How to Choose a Baby Shower Venue

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There’s a baby on the way and it’s time to celebrate. But regardless of whether you’re throwing a baby shower for a close friend or even organizing your own celebration, there’s a lot to think about to ensure that the day runs smoothly.

The guest list, the theme, the decor, and the entertainment are all important, but one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is choosing a baby shower venue. The venue sets the tone for the shower right from the start, and finding the perfect spot can make the day extra special for the mom-to-be.

So if you’re planning a party to celebrate the impending arrival of a new bub, keep reading for our top tips on how to compare baby shower venues. 

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Alt text: Girl kissing her pregnant mother’s belly at baby shower.

Why not host at home?

The traditional approach when holding a baby shower is to host it at home. It’s convenient, ensures that you can decorate the space how you want, and makes it easy to do lots of preparation in advance.

But no one said you had to stick with tradition, and there are plenty of good reasons why you should consider hiring a dedicated event space for your baby shower. Chief among them is avoiding all the tiresome cleaning work that hosting a party entails — not just cleaning up when the party is over, but getting your home in optimum shape to host guests in the first place.

Hosting your party at a special venue can take a whole lot of stress out of the day, so it’s well worth shopping around to see what’s available near you.

What mom wants

Those are the three words you need to remember when choosing a venue. While you might have your own ideas about how the party should go, it really all comes down to what the mom-to-be wants.

So before you start searching for baby shower venues, ask her what she expects for the celebration:

  • Is she anticipating a casual brunch with friends or something a little more formal and traditional? 
  • Will it be an all-female guest list or a unisex gathering? 
  • Will there be lots of fun and games, or is this more of an opportunity for different groups of friends and family members to chat and get to know one another?

In other words, what sort of atmosphere does she want the day to have? Once you’ve got a clear idea, you can start searching for a suitable venue.

Location matters (and so does size)

When you’re eight months pregnant, getting around isn’t always easy. With this in mind, the venue you choose should be simple and convenient for the expectant mom to access. It should also be in a central location for as many guests as possible, so look for something with ample parking and close to public transport.

You’ll also need to work out the guest list early so you have a rough idea of how many people will be coming. This will allow you to find a space with the ideal capacity for your group.

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Alt text: Blue “Boy” decor and food on blue tablecloth.

Facilities and amenities

Now it’s time to focus on the small details and the specific features you want in a space. For example:

  • Is the space air-conditioned?
  • How many bathrooms does it have?
  • Will you need any sound equipment for speeches?
  • Are there flexible seating configurations available?
  • Is it accessible for people with disabilities?
  • Does the venue offer a choice of decor?
  • Can you decorate the space or does the venue provide decorations to suit a range of themes?
  • Does the chair covers and linens are free or available in the venue.

The exact areas you need to focus on will vary depending on who’s coming to the baby shower and what the guest of honor wants. If you’re touring a venue before booking, it’s a good idea to prepare a checklist in advance so you know exactly what to look for.

Food and drinks

Food and drink are an essential component of any party, so you’ll need to consider your refreshment options carefully when choosing a baby shower venue.

The first factor to sort out is whether the venue offers catering or whether you’ll need to bring in your own caterers. If the venue provides food, check out what packages are on offer and whether they suit the type of event you have planned. 

If you’re finding your own caterer, check whether the venue has any preferred partners and what facilities are available on site to help the caterers prepare.

If the venue does not have preferred partners or caterers, you are free to bring your own. You can go with both traditional catering and also mix it with some creative ideas such as ice cream catering at events that is ideal for summer and can leave a sweet impression on your guests. A donut wall can be perfect if you want to cheer up your guests and have an ideal spot for taking some cool pictures. You can also give a try to food trucks for large events, as it will wrap up the party with creative vibes. A non-alcoholic bar can also be a great option for those who do not want to have alcohol that day.

Cost

Finally, don’t forget to factor cost into your equations. It’s a good idea to set a budget before you start searching for a party space, and make sure to stick to it no matter what.

You might be surprised how much you can save if you’re willing to hunt around for the perfect venue, so do your research carefully. It’s also essential to make sure exactly what is and isn’t included in the rate, so check the terms and conditions before you book.

Finding the right baby shower venue: wrapping up

Once you’ve found the perfect venue for a baby shower, that’s a major task ticked off your planning checklist. Don’t get us wrong — there’s still plenty to do, but you’re now well on your way to organizing a special day of fun, relaxation, and celebration that the mom-to-be will look back on fondly for years to come.

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Links to images:

1. https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-kissing-her-mother-s-belly-3593434/ 

2. https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-boy-freestanding-decor-2091331/