About Chicago
Chicago is an iconic American city located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is the largest city in Illinois and the third most populous city in the United States. Chicago offers a multitude of attractions, from its architectural wonders to world-class museums and art galleries, making it one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.
The Windy City is also a great place to have a baby shower, big or small. With its unique blend of nightlife and classic Midwest charm, there's something special for expectant parents and their loved ones to enjoy. Additionally, there are plenty of free or low-cost amenities, including parks, outdoor areas, local activities, and plenty of shopping venues nearby. Baby showers in Chicago offer visitors not only an unforgettable experience but also access to some of the best amenities that this great city has to offer.
If you’re planning to host an intimate baby shower with only a few family members and friends, then you can choose from the city’s numerous venues.
Baby Shower Options in Chicago
- Catering
When it comes to catering, there are a variety of options available in Chicago. If you're looking for traditional American cuisine, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is an excellent option. The restaurant is known for its delicious steak and seafood dishes, as well as its extensive wine list. For something a bit different, Cai is a popular Chinese restaurant that offers Dim Sum and other authentic dishes. If you're looking for a more casual option, Pizano's Pizza is a great choice. The restaurant has several locations throughout the city, making it easy to find one near your venue. No matter what your budget or preferences are, you're sure to find the perfect catering option for your baby shower in Chicago.
- Entertainment
In addition to the many attractions that Chicago has to offer, there are also a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by guests at your baby shower. If you're looking for something active, a walking tour is a great option. There are several companies that offer tours of the city, and you can choose a route that covers all of the major sights. If you're looking for something more low-key, a visit to one of the city's many museums is a great choice. The Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry are two of the most popular options. No matter what your budget or preferences are, you're sure to find the perfect activity for your baby shower in Chicago.
- Event Spaces
If you're looking for a unique setting for your baby shower, consider hosting it at an event space. These spaces often offer beautiful décor and plenty of amenities, like catering and audio/visual equipment. Some popular event spaces in Chicago include the Chicago Cultural Center and the Ritz-Carlton Chicago.
Baby Shower Vendors in Chicago
- Paris312
Paris312 has been a must-visit destination for party planners for years. Their balloons are perfect for special events, as well as showers, anniversaries, and other celebrations. They provide bespoke balloon bouquets, gifts, flowers, garlands, and party supplies to help you bring your party to life. The Paris312 team focuses on fresh design, exceptional customer service, and a unique approach to parties. Excellent customer service has helped them become a leading source of party supplies in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Whether you're throwing a birthday party, baby shower, bridal shower, or just a get-together with friends, Paris312 has everything you need to make it a success.
- EJB Photography
Julia Smith is a luxury maternity, newborn, and motherhood photographer with a boutique studio located in Belvidere IL. Julia has won numerous awards for her work, and she serves clients from all over the Midwest, including Chicago, Rockford, and Wisconsin. Julia specializes in capturing the essence of motherhood and the bond between mother and child. Her photography is beautiful and timeless, and her clients love her attention to detail. Julia has a true passion for her work, and it shows in every photo she takes. If you are looking for a luxury maternity or newborn photographer in the Midwest, look no further than Julia Smith.
- Dilly Lily
Dilly Lily is a luxury floral design store located in the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood. A floral designer headed up the team, so this company is another excellent option when it comes to weddings and parties. Their skilled designers are committed and enthusiastic about each component of the floral arrangement. From the initial consultation to the day of the event, they work closely with their clients to create lush, one-of-a-kind designs that reflect their unique style and vision.
Pros and Cons of Small Baby Showers in Chicago
Throwing a baby shower for a friend or family member can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Hosting a small baby shower in Chicago can create a meaningful, intimate, long-lasting event; however, there are both pros and cons when planning this kind of celebration.
Advantages
- Small baby showers are more intimate and meaningful for the parents.
- A smaller event gives the parents more flexibility to customize the celebration.
- You can utilize creative venues such as cafes, restaurants, parks, or other public spaces and save more money due to a smaller guest list.
Disadvantages
- It may be difficult to find venues for a small group of people.
- You’ll have limited entertainment options due to the small space.
- It may be difficult to accommodate dietary restrictions with limited menus.
Tips on How to Organize Baby Showers in Chicago
Organizing a baby shower can be both exciting and daunting. There are so many details to consider, from the guest list to the menu to the décor. And if you're planning a shower in Chicago, you may feel even more pressure to make the event perfect. But don't worry—with a little planning, you can easily throw a memorable baby shower that your guests will talk about for weeks to come.
- Before beginning to plan your event, you'll want to make a comprehensive guest list. This involves not only listing the names of local attendees but also those who will be coming from out of town. To seamlessly manage this process and send invitations, consider using a service such as Evite or Paperless Post.
- After you have your invitees in mind, it's time to select a location. If you're having many people over, try renting out a bigger space like a banquet room or conference area. For more intimate gatherings, somebody's home or even just an apartment should do the trick nicely.
- Then, you need to begin planning the food menu. If you have no clue what dishes to serve, ask your partygoers if they're allergic or intolerant to any foods. As soon as you know their dietary limitations, then you can start assembling a feast that everyone will love!
- Games are a necessary part of any baby shower to get the party started. To break the ice, try some fun games like "guess the baby food" or "guess the due date." And for more traditional fun, play some classic baby shower games like "diaper derby" or "baby bingo."
- Lastly, don't forget the decorations! Balloon arches and garlands are go-to baby shower staples. You can also dress up the event space with streamers, tablecloths, and centerpieces.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach is widely considered to be the best beach in Chicago. With a plethora of facilities available nearby, it is a favorite destination for swimming and sunbathing. Dotted with piers and scallop-shaped due to these, North Avenue Beach has many volleyball courts as well as a path for cyclists, runners, and rollerbladers. The beach not only has a bar and restaurant, but also provides visitors with an unobstructed view of the city skyline. Furthermore, several large festivals and events are hosted here each year.
- The 606
The Bloomington Line is a stretch of elevated railway track that has been converted into a linear park and trail network known as the 606. The lengthy, but lovely, path connects several parks and northwest side neighborhoods of the city. Nowadays, the beautiful floral beds, trees, and bushes line its paved stroll with magnificent vistas over the city as you walk. The 606 is a fantastic location to walk around and get some fresh air while also seeing the city's landmarks.
- Chicago Water Tower
The Chicago Water Tower is a beautiful limestone structure designed by architect William Boyington. It is 47 meters (154 feet) tall and has turrets on the corners. The city's water system is reliant on it, and it was constructed in 1869. The Chicago Water Tower is one of the few structures that survived the inferno we know as the Great Chicago Fire. The City Gallery, which displays local artists' and photographers' work, calls the building home today. The Chicago Water Tower is a symbol of the city’s resilience.