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Inside: Find awesome ideas for the best and most beautiful baby shower venue ideas for an expectant mom!
Don’t let tradition limit you when considering venues and places to host an expectant mom’s baby shower. Only think of the good times you can share with your loved ones!
Baby showers are special occasions that honor life and formally welcome newcomers to the world. They’re a fantastic way for loved ones to get together, have fun, and enjoy some delicious treats!
They’re also a great way to celebrate the joy of pregnancy and welcome friends and close family members into the new role that comes with having a child.
“Someone special, someone dear, someone new to love is here.”
~Unknown
- When choosing the perfect baby shower venue, consider the following factors:
- A few helpful recommendations about the best baby shower venue ideas:
- The Indoors
- The Outdoors
- Country Clubs or Golf Clubs
- The Beach
- The Lake
- A Family-friendly Local Park
- Other Baby Shower Venue Ideas
- Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Showers
- Conclusion to the Best Baby Shower Venue Ideas
- Are there any baby shower venue ideas you can share with the group?
Planning a baby shower may appear tedious, but it can also be a lot of fun. A memorable party is just a little bit of imagination and resourcefulness away.
Below are some of the best baby shower venues your expecting mom friend will appreciate.
When choosing the perfect baby shower venue, consider the following factors:
Will it be an in-person or virtual baby shower?
The world has become cautious after the pandemic. Some people are still uneasy about being crammed into small rooms with a huge crowd.
Some would-be moms will even request a virtual baby shower. Pay attention to the needs, wishes, and feelings of the parents-to-be and their guests.
Do you wish to hire an event planner or coordinator? Or are you doing everything yourself?
If you intend to prepare your own food, you must have easy access to a kitchen. So a great venue should have a kitchen where you can cook.
Keep in mind that while hiring a planner is more convenient, it is also more expensive, whereas doing everything yourself can be stressful but saves money.
Are you only inviting family and close friends?
All family members and close friends of the parents-to-be are welcome to attend. Just make sure you have enough room for everyone.
How much should you budget for a baby shower?
A traditional in-person baby shower can range between $100 and $1,000, depending on the venue, the guest list, and the menu. Virtual baby showers average 110 dollars.
How many people will you be inviting?
It all comes down to striking the right balance. There is no hard and fast rule about how many people you can invite, but a small group of 20–30 people is ideal.
Not so overwhelming that you defeat the purpose of the celebration, but just enough to keep it intimate.
It is also a good idea to have multiple showers if the expecting parents have a large family and a large circle of friends! Divide the guest list into small groups and assign each group a different date. To ensure that everyone is at ease, group them according to who knows who.
Important Reminder: To prevent any misunderstandings, explain this approach to the guests.
Will kids be involved?
Though it is becoming more common to include children in baby showers, you should still ask the celebrants (unless it is a surprise party).
Check out this guide to modern-day baby celebration etiquette!
Are men allowed?
Baby showers have traditionally been a female-only affair. Men are increasingly attending baby showers these days. It is perfectly acceptable for expectant fathers to celebrate the arrival of their new baby too.
What’s the weather going to be like?
We can’t predict the weather (unless you’re a professional meteorologist).
You can, however, download a Weather App to see what the weather will be like in the next 10 days or visit the Farmers’ Almanac for long-range weather forecasts.
When do you want to have your baby shower?
Although there is no blanket rule about when to host your baby shower, most expectant mothers agree that any time between the seventh and eighth months of pregnancy is perfect.
As soon as you decide to host a baby shower, you should set a date. Allowing yourself enough time to plan the event is ideal, especially if you intend to invite guests from afar.
Remember to pick a date that works for everyone involved.
Will you be working around a theme?
A theme will help you plan the event.
You can select one based on the baby’s gender, the color scheme, or even the type of food you serve. You could always go for gender-neutral baby shower themes if the new parents chose not to know the gender of their baby.
Related article: 21+ Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Expecting Mothers
A few helpful recommendations about the best baby shower venue ideas:
- Make sure there is ample space for everyone to move around freely for the baby shower games before booking the best place for your baby shower.
- If there will be children present, consider putting together a separate area for them to play while the adults socialize.
- Set up a photo booth with fascinating props and a DIY backdrop, or borrow some from rental companies.
- Your budget is a vital planning factor. Stay within your budget as much as possible.
- Don’t be bound by traditions, but do keep baby shower etiquette in mind.
- Have a backup plan in place.
So, without further ado, here are a few baby shower venue ideas for a luxurious or budget-friendly option.
The Indoors
The advantage of holding a baby shower indoors is clear—a controlled, safe environment for both the celebrants and the attendees.
Plus, it gives everyone the privacy they deserve!
Here are a few baby shower venue ideas for you to consider:
A Restaurant
Rent a private room in your favorite restaurant to hold your baby shower. Hosting a baby shower in a restaurant is one of the most practical ways to organize one. Most venues handle a lot of the planning for you.
