So you're planning a small baby shower for one of your best friends? How exciting—but also, how stressful! Keep reading for tips on finding the perfect baby shower venue and giving the mom-to-be a special celebration.
Where are you planning the baby shower? Here are a few different event spaces you might like to consider.
Private Dining Rooms
Banquet halls may be a good fit for large baby shower events, but a private dining room at your favorite restaurant is often a better choice for a small baby shower. Private rooms give you and your friends a cozy and intimate setting in which you can shower the mom-to-be with gifts and love, plus sit down to a gourmet meal.
Community Centers
A community center near you might just offer the practical indoor space you need for a baby shower. Many community centers offer simple but comfortable event spaces where you can enjoy an unpretentious celebration, and you'll save money compared to booking a fancier venue.
Church Halls
When you choose a church hall as a baby shower venue, you're rewarded with an intimate atmosphere for a celebration of motherhood. It can also be the ideal venue if you happen to be on a tight budget.
Backyards
Can I have an outdoor baby shower, you might be wondering? The answer is a resounding yes. Hosting a baby shower al fresco in your backyard (or that of a friend or at a private residence available for hire) will provide a peaceful setting for your small party.
What should you consider when searching for places to rent for a baby shower? Check out these tips for choosing places to have a baby shower to help you find the perfect event space.
Ambiance
Baby showers tend to have a relaxed atmosphere so you can provide the expecting mom with a stress-free day of fun. The perfect venue will have an intimate, welcoming vibe.
Location
The best venue for your baby shower will be convenient for all attendees to get to, especially the mom-to-be. Consider driving times and public transport options when choosing an event space.
Key Amenities
Make a checklist of the key features your perfect venue will have. These could include comfortable seating options, off-street parking, private bathrooms, a kitchen area, a good sound system, and more.
Helpful Owner
Finding a venue with a supportive owner will make planning a baby shower much easier. The best venue hosts will respond quickly to queries, answer all your questions, and work with you to tailor the space to suit your needs.
Price
Baby showers are important events, no doubt, but they're not worth getting yourself into a deep financial hole for. Shop around for an affordable venue so that you don't blow your budget.
The creative touches you add can make all the difference to the look and feel of your baby shower venue and the experience your guests will enjoy.
The first thing you need to consider is whether there will be an event theme. The theme can be anything you want it to be—from gender-themed celebrations to nautical, animal, or even a high tea event theme—provided it suits the tastes of the guest of honor.
You can also decorate your party room to provide the expecting mom and her friends a truly unique setting. The baby's gender (if known) may motivate the color scheme you choose, while the theme of the event will also have an influence. Don't forget to call on an experienced florist to add some vibrant floral arrangements to the space.
Finally, put your thinking cap on to plan some entertaining baby shower games or activities. Baby bingo, diaper changing races, baby food tasting—there's a huge range of possibilities, so do some Googling for inspiration.
Consult the Guest of Honor
Check in with the soon-to-be new mom about exactly what she wants from her baby shower. Does she want a traditional baby shower or something a bit more contemporary and fun? How many people does she want to invite? Does she want a theme? What sort of experience does she want to share with friends and family?
Set a Date
Decide on a date that suits the new mom and all the key guests. Put together a guest list and send out invitations early so no one misses out.
Choose a Theme
Decide on the event theme as early as possible. This will inform future decisions like your choice of baby shower venue and decorations.
Book a Venue
Browse listings to find the perfect baby shower venue. Compare a range of options before deciding which space is the best fit for the expecting mom's personal preferences.
Organize Food and Drinks
Food is a key component of any celebration, so decide whether you'll be serving up sweet treats, light snacks, or a full gourmet meal. Work with a local catering company to customize a menu, and don't forget to consider both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage options.
Plan Games and Extras
Think about how you can personalize your event with fun games and activities. Also be sure to organize any party rentals you may need, such as extra furniture or party supplies, to create your desired baby shower experience.
How can you offer an unforgettable experience at a baby shower event? Here are a few gorgeous venue options you may like to consider.
Botanical Gardens Baby Shower
A botanical garden provides a lovely outdoor setting that is beautiful and relaxing in equal measure. You could consider renting a tent to have an outdoor baby shower, or find a spot in the shade to enjoy a special celebration.
Backyard Baby Shower
Are you on the lookout for a simple and affordable baby shower space? A backyard location might just be the right venue for you. It provides a pretty and peaceful setting, but just make sure you have a backup plan in place in case the weather turns against you.
Restaurant Baby Shower
Compare local restaurants with private dining rooms to find an exclusive space. This will help you create an intimate setting, and many restaurants offer wonderful spaces that are completely hidden away from the rest of the venue.
Hotel Baby Shower
A hotel function room is a practical baby shower venue. It's quite simple to customize these spaces to suit your theme. Even better, they're also offered with experienced event staff who can ensure that your party runs smoothly from start to finish.
There's a huge list of factors you should consider when choosing a small baby shower venue. It can all be a little overwhelming, so here are a few key questions you should ask a venue owner when deciding if their event space is the right fit for you.
Is the venue available on my chosen date?
It may be an obvious question, but it's one you should always remember to consider right at the start. The best venues typically book out months in advance, especially in major cities like San Francisco or New York, so make sure you get in early to secure the room you want.
How many hours does my booking cover?
Ask how long you will be able to secure the venue for when you make a booking. Do you have it all day or just for a set number of hours? If you want to secure the baby shower venue for longer, can you pay extra to book it for a couple of extra hours?
What amenities are included in the cost?
Now it's time to check the amenities offered at the venue and work out whether they're included in the standard price. Are tables, chairs, and comfortable seating options provided? What about a sound system or other AV gear? Is there any optional equipment that you can also include in the booking for an extra fee?
Are there any restrictions on decorations?
Many hotels and other venues place restrictions on exactly what you can and can't do with a space. Check with the venue host to find out whether you can decorate the space however you want, or whether there are any specific rules you need to abide by. Some venues also have noise restrictions in place, so check the fine print closely and clarify any gray areas with the owner.
Great venues make for special and memorable baby showers. Compare small baby shower venues on Giggster today to find a space that suits your needs.