perishing. There will be a lot of things to do the day of the baby shower. So begin decorating the week of your event. Also pick up rented items if you are not having them delivered. Enlist some friends to help assemble/make favors and decorate for the party. This will help take some of the pressure off of you. Baby shower planning checklist.
DAY OF PARTY:
Often times friends and family will offer to come early and help with the last minute details. That is always a blessing. You can politely ask them to pick up the cake on their way. This may be all the time you need to chill for 20 minutes before your guests arrive. If you haven’t hired a photographer, encourage a guest or 2 to take photos and send them to you. The important thing is to enjoy the party and your guests.
AFTER THE PARTY:
Share your photos on social media. Be mindful not to share photos of guests that don’t want to be posted.
Also, leave reviews for your vendors. Word of mouth is a great form of advertisement for them. Remember to send out thank you cards. A heart felt thank you card is a wonderful sentiment that your guests will love receiving.
Below is a downloadable baby shower checklist in a pdf format to help you in your party planning endevour.
Explore Our Adorable Baby Shower Themes: Dive into a world of charm and delight with just a click on the images below! Discover our entire collection of enchanting baby shower themes, all lovingly curated in my Zazzle store at Do Tell A Belle. We’re always adding new and exciting themes, so make sure to visit us regularly for the latest enchanting additions. We can’t wait to help you celebrate this special moment!
Hello Wonderful Readers! Just a heads-up: many of the fantastic designs I rave about are my own creations, and I earn royalties from them. It’s my way of spreading love and creativity in the world! Your support keeps the creative juices flowing and this blog running. I’m deeply thankful for your trust and for being a part of this creative journey with me! With gratitude and sparkle, Victoria