Printable Baby Shower Planning Checklist

8–10 Weeks Before the Shower

• Set the Date and Time: Choose a date and time that works for the guest of honor and key guests.
• Create a Guest List: Consult with the parents-to-be to ensure no one is left out.
• Choose a Venue: Decide whether to host the shower at home, a friend's house, a park, or a rented venue.
• Pick a Theme: Select a theme that fits the parents' style and interests.
• Send Save-the-Date Notices: Send out informal notices, especially if the shower is being held close to a major holiday or busy season.

6–8 Weeks Before the Shower

• Send Invitations: Mail or email invitations with RSVP information. Pro Tip: Use free online SignUps for simple RSVPs and automated reminders for guests!
• Plan the Menu: Decide on the food and drinks you will serve. Consider dietary restrictions.
• Organize Decorations: Order or make decorations that fit the theme.
• Plan Activities and Games: Select a variety of games and activities that will entertain guests — get baby shower game ideas here!
• Arrange for Cake or Desserts: Order a cake or plan for other dessert options.

4–6 Weeks Before the Shower

• Order Party Favors: Choose and order or make party favors for guests.
• Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist of background music.
• Coordinate with Helpers: Assign tasks to friends or family members who have offered to help. Pro Tip: Free online SignUps are perfect for this step!
• Plan a Photo Booth: Arrange for a photo booth or set up a space with props for pictures.

2–3 Weeks Before the Shower

• Follow Up on RSVPs: Check in with guests who have not responded.
• Finalize the Menu: Confirm the menu and make shopping lists or finalize catering details.
• Prepare Games and Prizes: Gather all necessary supplies for games and purchase prizes.
• Confirm with Vendors: Confirm details with the venue, caterer, and any other vendors.
• Prepare a Schedule: Create a schedule for the shower to ensure everything runs smoothly.

1 Week Before the Shower

• Deep Clean the Venue: If hosting at home, thoroughly clean the space.
• Shop for Groceries: Purchase non-perishable items for the shower.
• Prepare Decorations: Make or finalize any DIY decorations.
• Check on Gifts: Ensure that the parents-to-be's registry information is shared with guests.

1–2 Days Before the Shower

• Prepare Food: Make any dishes that can be prepared in advance.
• Decorate the Venue: Set up decorations and arrange furniture as needed.
• Set Up the Photo Booth: Arrange props and set up a backdrop.
• Pack a Host Kit: Include scissors, tape, pens, a notepad, safety pins, and other essentials.

Day of the Shower

• Finish Up Last-Minute Preparations: Complete any remaining food preparation and set out drinks.
• Set Up Games and Activities: Arrange game supplies and set up activity stations.
• Greet Guests: Welcome guests and introduce them to each other.
• Keep Things on Schedule: Guide guests through the planned activities and games.
• Enjoy the Celebration: Have fun and take plenty of photos to capture the memories.

After the Shower

• Clean Up: Tidy the venue and ensure any borrowed or rented items are returned.
• Send Thank-You Notes: Help the parents-to-be send thank-you notes to guests.
• Share Photos: Share photos from the shower with the parents-to-be and guests.

Use this checklist to help you stay organized and ensure that the baby shower is a memorable event for mom-to-be and her loved ones!

Click on one of the images below for a checklist that you can save to a device or print. (Pink versions are available, too – simply choose which pages you want to use!)

Baby Shower Planning FAQs

Q: How far in advance should you start planning a baby shower?

A: Start planning a baby shower about 8–10 weeks in advance so you have enough time to choose a date, book a venue, send invitations, plan the menu, and coordinate helpers.

Q: When should baby shower invitations be sent?

A: Send baby shower invitations 6–8 weeks before the shower, especially if guests need to travel or the event falls during a busy season.

Q: What should be included in a baby shower planning checklist?

A: A baby shower planning checklist should include the date, guest list, venue, theme, invitations, menu, decorations, games, favors, RSVP follow-up, setup, cleanup, and thank-you notes.

Q: How can you make baby shower planning easier?

A: Use an online SignUp to collect RSVPs, send reminders, organize food contributions, and recruit helpers for decorating, games, cleanup, and other party tasks.

Q: What should you do the week before a baby shower?

A: The week before a baby shower, clean the venue, shop for groceries, finish decorations, confirm registry details, prepare games and prizes, and check in with helpers.

Q: What should a baby shower host do on the day of the shower?

A: On the day of the shower, finish food prep, set up decorations and activities, greet guests, guide the schedule, take photos, and enjoy celebrating the mom-to-be.

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About the Author

   

Carlyn Morris

Content Contributor

Carlyn is a lifestyle writer for SignUp’s Idea Center, covering travel, special events, and modern-day tips for everyday living. 

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