So You’re Hosting Your First Baby Shower—Now What?
If you’ve never planned a baby shower before, take a deep breath. You’ve offered or been asked to help celebrate something truly special, and you’re about to create a day the parent-to-be will remember forever. No pressure, right?
But really, don’t stress. Whether you’re hosting a baby shower for a close friend, a sibling, or even a work bestie, planning one doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little prep, a touch of creativity, and a whole lot of heart, you can pull off something sweet, thoughtful, and totally doable.
These tips will help you feel confident from the first group text to the final slice of cake. You’ve got this!
Tip #1: Check In With the Star of the Show
Even though you’re taking the lead, the baby shower isn’t just any party—it’s a celebration of them. Chances are, the parent-to-be has already imagined how they’d like the day to feel. (And yes, there might be a secret Pinterest board involved.)
Before choosing a theme or creating a game plan, discuss what they envision. Do they want something cozy and intimate or a big celebration? Are they hoping for traditional baby shower games, or would they rather skip them entirely? Also, share what you are envisioning, and don’t be afraid to be honest about what you can handle. Having this discussion upfront helps avoid any issues and enables you to plan a celebration that you will both love.
Pro tip: If the project becomes larger than you can handle in terms of time and budget, consider recruiting some co-hosts. Sharing the work with another friend is fun and less stressful!
Tip #2: Lock in the Basics
Once you’ve checked in with the guest of honor, it’s time to lock in the essentials. Start with the guest list, date, and where you’ll be hosting. If your space isn’t quite suitable for the size of your group, consider a local venue or restaurant that can accommodate everyone and fits the season, especially if you’re planning during those chillier months or peak summer heat.
Then comes the fun part: choosing a theme. Some hosts love this step (hi!), while others find it a little overwhelming. A helpful tip? Let the season inspire you. For example, fall themes like “A Little Pumpkin Is On The Way” or “Falling in Love With Baby” feel festive and sweet without being too fussy. For more seasonal ideas, check out our favorite spring, summer, and winter themes, too! We even have baby shower themes for every month of the year!
Tip #3: Build A Menu That Moves With the Party
When planning the menu for your event, think about the time of day. Most baby showers happen in the mid-morning to early afternoon, which makes brunch or a buffet of light bites a perfect (and crowd-pleasing) choice.
With a mix of guests—from chatty grandmothers to busy parents—you can expect plenty of mingling and catch-up conversations. Serving food that’s easy to grab and enjoy, whether standing or sitting, keeps things relaxed and lets the chatter flow. Great-Aunt Susan can bond with the guest of honor’s college bestie without missing a bite!
Pro Tip: Set a plate aside for the mom-to-be. Just like a bride on her wedding day, she’ll probably be pulled in a million directions. As the host, one of the kindest things you can do is make sure she gets to eat. Her body’s doing big work growing that little one—she deserves a moment to sit, savor, and feel taken care of.
Tip #4: To Serve or Not to Serve? Deciding on Alcohol
Deciding whether or not to serve alcohol at a baby shower can feel a bit like walking a tightrope. You want the celebration to feel festive and fun, but you also want to be respectful of the guest of honor’s preferences and, of course, keep things safe and comfortable for everyone.
If the mom-to-be prefers an alcohol-free celebration, which is totally common, it’s perfectly fine to plan a dry shower with creative mocktails that keep things festive and fun. On the other hand, if she’s comfortable with a little bubbly, a modest toast can add a special sparkle to the day.
No matter what, it’s a good idea to have some alcohol-free drinks on hand for guests who don’t want to drink or can’t. Offer some classics, such as iced tea, water, and a fun mocktail, for the mom-to-be and anyone choosing to skip the alcohol. It’s those little thoughtful touches that help everyone feel truly included and cared for during the celebration.
The key is to check in with her (part of your pre-planning discussions) to see what feels right. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all here. The best baby showers celebrate the new arrival and honor the people coming together to share the joy.
Tip #5: Keep the Day on Track with a Timeline
The guest list is set, RSVPs are coming in, and the big day is almost here. Now’s the perfect time to put together your day-of timeline. Include key details, such as the arrival times of any hired vendors, a designated time for the guest of honor to open gifts (if desired), and blocks for icebreakers or planned activities. Having a solid timeline helps the event run smoothly, allowing you to focus on soaking in all the love and fun.
One little tip from someone who’s been there: start things off with a warm, friendly welcome toast. Keep it short and sweet—just 2 to 3 minutes is perfect. Take a moment to introduce yourself and share how you know the guest of honor, thank anyone who helped make the day happen, and most importantly, thank the guests for being there to celebrate the mom-to-be.
