Party checklist
Baby shower planning checklist for hosts
Written for the person hosting on behalf of the parents-to-be. Enter the shower date and the number of guests; the list dates each task from seven weeks out and counts favours, game sheets, prizes and tableware.
Seven weeks before: talk to the parents
Five to four weeks before: invitations
Games and activities
Food and drink
Tableware, favours and decorations
On the day
Afterwards
Tips for the shower host
- The shower is for the parents-to-be, so their preferences outrank tradition. The first section exists to ask them before you plan anything.
- Opening gifts in front of a large group takes a long time. For big guest lists, ask the parents whether they would rather open them later; switch the option off and the list changes to tagging gifts as they arrive.
- A restaurant shower removes most of the food and tableware tasks. Choose it in the options and what remains is invitations, games, favours and decorations.
- Favour, sheet and prize counts are planning estimates from the guest number, with a few spare for late replies.
Questions
When should a baby shower be planned and invitations sent?
This list starts seven weeks before the shower and sends invitations four weeks before. Enter the date to see the calendar days. Ask the parents-to-be which date suits them; the list does not suggest when in a pregnancy to hold it.
How many prizes and favours do I need?
The list counts one favour for each guest plus two spare, and one prize for every six guests plus one. Both follow the guest number you enter.
Do we have to play games?
No. Turn games off and the game sheets and prizes go; the wishes cards stay and a keepsake for guests to sign is added instead.
What is different for a surprise shower?
You plan with the partner or a relative instead of the guest of honour, the invitation says it is a surprise, and there are tasks for the cover story and for getting guests in first.