When to Have a Baby Shower: Planning & Shower Etiquette
A baby shower is a heartfelt celebration of a soon-to-arrive new life, requiring thoughtful planning and etiquette. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Timing: Ideally, host a baby shower four to six weeks before the due date for comfort and excitement.
- Seasonal Themes: Adjust themes and settings based on the season to enhance the ambiance (e.g., spring florals, cozy winter gatherings).
- Venue: Choose indoor or outdoor based on the weather, ensuring guest comfort.
- Invitations and Etiquette: Send invites four to six weeks prior, incorporating all necessary details and a hint of the chosen theme.
- Decor and Gifts: Align decor with the seasonal theme and consider a gift registry to streamline gift-giving.
Whether you’re a first-time planner or a seasoned host, orchestrating the perfect baby shower is a beautiful way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new little one.
But like with any event, there are a few important considerations. Namely, when is the best time to have a baby shower? And what are the finer points of baby shower etiquette that ensure the day is as perfect as it can be?
If you’ve been asking yourself those questions, you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to share everything you need to know about baby shower timing and etiquette. From choosing the best date based on the mom-to-be’s due date to selecting special themes, we’ve got you covered.
Join us as we delve into essential tips for planning, invitations, décor, gifts, and all the other elements that make a baby shower not just a party, but a cherished memory.
When to Throw a Baby Shower
Timing is one of the most important considerations when planning a baby shower. As the guest of honor, you want the mom-to-be to be comfortable and enjoy their special day!
That’s why the best time for a baby shower is around four to six weeks before the baby’s due date. As Parents Magazine explains, this is often the sweet spot where expecting mothers are well along in their pregnancy but still feeling comfortable and active.
Of course, when to have a baby shower is truly up to the expectant parents. Some parents-to-be may prefer to have a shower earlier while others may wait until after the baby is born to celebrate. The timing all comes down to preferences, culture, or other reasons.
Seasonal Considerations
Choosing the best time for a baby shower not only influences the mood but also the theme of your event! Each season offers unique opportunities for creativity – and considerations for keeping guests comfortable.
Here are some ways you can tailor your shower to fit with the seasons:
Spring: Celebrate New Beginnings
Spring is a season of new starts and offers ample inspiration for baby shower themes. Themes can include a plethora of florals, garden picnics, and pastel palettes that reflect the fresh, vibrant colors of the season.
As the weather warms up, you may consider having the shower outdoors. The natural beauty of the outdoors can be the perfect backdrop to your event.
Summer: Sunny and Festive
Summer showers are perfect for vibrant and lively themes. Use bold colors and patterns, exotic flowers, and fruits to create a festive atmosphere.
This time of year is best for being outdoors and soaking up the sun, but you also want to ensure guests are comfortable. Make sure there are shaded areas, fans, or cooling systems available to keep everyone comfortable in the heat – especially the mom-to-be. Similarly, make sure everyone stays hydrated.
Autumn: Warmth and Richness
As the leaves change, so can your baby shower theme embrace the deep, rich colors of autumn. Rustic themes are particularly popular, featuring elements like pumpkins, leaves, and burlap.
Since the weather is becoming cooler, you’ll likely have your shower indoors. You can create a cozy ambiance with candles, lanterns, and wooden accents.
Winter: Cozy and Intimate
Winter calls for a cozy gathering indoors. Decorate with sparkles, whites, and icy blues to mimic the serenity of a snowy day, or rich greens and reds for a more festive feel. Soft lighting, such as fairy lights and candles, can create a warm and welcoming environment.
If you’re hosting a baby shower, being inspired by the seasons is a great place to start your planning.
Understanding Baby Shower Etiquette
With a date for the shower in mind, it’s time to think about the finer details of your event. Here are some important baby shower etiquette tips to keep in mind.
Sending Baby Shower Invitations
The experts at The Bump recommend sending invitations about four to six weeks before the shower. This ensures friends and family members can make travel plans and shop for baby shower gifts!
Today, it’s easy to send cute invitations or even e-cards. Make sure the baby shower invitation includes information like:
- Guest of honor’s name
- Date, time, and location of the shower
- RSVP information (date and contact details)
- Mention the registry information (website or store name) – optional, but helpful for guests
- Dress code (optional)
Knowing the guest list also helps you find a venue that can comfortably fit everyone!
Décor and Theme
There are so many baby shower themes to choose from! As we said, seasonal inspiration is a good place to start. However, you can also choose a theme that reflects the mom-to-be’s interests. It could be anything from a classic teddy bear theme to a whimsical travel theme!
The theme you choose can also influence menu planning and fun baby shower games. For instance, a summer menu may be focused on refreshing drinks and seasonal fruits and veggies, while a winter menu could be based on cozy comfort foods. You can also find fun desserts to match your theme!
Having games and activities planned also makes sure your guests are having a good time. The Bump offers a bunch of games from classics like Baby Shower Bingo to the always-funny blind diaper changing.
Gift Etiquette
Finally, we can’t forget about gifts. For most new moms, this is a time to stock up on essentials for when the baby arrives – and heartfelt gifts are always appreciated too.
Having a gift registry is a helpful tool for both guests and the parents-to-be. It ensures guests get gifts the parents actually need or want. The mom-to-be doesn’t have to open every gift at the shower. She can open a few and express gratitude, then open the rest later at her own pace – but that’s up to her.
With these timing tips and baby shower etiquette in mind, you’re on your way to planning a memorable event! And don’t forget about celebrating mom after her little one arrives. Celebrate a new mother in your life with breastmilk jewelry. Personalize your own custom necklace, pendant, ring, earrings, and more at KeepsakeMom.