It is the perfect choice for a baby shower because it is gender-neutral, covers the food, requires zero after-care, and involves little decorating.
A restaurant can be a great place for various events such as birthday parties, meetings, lectures, charity events, and bridal showers.
A Hotel
The number of guests plays a significant part in your baby shower plans. If you plan on having a large guest list, a hotel will be the right venue for you. Private events can be held in hotels’ event spaces and banquet halls. So hosting your baby shower in them is unquestionably a great idea.
Booking a hotel room is a better option if you prefer a more intimate setting.
An Art Gallery
Art galleries are available to rent for various private events. You can host cocktail parties, wedding receptions, team-building parties, book signings, and even political events in art galleries.
So, why not book it as a baby shower venue?
An art gallery can provide a one-of-a-kind setting for your baby shower.
A Science Museum
Science museums are among the best private event options available anywhere. A science museum is an obvious option for any event, from an intimate bridal shower to a gala of over a thousand people.
Most science museums I’ve visited have phenomenal panoramic views as well.
What’s the best part? They have superb in-house catering services that will assist you in crafting the most delectable menus! Having said that, they are indeed the perfect option for your baby shower!
A Community Center
Your local community center can be a good option for a baby shower. To make the space look perfect for your taste, you’ll likely need to do a lot of decorating, but it can be a practical alternative.
A Church Hall
Hosting a baby shower at a church is a low-cost option for throwing a baby shower. If you belong to a church, inquire about reserving their parish hall.
Churches have kitchens and private dining areas, making them ideal for any food-related event. They also have sound systems that you can use.
A Tea Room or a Coffee Shop
There are some two-story coffee shops and tea houses. The upper level might be good for baby showers to prevent bothering other customers.
Some also offer free or inexpensive access to private rooms.
At Home
Classic!
A house offers a relaxed atmosphere for the celebrant and guests alike. There’s nothing more comfortable than having a party in your own home.
There are numerous ways to host a baby shower at home. The following are only a few of them:
- Consider hiring a caterer to take care of everything for you. It’s costly but definitely convenient!
- Invite friends and family members to contribute to the festivities. They can bring their specialties to the venue to share, thus making the event all the more fun while saving a ton!
- Plan the entire event yourself. Though time-consuming, it’s a great way to show off your style and creativity.
- Create a theme around the shower and use personal items as inspiration when decorating the space. This could be a sports theme or a woodland theme. Your choice!
Important Note: If you’re planning to host a baby shower at home, your best bet is to host it at the home of your would-be mom friend. Aside from the fact that it is the perfect place for convenience and affordability, not having to worry about moving the gifts from one location to another is a bonus.
Related article: 5 All-Time Best Gift Ideas for New Moms
The Outdoors
An outdoor area provides plenty of room for guests to mingle and play games while taking in the fresh air and stunning scenery. They’re ideal for large gatherings. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.
The following outdoor baby shower locations are all worth checking out:
Someone’s Backyard
The most common outdoor venue for a baby shower is someone’s backyard. It could be your backyard, a close friend’s backyard, or your expectant friend’s backyard.
If you need seats, you can borrow tables and lounge chairs from family and friends. For extra seating, place picnic blankets and throw pillows on the ground.
A Garden
Gardens are one of the best places to throw a party!
Pro Tip: If you live in New York City, look for unique places near Union Square. You can even check to see if the New York Botanical Garden charges for hosting private social events.
Country Clubs or Golf Clubs
A gold club is just like a country club. They provide comforts similar to each other. They can host a wide range of events, from cocktail parties for hundreds of people to plated sit-down dinners for small groups.
Visit the office of your golf or country club if you are a member to learn more about throwing baby showers. These clubs provide members with certain benefits.
The Beach
Enjoy a baby shower on the beach to take advantage of the serene, calming atmosphere. After the celebration, have a beach house ready to accommodate everyone and tell birth stories till the wee hours of the night!
The Lake
A lake (or any clean body of water) in your area can also be a great option. You can create a modest yet gorgeous arrangement with a few coffee tables and throw pillows for party guests to sit on. You can decorate the tables with beautiful flowers and some scented candles to repel insects.
With the lake as their backdrop, your closest friends will enjoy taking beautiful photos, especially with the natural light!
A Family-friendly Local Park
If you intend to include children in this special event, consider holding it at a family-friendly park. A park provides a variety of activities for children, so you won’t have to worry about keeping them entertained. It’s also the perfect venue to get the kids away from screens and into nature.
Another reason to consider a local park as the perfect location for your pregnant friend’s baby shower is the amenities available. Most parks, if not all, have picnic tables, benches, and shade structures, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to sit. When it’s time to leave, cleanup is a breeze because they have large garbage cans you can use.