Tip #6: Sprinkle In a Few Simple Games and Sweet Activities
Games can be a great way to break the ice and add a little extra sparkle to the celebration, but only if they feel right for the crowd. The goal is to have fun and keep things light, without anyone feeling pressured.
Select games that are straightforward and easy to play. Classics like guessing baby food flavors, diaper-changing races, or “Who Knows Mom Best?” always bring smiles. If you’re looking for games with a fun twist that are easy to pull together, check out our favorite Baby Shower Games that are Actually Fun. Just remember, not everyone will want to join in—and that’s okay. Some guests might prefer to chat, snack, and enjoy the moment in their own way.
If you want to keep things even more low-key, try sprinkling in simple activities like filling out advice cards for the mom-to-be or writing down sweet wishes in a keepsake book for baby.
At the end of the day, the best games are the ones that bring smiles, laughter, and connection—nothing more complicated than that.
Pro Tip: Having a few fun prizes for the game winners is a great way to add a little extra excitement. Thoughtful, simple gifts like a coffee shop gift card or a cozy candle show you care and make the day feel even more special.
Tip #7: Choose Thoughtful Favors Your Guests Will Love
Baby showers are all about celebrating the mom-to-be, but they’re also a chance to say a little thank-you to everyone who came to share the joy. Thoughtful favors don’t have to be fancy or expensive—they’re just little tokens that show you appreciate your guests and want them to leave with a smile.
Party favors don’t have to be things that end up collecting dust on a shelf. Consider simple, useful items that complement the shower’s vibe, such as a soothing scented candle, a small potted succulent, or a small lip balm that guests can actually use and enjoy. Edible favors have also earned their place in the spotlight—they’re delicious, easy to share, and often bring a smile long after the shower wraps up. Cookies, gourmet chocolates, and mini jars of honey are all crowd-pleasers that add a tasty touch.
Remember, favors are a sweet little bonus that show your guests your appreciation, not a requirement. What matters most is the time spent together, the laughter shared, and the memories made. So, whatever you choose, keep it thoughtful and easy; your guests will love it.
Tip #8: The Secret to Stress-Free Clean-Up? Planning Ahead
Hosting a baby shower is all about celebrating and enjoying the day, not getting stuck with a mountain of mess afterward. To keep clean-up stress-free, try to plan ahead with easy-to-manage details. Choose disposable or recyclable plates and cups that look nice but save you from a pile of dishes. Make it easy for guests to discard items by placing clearly labeled bins throughout the party space. If a friend or family member offers to help, take them up on it. Knowing someone will stay behind for a quick sweep makes the end of the day feel way less overwhelming. With the right plan in place, you can spend less time cleaning and more time savoring the moment.
Remember that day-of timeline we mentioned earlier? Ensure it includes a list of items that can be discarded after the event, what the mom-to-be is responsible for taking home, and which items will be picked up by hired vendors. We believe a host’s job isn’t finished until the last guest leaves, so tidying up as you go—without distracting from the event itself—is the best way to ensure a smooth and efficient breakdown at the end of the celebration.
Tip #9: Use the Registry to Make Gift-Giving Easy for Everyone
If you’re hosting a baby shower for the first time, the gift part can feel a little tricky—how do you help guests know what to bring without it feeling like a shopping list? That’s where the registry comes in. It’s your behind-the-scenes helper, making it easier for everyone to give something the parents-to-be will actually use and love.
At Registry Finder, we make creating, shopping, and sharing your registry a breeze. Just include the registry link on a shower website or an enclosure card with the invite—guests will appreciate the gentle guidance, and it keeps the gift-giving simple and stress-free.
If someone asks what to bring, you’ll already have the perfect answer. Simply point them to the registry and let it take care of the rest.
Tip #10: Trust Your Planning and Enjoy The Day
You’ve put thought into every detail, from the guest list to the games to the tiny favors tied with ribbon. Now it’s time to step back, take a breath, and actually enjoy the celebration you’ve created. The truth is, things might not go perfectly, and that’s okay. What your guests (and the guest of honor) will remember most isn’t whether the cookies matched the theme, but how loved and celebrated they felt.
So trust the work you’ve done, lean on your timeline and helpers, and let yourself be present for all the sweet moments. After all, showers aren’t just about checking off a to-do list—they’re about creating memories you’ll treasure long after the last slice of cake is gone.
You Got This
And there you have it—our 10 tips for first-time baby shower hosts. Cheers to you for making it through Baby Shower 101! And for some extra help, check out this post on Mastering The Art of Throwing a Baby Shower. The team at Registry Finder is cheering you on and wishing you all the best as you plan a day filled with love, laughter, and sweet memories. You’ve got this!
