Baby Showers

It’s impossible to remember everything when planning a baby shower. Use this handy checklist to help keep you organized and calm.

One to Two Months Ahead
  1. Set the date.
  2. Create a guest list/decide on the number of guests.
  3. Book a location, if not at your home.
  4. Plan the menu.
    • Informal/Formal
    • Catered
    • Potluck
    • Buffet
  5. Choose a shower theme, if desired.
  6. Plan shower games, if desired.
  7. Choose invitations.
Two to Three Weeks Ahead
  1. Prepare map or directions to the shower location.
  2. Prepare and mail invitations.
  3. Finalize the menu.
  4. Place order for the cake, if applicable.
  5. Book any special vendors, entertainment, or surprises.
  6. Purchase decorations and party favors.
    • Centerpieces
    • Welcome sign
    • Confetti
    • Wall or hanging decorations
    • Party favors
    • Banners
    • Special balloons
    • Party cameras
    • Streamers
  7. Purchase prizes for games.
  8. Order party rentals, including tables, chairs, linens, serving accessories, if needed.
  9. Purchase food and drink supplies
    • Plates
    • Napkins
    • Forks
    • Spoons
    • Cups
One Week Ahead
  1. Determine final guest count.
  2. Prepare table assignments and name tags, if needed.
  3. Purchase gift for mom-to-be or organize the purchase of a group gift.
  4. Place order for balloons.
  5. Place order for food platters/sandwiches, if catered.
  6. Choose background music.
  7. Prepare printed cocktail menu or menu cards, if desired.
One Day Ahead
  1. Purchase food and prepare platters/punch and/or pick up any pre-ordered food platters.
  2. Purchase beverages.
    • Coffee
    • Tea
    • Soda Pop
    • Juice
    • Punch
  3. Call to confirm all vendors.
  4. Prepare tips for vendors, if required.
  5. Load camera with film and new batteries.
  6. Load video camera with tape and charge batteries.
  7. Review/print instructions for games and wrap gifts for game winners.
  8. Wrap your gift.
  9. Purchase flowers.
  10. Pick up or bake cake.
  11. Prepare street signs leading to party if necessary.
  12. Pick up any party rentals not being delivered.
  13. Clean house and organize party area(s).
Day of Shower
  1. Decorate.
  2. Place name tags out, if needed.
  3. Place flowers out on tables, on buffet table, and/or restroom.
  4. Buy any last minute food items.
  5. Buy ice, if needed.
  6. Set foods out on buffet table, if having a buffet.
  7. Designate an area for gifts.
  8. Pick up or prepare balloons.
  9. Set up tables and/or seating arrangements and place settings.
  10. Place party favors on tables.
  11. Set out beverages, glassware, ice, blender, and condiments.
  12. Put out street signs 30 minutes before people are expected to arrive, if necessary.