Other Baby Shower Venue Ideas
To assist you with your decision, below are a few different options for you. Some are unique, others are controversial, and most are just beaming with elegance!
- A Villa
- A Mansion
- A Rooftop Terrace or Deck
- A Sailcloth Tent
- A Yacht
- An Orchard
- The Poolside
- A Barn in a Farm
- A Salon and Spa
- An Airbnb Rental
- A Local Bar or Pub
- A Banquet Hall
- A Cabin
- A Campground
- A Conference or Meeting Room
- A Winery or a Brewery
- An Art Museum
- A Bed and Breakfast
Related article about pre-motherhood:
Hospital Bag Must-Haves for Mom, Dad, and Baby
Creative New Year’s Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Showers
How long do baby showers last?
Baby showers typically last between 2 and 3 hours. This duration allows plenty of time for everyone to socialize, play games, and enjoy refreshments while celebrating the upcoming arrival of the new baby.
Remember that pregnant women are prone to fatigue, so time the shower accordingly.
What games should you play at a baby shower?
Here are some fun and popular games you can play at a baby shower:
- Baby Shower Pictionary: In this game, guests draw baby-related words or phrases while others try to guess what they are.
- Guess the Baby Food: Guests are blindfolded and encouraged to try several baby foods and guess what they are. The guest who provides the most accurate responses gets a prize.
- Baby Shower Bingo: This is a traditional game where guests fill out bingo cards with baby-related words rather than numbers. The first person to get five consecutive correct answers wins.
- The Price Is Right: Guests in this game are given a list of baby products and must guess their prices. The guest who has the lowest overall price without exceeding it wins.
- Baby Shower Charades: Guests act out baby-related terms or phrases as others try to guess what they are in this game.
When should you send baby shower invites?
Send out your baby shower invitations 4-6 weeks before the event to allow ample time for guests to RSVP and schedule accordingly.
Where can I have a baby shower?
Many people host baby showers at home, but an increasing number of individuals are upping their game by renting distinctive, unforgettable locations to create an extraordinary experience.
Expand your horizons. Excellent platforms propose exceptional venues. They offer spaces for all occasions, like baby showers. You can also find inspiration on social media.
What type of venue should I choose for a baby shower?
There are various aspects to consider when picking an event venue for a baby shower.
Firstly, think of the total number of visitors you wish to invite. If you intend to organize a huge gathering, you’ll need a space comfortable enough to accommodate everyone. A smaller venue is better suited for a more intimate event.
An additional aspect to consider is the baby shower theme. Choose a venue that complements the theme and contributes to the envisioned ambiance. Outdoor spaces, for example, could be outstanding for garden-themed baby showers, while a banquet hall or hotel ballroom could offer a more traditional alternative.
Finally, consider your financial situation. Numerous affordable baby shower venue options, including community centers, restaurants, and even someone’s home, are available. Whatever your budget, you’re bound to find a venue that meets your requirements and contributes to the success of your baby shower.
How much does a baby shower venue cost to rent?
The cost of renting a baby shower venue varies depending on your location, the size of the guest list, and the space amenities.
According to Peerspace, an online tool for booking unique venues, average baby shower venue rentals cost $106 per hour, but it’s easy to shell out less or more depending on what you’re looking for. For example, smaller venues may charge approximately $95 per hour, whereas larger venues can run roughly $123 per hour.
Who hosts a baby shower?
A close friend, a family member, or even the parents-to-be can host a baby shower. If throwing a party makes you happy, go ahead and do it! It is becoming more common for expectant parents to plan their baby showers.
However, you must evaluate the pros and cons. Organizing a party can be demanding, and the expenses can rack up more than a baby shower organized by someone else.
Does my second baby get a baby shower?
Every baby deserves a celebration, regardless of whether it’s your first or not. A baby shower for your second child is entirely permissible.
Consider organizing a sprinkle if you still have baby gear from your firstborn. It’s a much more intimate celebration with fewer gifts, yet it still conveys excitement and love for your new bundle of joy.
When should a baby shower be held?
Baby showers typically occur a month or two before the baby is due. However, if there are time limits or concerns regarding the baby’s arrival, it is perfectly okay to schedule the event earlier. Sometimes, cultural or logistical reasons also make it necessary to hold the shower after the baby is born.
The primary goal of the baby shower is to celebrate the new addition to the family and gift the parents-to-be with love, encouragement, and support, along with some of the essentials they need.
Conclusion to the Best Baby Shower Venue Ideas
As you can see, there are plenty of options available to you. You can find everything here, whether in the comfort of your living room or a luxurious villa rented through Airbnb.
You’re all set! I’m hoping these suggestions for baby shower venues will enable you to arrange a fantastic party for a loved one or close friend who is expecting.
Talk to you soon,
Are there any baby shower venue ideas you can share with the group?
Please leave them in the comment section below and help a friend out!
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