Baby showers are becoming more and more popular and are a great way to get friends and family together to spoil the mum-to-be. Usually, they are planned by a close friend or relative…so if that role has fallen to you and you are wondering where to start, don’t panic! We are here to help with some top tips, suggestions and ideas for a successful baby shower!
Guests
Usually, guests are close female friends and relatives of the new mum, however there is an increasing trend to invite male guests too. As long as you aren’t planning it as a surprise, have a chat with the expectant mum to see who she would like to attend. Some people prefer a small, intimate occasion with just a few very special people; others prefer a bigger occasion with more people to celebrate with. The most important thing is that your mum-to-be feels comfortable with who is there!
Venue
This really depends on the number of guests and the type of occasion you are planning. Many baby showers take place in someone’s home or garden, but hiring a private function room can work just as well too. If you’re planning a baby shower at home, make sure there is enough space for your guests, as well as for any food / drinks… and space for any games! Holding the baby shower outdoors often gives a bit more space – but of course you are then reliant on good weather! You could consider hiring a small marquee / gazebo for weather protection. Alternatively, bell tents and igloos are really on trend at the moment – just check how many people it can accommodate before booking.
Décor
The right décor can really make your baby shower something special. The options are endless – from balloon displays and banners to light up letters spelling ‘BABY’ and flower walls, you can really go to town if you want to! Using a colour theme is a great idea – pink or blue if you know the gender of the baby; if not, something neutral works just as well. We have some great suppliers who can help you with fabulous baby shower props and décor – take a look!
Food
If you hire a venue, food often comes as part of the package. However, if you’re at home it is entirely up to you what you provide. Try to be guided by mum-to-be’s likes and dislikes…as we said earlier it is their special day! Some great options include Afternoon Tea, Grazing Platters and Luxe Picnics, or just light snacks and nibbles. And don’t forget the sweet stuff! Why not have a cake, cake pops, cookies or cakesickles made for the occasion? We have an extensive list of suppliers who can help you with this, including The Little House of Baking who made the fabulous cakes below.
If you’re having afternoon tea, why not hire vintage china to add a touch of elegance to your party. We have many suppliers listed, including Julie’s Vintage China who can supply everything you need from pretty china and cutlery to tablecloths and bunting.
Drinks
Most expectant mums will be avoiding alcohol so it’s probably best to stick to soft drinks on this occasion. That doesn’t mean they have to be boring though! Check out our Mocktails page for some fab ideas for non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol free wines and prosseccos are readily available in supermarkets and these are another great alternative!
Activities
Remember, a baby shower is all about spoiling the mum to be and a perfect way to do that is with a bit of pampering. Many beauticians offer home spa treatments and can come and set up a dedicated area at your venue. Another increasingly popular trend (if you are a creative bunch!) is to take part in a craft activity together. One great idea is to provide each of your guests with a square of same-sized fabric and ask them to decorate it with a picture or message for baby using fabric pens or paints. Then, sew the pieces together to make a quilt to remember your special day! Another great alternative is to hold your baby shower at a ceramic / pottery studio and ask each guest to make an item of pottery for the new baby (or mum!)
Baby bump painting is a popular and beautiful way to make a lasting memory. There are kits available to buy but booking a face painter will ensure an amazing masterpiece for your photos! It also makes a perfect baby shower gift.
Fun & Games
It’s always good to have a bit of fun at a baby shower! Here are a few of our favourites:
- Guess the Bump Size: Use ribbon to guess the size of mum’s bump.
- Baby Predictions: Guests predict the delivery date, weight, and gender of the baby. Prize for the most accurate!
- Baby Photos: Guests bring their own baby photo and everyone tries to guess who’s baby picture is who.
- Name that Nursery Rhyme: See how well everyone knows their nursery rhymes! It’s harder than you think!
- Celebrity Baby Names: Match up pictures of celebrities, their babies and the baby name.
- Name that Baby Tune: Play songs that contain the word “baby” – who can guess the name of the song the fastest?
- Mum’s (and Dad’s) Top Tips: Ask guests to write their one piece of advice or favourite sayings when it comes to parenthood. They can be collected together and presented in a keepsake box.
Gifts
While the most important part of holding a baby shower is to get together, spoil the expectant mum and celebrate the imminent arrival, the origins of baby showers came from showering the mum-to-be with gifts. Ask each guest to bring a small gift along for the baby (and / or mum!) There are many gift companies offering gifts that would be suitable for a baby shower but here are a couple to get you started:
Another great alternative is to club together for a present and give something a little more special. You could get a Spa voucher for the Mum-to-be for a bit of post-baby pampering or even a voucher for a newborn baby photo shoot. There are photographers all over the UK who specialise in photographing babies and children. If you’re in Northern Ireland a great one to start with is Alison Hill Photography (And if you’re not in Northern Ireland, have a look anyway – her photos are stunning!
We hope that your Baby Shower is a great success!