The Ultimate Baby Shower Planning Checklist

Planning a baby shower is an exciting opportunity to bring family and friends together to celebrate the arrival of a new baby. A little organisation can make the day feel much more relaxed, so this checklist takes you through the key decisions from choosing the date and venue to planning food, activities, favours and the final details.

1. Decide Who the Baby Shower Is For

Before making plans, think about the parent or parents you are celebrating and the kind of occasion they would enjoy. Consider their preferences, guest list, budget and whether they have a particular theme in mind.

2. Set a Budget

Agree an overall budget before booking suppliers or buying decorations. Allow for the venue, food and drinks, invitations, decorations, activities, gifts, baby shower favours and delivery costs.

3. Choose a Date

Choose a date that works for the guest of honour and gives everyone enough notice. If guests are travelling, allowing extra planning time can make attendance easier.

4. Create the Guest List

Work with the parent or parents to create a guest list. Once numbers are confirmed, you can make better decisions about the venue, catering, seating and quantity of favours.

5. Choose the Venue

A baby shower could be held at home, in a private room, at a café, restaurant, hotel or another suitable venue. Consider accessibility, seating, toilets, parking and space for activities.

6. Choose a Theme or Colour Palette

A theme is optional. A simple colour palette can be enough to create a cohesive look. Floral, botanical, neutral, modern and storybook-inspired themes can all work beautifully.

7. Plan the Invitations

Send invitations with the date, time, venue, RSVP details and any useful information guests need. If there is a gift list or dress code, include it clearly.

8. Plan the Food and Drinks

Choose food that suits the venue and guest list. Consider dietary requirements in advance and decide whether you will provide a full meal, afternoon tea, buffet or lighter refreshments.

9. Plan Baby Shower Activities

Choose activities that suit the guests rather than filling the schedule for the sake of it. A few well-chosen games, a keepsake activity or a relaxed conversation area may be all you need.

10. Choose Baby Shower Favours

Baby shower favours are an optional way to thank guests for celebrating with you. Consider practical, edible, botanical or personalised options that fit the style of the event.

When choosing personalised baby shower favours, check the personalisation requirements, quantities and production and delivery times before ordering.

Read our baby shower favour ideas guide for inspiration.

Explore Baby Shower Gifts & Favours.

11. Plan the Decorations

Think about the main areas guests will see: the entrance, food table, gift area and activity space. A few coordinated details often create a more polished result than trying to decorate every surface.

12. Plan the Cake or Dessert

If you are having a cake or dessert table, decide on the style, serving arrangements and any dietary requirements. Make sure there is a suitable place to display it safely.

13. Prepare a Simple Event Timeline

Write down the key timings for arrival, food, activities, gifts, photographs and any speeches or special moments. Keep some flexibility so the celebration doesn't feel rushed.

14. Confirm Suppliers

Reconfirm important details with the venue, caterer, cake supplier, decorator and any other suppliers. Check delivery addresses, timings and contact details.

15. Final Guest and Order Check

Before the event, confirm the final guest numbers and check that personalised items contain the correct names, dates and quantities.

Baby Shower Day Checklist

• ☐ Venue ready
• ☐ Decorations set up
• ☐ Food and drinks prepared
• ☐ Cake or desserts ready
• ☐ Activities prepared
• ☐ Favours displayed
• ☐ Gift area organised
• ☐ Music or entertainment ready
• ☐ Emergency supplies available
• ☐ Final guest list checked

How Early Should You Plan a Baby Shower?

There is no single timetable that works for every celebration. Start with the date and guest list, then work backwards from the event to allow time for invitations, supplier bookings and personalised items. Always check the current production and delivery information for made-to-order products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need baby shower favours?

No. Favours are optional, but they can be a thoughtful way to thank guests for attending.

How many baby shower favours should I order?

Usually, plan around the number of guests receiving one. Ordering a small number of extras can be sensible for unexpected guests or keepsakes.

Can baby shower favours be personalised?

Yes. Names, dates, short messages and themed details can make a favour feel more personal. Check the individual product's personalisation instructions before ordering.

Planning a Beautiful Baby Shower

The best baby showers don't need to be complicated. Focus on the people, choose details that feel meaningful and give yourself enough time to organise the practical elements.

For inspiration, explore Craft Favour' Baby Shower Gifts & Favours and consider how personalised details could complement your celebration.