Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Memorable Baby Shower
Planning a baby shower is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the impending arrival of a precious new bundle of joy. Whether you’re organising it for a friend, family member, or yourself, a thoughtfully planned baby shower becomes a cherished memory for everyone involved. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of planning a successful and unforgettable baby shower, featuring personalised decorations and practical tips from Katie J Design and Events, Australia’s go-to for custom party supplies shipped across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Step 1: Set the Date, Time and Budget
Start by choosing a date that works well for the guest of honour, typically held 4–6 weeks before the baby’s due date. Consider:
- Morning teas, brunches or afternoon garden parties
- Weekends for convenience
- Indoor venues for weather reliability
Set a budget early and allocate costs across food, venue, decorations, games, and favours.
Step 2: Choose a Theme (and Colour Palette)
A theme brings your shower together visually and emotionally. Popular baby shower themes in Australia include:
Match the theme to the style of the mum-to-be or baby’s nursery. Explore our full range of personalised baby shower themes for every style.
Step 3: Select the Venue
You can host a baby shower at:
- Your home or backyard
- A park or garden
- A local café, restaurant, or community hall
Ensure the venue has enough space for seating, food, and games. For outdoor showers, consider a marquee or shaded area.
Related: How to Throw a Party in the Park
Step 4: Send Invitations
Send invites about 4–5 weeks in advance. Choose digital invitations for convenience or printed invites for keepsakes. Include:
- Date, time and location
- RSVP contact and deadline
- Theme or dress code
💡 Tip: Try our Create Your Own Baby Shower Invites to personalise every detail.
Step 5: Decorate with Personalised Touches
Create a beautiful, cohesive look using personalised baby shower decorations. Essentials include:
1. Welcome Sign or Poster
Add a greeting like "Welcome to Emma’s Baby Shower" using a custom baby shower poster.
2. Personalised Banners and Bunting
Perfect for dessert tables, gift tables, and photo backdrops.
3. Custom Stickers and Labels
Label treats, drinks, and favours using matching party stickers.
4. Table Styling
Match your tableware to your theme with pastels, themed colours, or personalised confetti.
Step 6: Plan Food and Drinks
Keep it simple with easy-to-eat bites such as:
- Mini sandwiches or sliders
- Fruit skewers and cupcakes
- Lemonade or mocktail stations
Add personalised touches with custom water bottles and wine labels.
Shop: Create Your Own Baby Shower Water Labels
Related: Floral Mud Cake Hack for Easy Styling
Step 7: Organise Games and Activities
Popular baby shower games include:
- Baby Bingo
- Guess the Baby Food
- Nappy Toss
- Name That Nursery Rhyme
💡 Add a prize table and style gifts with personalised stickers.
Step 8: Thank Guests with Favours
Send guests home with thoughtful gifts such as:
- Mini candles
- Bath bombs
- Custom chocolates or lollies
Finish them with Create Your Own Baby Shower Loot Bags and Labels .
Step 9: Capture the Memories
Don’t forget the photos! Create a photo backdrop and encourage candid shots. You can also:
- Print a photobook after the shower
- Make a Polaroid wall
Related: DIY Party Photography Tips
Why Shop with Katie J Design and Events?
- Australia’s largest range of personalised party supplies
- High-quality, waterproof materials
- Fast shipping across Australia, New Zealand and the United States
- Afterpay available
- Friendly 5-star customer service
Explore our full collection of Baby Shower Decorations and create a celebration that’s as special as the little one on the way.
Ready to start planning? Visit Katie J Design and Events to customise your baby shower today!
Baby Shower Planning FAQ
When should you host a baby shower?
Most baby showers are held 4–6 weeks before the due date. This gives the parents plenty of time to get ready while still enjoying the celebration comfortably.
How far in advance should you send baby shower invitations?
Send invitations around 4–5 weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to RSVP and plan ahead.
What are the most popular baby shower themes?
Top baby shower themes include Woodland Animals, Teddy Bears, Boho Rainbow, Jungle Safari, Butterflies, Florals, and gender-neutral earthy themes.
How much should you budget for a baby shower?
Baby shower budgets vary, but most hosts consider costs for food, decorations, games, invitations, and favours. Choosing personalised decorations can help create impact without overspending.
What food is best for a baby shower?
Easy-to-serve foods like mini sandwiches, cupcakes, fruit platters, grazing boards, and mocktails are perfect for baby showers.
Do you ship personalised baby shower decorations internationally?
Yes. We ship quickly across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, with all items printed in Australia using high-quality waterproof materials.
What personalised decorations are most popular?
Personalised banners, welcome signs, stickers, labels, invites, and themed table decor are among the most loved items for baby showers.