• Determine when and where the shower will be held. Ensure that the location you choose will fit your selected number of guests. And of course, make sure the date and time you choose is okay with the mother-to-be.

• Reserve the venue. If you are not hosting the shower at home, now is the time to select and reserve a venue.

• Set a budget. We recommend making a spreadsheet to keep track of costs.

• Make a guest list. Typically the guest list includes the mother-to-be’s close friends and family. A traditional list excludes men, but this is up to the guest of honor.

• Ensure the mother-to-be has a gift registry. The gift registry should be listed on the invitation, so attendees can arrive prepared.

• Order invitations and thank you cards. We suggest including a place to specify food allergies on the RSVP card.

• Select a theme. Consult with Mom-To-Be on this; she may want a gender theme, a neutral theme, or no theme at all.

• Prepare and mail invitations. If you asked for specifications about food allergies, you’ll need to receive RSVP’s before you plan the menu. So, don’t send invitations any later than seven weeks prior to the shower.

• Make a schedule. Though the party is still weeks away, making a schedule for the big day will help you stay organized and generate hosting ideas.

• Order anything that needs to be shipped. For anything you order online, it’s a good idea to allow six weeks for shipping time.

• Order flowers. Put in your order for floral arrangements (if you’re using them) now. Florals in delicate and pastel colors work well for celebrating a baby on the way.

• Plan for seating and tables. Now that you have an idea of who is attending, it’s time to plan where everyone will sit.

• Reserve the venue. If you are not hosting the shower at home, now is the time to select and reserve a venue.

• Decide on the menu. Take food allergies (if you requested to know them) into account when planning the menu. If you’re using a caterer, confirm your food selections by week five.

• Purchase party favors. If you’re using them!

• Purchase decorations. We recommend keeping them simple. Most of the focus will be on the mother-to-be, anyway.

• Plan games. If you’re going to have games, plan them now so you can purchase any supplies they require.

• Purchase game supplies. If you are playing games that require supplies, purchase or order them now.

• Order the dessert. If you are purchasing a dessert from a bakery, order it at least one month prior to the shower. Remember, you don’t have to go with the traditional cake or cupcakes. Choose the mother’s favorite treat!

• Wrap gifts. Wrap the gifts you will be giving the mother-to-be and place them in a designated present area.  

• Plan transportation for the mother-to-be. Make sure she doesn’t have to drive herself, if she doesn’t want to.

• Plan transportation for guests. Ensure that any out-of-town guests have a plan for arriving at the party.

• Confirm reservations. For any service or venue you are using, now is the time to make sure everything is good to go.

• Follow up with guests who have not responded. Two weeks before the shower, it’s appropriate to give them a phone call.

• Choose hosting items. It’s a great idea to get out any servingware, etc. now, in case you realize you need to purchase something.

• Create a playlist. Now’s the time to plan music that gets the party going.

• Take care of home improvement or cleaning tasks. If you are hosting the party at your home, now is the time to tackle any (small!) home improvement tasks or deep cleaning projects you want to accomplish before guests come over.

• Purchase food. Clear out your refrigerator and freezer beforehand so there’s plenty of room to store it.

• Make food ahead of time. Make food that can be prepared ahead of time now, so you have less to think about on party day.

• Purchase perishable food and ice. The more ice the better; keep those beverages chilled!

• Set up decorations. We recommend recruiting help for this part.

• Pick up dessert and flowers. Prune the flowers and keep them out of direct heat so they stay fresh for party day.

• Cook food. If you’re cooking yourself, don’t be afraid to ask guests for help. Most people love to hang out in the kitchen.  

• Do any last minute cleaning. But don’t overdo it. Nobody will be coming through with a white glove!

• Chill beverages. Put champagne on ice, and make sure you have something non-alcoholic and bubbly for the mom-to-be.

• Have fun! You deserve it.