When it comes to baby shower planning, never mind asking, “Can I do this?” or “Will my guests think this is acceptable?” Fear not, parents-to-be, because Hatch is here with all the most trending and up-to-date baby shower etiquette rules to help support the perfect party.
Read on to get all your etiquette questions answered and more! This one’s for all the moms-to-be and expectant parents out there who are in full-on party-planning mode.
Who Can Plan the Party?
In the old days, it was customary for a close friend or family member to plan the party. The mom-to-be would often ask her best friend, sister, or mom to take on the role of the party planner.
However, times have changed a lot, and it’s perfectly acceptable to have a group of people plan the baby shower party or even yourself as the guest of honor! That’s right: Some expectant moms would prefer to be their own party planners so that everything goes exactly how they want it to go.
You can totally throw your own baby shower in style or ask your significant other or bestie to help you be the baby shower host.
Who Can I Put on the Guest List?
The guest list is another “anything goes” vibe, although keep in mind that this is a time to celebrate you as a new mom-to-be. You may want to keep the number of guests on your lists to a smaller size for more bonding time with everyone.
You’ll probably want to invite your immediate family, plus any other close family members who want to support and celebrate you. Plus, you’ll probably want loved ones outside of your family there, like your best friends and other people from your friend circles.
There are no “rules” around whom you have to invite, though, and if you’d rather keep your party small and intimate, then don’t feel any obligation to invite friends in your circle that you don’t feel as close to. This is a time to celebrate you and your incoming little one, which means that you get to decide on the guest list. Yes, you have the power of veto for anyone you’re considering inviting or anyone your partner may ask you to invite.
Additionally, it’s much more common these days to host a gender-inclusive baby shower party. Historically, baby showers have adopted a “girls only” rule, but why not include dads and your friends’ male partners as your baby shower guests?
You can also choose to include all ages at your party, which means that you could extend the invite to your friends and family members’ kiddos as well. This is something you’d want to specify on the baby shower invitation and ask for in the RSVP since people will most likely assume that little ones are not welcome unless you’ve stated otherwise.
Can I Have a Baby Shower for My Second Baby?
Absolutely! New parents are not the only ones who get to celebrate expecting a little one. First time or not, celebrate your pregnancy with those you love.
A baby shower for parents expecting their second child (or third, or more) is usually called a baby sprinkle. It is more common for the party to celebrate a second baby to be smaller since parents often have most of the supplies they need already and don’t want to have another huge party.
However, you can totally go all out for any baby shower you have, even if it’s for your fifth child! Baby shower party sizes have no limits other than what you decide as the guest of honor, mama.
Do I Need a Theme?
Nope, no baby shower theme is necessary! In fact, you might not want to have an in-person party — maybe you prefer a virtual baby shower anyways.
A theme is optional but tends to be more common because it can make party planning way easier when it comes to invitations, decorations, the schedule, and refreshments.
A theme can be anything from a gender-neutral color palette to a gender reveal event, a brunch or picnic, or a woodland creature party with cute forest animals and an enchanted garden aura. Check out some of our fave baby shower themes.
What Kinds of Food and Drink Can I Serve?
Food and drink options abound, and there are no strict rules about what to serve and what not to serve. Some baby shower parties offer a whole meal spread plus snacks, while others serve light refreshments or simply have a dessert table.
The baby shower menu should represent what the mom likes most. Be that a BBQ, omelet station, or a taco cart — you do you.
How Much Is Too Much for the Gift Registry?
Typically, the gift registry includes wishlist baby gear items that tend to be the biggest purchases a parent will make, like strollers or cribs. Other items might include onesies of various sizes, diapers, bottles, toys, or books.
If the newest family member to-be is the first child, parents will likely be starting from scratch, so get that registry information out stat. If mothers-to-be already have had one baby, they might not need the larger items (unless, of course, she’s due with twins this time around — a whole other situation).
Basically, your baby shower registry can include anything and everything your heart desires. Don’t forget about you — maternity clothes like pregnancy pajamas or a gift card to your favorite food delivery service are all solid options.
When Can I Open Gifts?
When you open gifts depends on your itinerary of choice for the party. If you want a lot of (actually cool) party games and icebreakers throughout the celebration, then you may not have time to open gifts at the party.
However, it is perfectly acceptable to open your gifts during the party, and it’s often a fun part of the celebration for other guests to see what you get for your new little one.
Are Party Favors Required?
While baby shower favors are not required, they are a nice way to show love and appreciation to your guests for coming to support you. A party favor does not have to be extensive or elaborate — something as simple as a box of treats, mineral bath soaks, or a keepsake works for a party favor.
It’s also a lovely gesture to give a gift to your party planner, such as a gift card to their favorite spot in town, to show them how appreciative you are that they hosted this event for you.
All Part of the Plan
From pre-party guest list brainstorming to decorations to after-party favors, we have you covered with our best tips to throw an amazing baby shower.
As long as you use these baby shower etiquette suggestions as a loose guide to follow during your planning, then your baby shower planning is off to a great start! The most important part is that you have just as much fun planning the party as your guests do attending the event.
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