The baby shower planner converts your guest count and budget into specific food quantities, game count, favor list, and a planning timeline. Enter your details to get a complete planning guide.
Shower Details
Food Quantities
Planning Timeline
How to Plan a Baby Shower
A well-planned baby shower focuses on honoring the mom-to-be and creating lasting memories. The logistics — food, games, venue — should feel effortless to guests. Start planning 6-8 weeks out to secure the venue and give guests enough RSVP time.
Food format matters more than menu
Finger foods and small plates work better than a sit-down meal because guests can mingle more easily. A brunch shower (11am-1pm) naturally caps drinking and keeps costs lower. Plan for guests to arrive hungry and serve food immediately — don't make guests wait 30+ minutes before eating.
Keep games optional
Some guests love games; others find them awkward. Have 2-3 games prepared but don't force participation. Put prizes on a table so winners can grab them rather than being called out. Baby bingo during gift opening is universally popular because everyone is already watching gifts being opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this baby shower planner free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
How far in advance should I plan a baby shower?
Start planning 6-8 weeks before the shower date. Send invitations 3-4 weeks in advance (or earlier for destination guests). Confirm final guest count 1-2 weeks before for food ordering. Book any venue at least 6 weeks out, as popular restaurants and event spaces fill up on weekends.
How much food do I need for a baby shower?
For a 2-3 hour shower at 11am-2pm: plan 2-3 finger foods/appetizer pieces per person, 1 slice of cake/cupcake per person, and punch/tea for all guests. For a lunch shower: add one main dish per person (quiche, sandwich, salad). Budget $15-25 per person for a home shower.
How many games should a baby shower have?
2-4 games is the sweet spot — enough to entertain without feeling forced. Popular choices: baby bingo, guess the baby food, guess mom's belly size, baby item price is right. Keep each game to 10-15 minutes. Give winners small prizes ($5-15 gift cards work well).
What is a reasonable baby shower budget?
Home baby shower: $15-25 per person (food + decorations + games). Restaurant private room: $35-55 per person including private room minimum. A 25-guest home shower typically runs $400-700 total. The guest of honor should not pay for their own shower.