Baby Shower Planning Checklist

Three Months Before:

With the mommy-to-be, work to create a guest list

Decide on a theme for the party

Confirm a date that works with the mommy-to-be

Set a budget (remember to consider: Food, drinks, any rentals, games and gifts)

Pick a location. Is it at someone’s house? A private room at a restaurant? A park? Be sure to confirm availability

Two Months Before:

Design the invitations. Remember to include any baby registry information and ask for a RSVP!

Print and send out invitations to all the guests

Choose any games you’ll be playing and make a list of supplies you’ll need

One Month Before:

Check your RSVP list and get in touch with those who haven’t responded

Plan your menu. Are you serving a full meal or some yummy snacks? Remember to consider any allergies your guests might have

Prepare your party favors. It may seem early, but getting them done ahead of time will free up time later

Two Weeks Before:

Make any final decisions about what you’re going to be serving – A full meal? Appetizers? Will it be a potluck?

Check to make sure you have enough seating and tableware for the group

Prepare any party favors you’ll be handing out

Put together a shopping list for the food and drinks

One Week Before:

Verify the guest list, and offer help to anyone making travel arrangements

Clean and iron any table cloths or linens you’ll be using

Confirm with guests any assignments they may have for the baby shower

Gather supplies for any games you’ll be playing

Buy any special decorations you’ll need

Print out any menus, name tags, thank you notes or other materials you may need

3 – 5 Days Before:

Wash any serving trays or bowls

Prep and/or freeze any food you can make in advance

Make sure you have enough chairs and seating for everyone – rent or borrow some fold-up chairs if need be

Choose a place for gifts and games, somewhere to put coats and bags, etc.

Buy or pickup any flowers and balloons

If you have extra room in your freezer, buy some extra ice for drinks

Take some time to do some deep cleaning around the house, especially in high-traffic areas and the bathrooms

Reach out one last time to anyone who hasn’t given you their RSVP

Buy any fresh fruits and vegetables and other last ingredients you’ll need

Call and verify arrangements with any vendors, bakeries, who will be helping out at the festivities

The Day Before:

Do any last-minute shopping and snag any party needs you forgot

Prepare the food

Set up and decorate the area the party will take place

Think of a “hashtag” guests can use to collect photos on social media

It’s Party Time!

Designate a space for gift opening. Have someone record gifts and the givers

Make sure you have a photographer capture all the fun memories

Gather filled-out game or cards to give to the mommy-to-be as mementos

Planning Checklist