The Baby Shower Checklist

Use this baby shower checklist to help you every step of the way with your party planning. Using a checklist is an easy way to make sure you don't forget anything for the big celebration.

If you’ve already started planning a shower, then you know that things can easily get hectic. The best way to stay on trackis to follow a simple baby shower checklist. A checklist will tell you when to do what, and will make sure that you’ll remember every important detail of your baby shower planning.

Important tip: Allow yourself about 8 weeks to get everything together. I would suggest printing out this baby shower checklist, or write out your own list, similar to this one.

8 weeks before the shower:
You may already know which theme you want to use, but if you want time to ponder on different ideas, now is the time. Think about the mom’s personality, and select a theme that you know she will be please with. Click here for theme ideas.

6 to 7 weeks before:
a. Start creating your baby registry. The easiest way to create a registry is to simply make a list of everything you think the baby will need. Remember to include clothing, diapering needs, feeding supplies, toys, etc. Click here for a sample baby registry.
b. Select at date, time, and place. Make sure the guest of honor will be available for the proposed date. And, even though you do not know how many people are coming yet, make sure your proposed location can accommodate the number of people you think will attend.

5 to 6 weeks before:
Select and mail your invitations, and keep a list of everyone that you invite. Give your guests enough time to receive the invites and to RSVP. The guests should receive theme about 1 month before the shower, so send them out about 6 weeks before. Delivery time will probably be less than 2 weeks, but remember to play it safe. Be sure to include a registry card and directions to the location. Once you cross invitations off of your baby shower checklist, you're already halfway done!

4 to 5 weeks before:
Start getting the decorations. If you are following this baby shower checklist step by stey, you should already know your theme. So you can start stocking up on tableware, streamers, centerpieces, etc. It may take a few weeks to get everything you need or want, but start early in order to eliminate the need for last minute shopping. Do you need a resource for supplies, click here for some great options.

4 weeks before:
Start keeping track of your RSVPs. As your guests confirm that they are coming, check them off on your invitation list. You will need this list to plan your menu, games and favors. You should have a good idea of how many people are coming about 2 weeks before the celebration.

3 weeks before:
a. Plan some games. This step may not take long at all, but it's still an important part of the baby shower checklist. It’s best to do this now so that you won’t forget about it. Select about 5 definite and maybe 3 tentative games. Find a list of games here.
b. Start planning your menu. Again, you’ll want to please all your guests with the food, but try to center the menu around the guest of honor. Plan your menu according to the time of day you’re having the shower. And remember, it’s best to have too much food instead of not enough.
You shouldn’t start buying the food this early, but definitely start preparing a shopping list now. And don’t forget about disposable baking pans, serving utensils, etc. Get breakfast, lunch and dinner menu ideas here.

2 weeks before:
Double-check the following: This is an important step on your baby shower checklist. Double-checking will ensure that everything is right on schedule.
a. your guest list – by this time, your guest list should be complete. If you have not heard from someone whom you expected to RSVP, think about giving them a follow-up call or email reminder.
b. Your decorations – You will have to wait until the day before or the day of for some things like, the balloons and edible cake. But your tableware, streamers, banners, centerpieces, etc. should be good to go.
c. Games – You need to finalize your game selections at this point. If some of your games will require the guests to write, make sure you buy paper and pencils, and whatever else you think you may need.
d. Party favors and game prizes – Make sure you have at least one favor for everyone on your list. And it’s best to have a few extra on hand just in case. As for your game prizes, have at least one prize for each game. And again, have extra in case you have multiple winners.
e. Food shopping list – You can now start buying some of the non-perishables on your list, but it’s not a must at this time. It’s still too early to start the cooking, but trust me, it’s not ever too early to start the shopping. Make sure you check things off as you buy them. Whether or not you start shopping at this point, the menu and shopping list should be completed by now.

1 week before:
a. Relax a bit. Are you getting tired of looking at that baby shower checklist now? Well, do you realize how much you've gotten done by now?? All that’s left are those last minute touches. So take a day or 2 to kick your feet back.
b. Ok, back to work! Let’s get started on the final touches. Make sure your party favors and game prizes are wrapped. Also, do one last check on your guest list; you may have had more people RSVP at the last minute.
c. If you still have more food shopping to do, now is the time. You’re going to start preparing the food soon! Also, if you’ve ordered an edible cake or some party platters, do a follow-up on your order to make sure everything is in place.

The day before:
a. Start preparing your food. Some dishes can be cooked the day before and re-heated just before serving time. Others can be prepared and refrigerated the day before and cooked on the day of. If you have foods that fit into these categories, get them out of the way today. Save your easy stuff, like salads and punch for the day of the event. If you’ve ordered an edible cake or party platters, you can pick those up today or wait until tomorrow.
b. Make sure you have serving dishes, utensils, large trash bags, and take-home platters.
c. Start decorating the room. While your food is brewing the oven, start hanging the streamers and decorating the tables. Wait until the day of the shower to blow the balloons. Important note: If you have little children that will be running though the house, you may want to do all of your decorating on the day of the shower. We all know how kids can be!

The Big Day:
a. Prepare the rest of your food, and everything should be done about 2 hours before the shower starts. If your decorations are complete, then prepare your buffet table.
b. Make sure your party favors, games and prizes are all set. You don’t want to have to look for anything once the party starts. So make sure you know exactly where everything is.
c. Needless to say, you’ll want to do one final check about 2 hours before the shower starts. Go over your checklist one last time to make sure everything is taken care of.
d. Last, but not least, when the guests start to arrive, have fun!

After the shower is over:
So, you thought you were done? Not quite. Don't do away with your baby shower checklist just yet. There’s one more task that needs to be completed. Send all your guests a thank you card with a personal not from the mom-to-be. If you wish, you can wait until the baby is born and include a picture with your card.

Hopefully, this baby shower checklist will be a great help to you. You do not have to follow this list exactly as it’s laid out, but it will give you an overall understanding of when things should be done.
Happy Planning!

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The Baby Shower Checklist