Planning a baby shower can be an exciting and memorable experience for both the mommy-to-be and her loved ones. However, one of the most important decisions to make is determining the guest list. The number of people to invite will depend on various factors, such as the size of the venue, budget, and personal preferences.
At the end of the day, the goal is to ensure that the mommy-to-be is surrounded by the right people to make the event a perfect one. In this article, we will provide some tips and guidelines to help you create the perfect baby shower guest list. Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
How Many People To Invite To Baby Shower
When it comes to planning a baby shower, one question that often arises is how many people to invite. While the average size of a baby shower is around 25 guests, there is no hard and fast rule for how many people you should invite. The number of attendees can vary based on various factors such as the parent’s guest list, the size of the venue, and the budget. Whether you decide to have a co-ed baby shower or a women-only gathering, the number of guests should be based on your space and budget limitations.
The Mom-to-Be’s Circle of Friends and Relatives
When it comes to the guest list for a baby shower, the mom-to-be’s circle of friends and relatives plays a significant role. If she has a large family, it can be challenging to limit the numbers. However, it’s okay not to invite everyone, and the mom-to-be shouldn’t feel guilty about it. It’s important to consult with the parents-to-be about who they would like to include in the baby shower festivities.
The Host of the Event
When someone hosts a baby shower, they usually have a specific budget to follow. This means that the number of guests who can attend the event will depend on how much the host can afford. It’s important to keep this in mind when deciding who to invite. Additionally, the host may also provide gifts or party favors for the guests, so it’s important to show appreciation for their efforts. Overall, we should be grateful to have someone willing to host such a special event for us.
Baby Shower Venue
When deciding on a baby shower venue, it’s important to consider the number of guests you plan to invite. If hosting at home, it’s best to limit the guest list to around 30 people for an intimate gathering. If opting for a private venue, be sure to check the capacity limit and factor in the cost per head. Most venues will have a specific number they can accommodate, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Keep in mind that a virtual baby shower is also an option, where food and decorations can be sent to guests ahead of time for a fun and interactive virtual event.
Who To Invite To Your Baby Shower
We know how important your baby shower guest list is, so we’ve compiled a list of people you may want to invite:
- The new baby’s grandparents
- Family members
- The parent’s coworkers and friends
Remember, it’s your special day, so feel free to invite anyone you want to celebrate with you! Just make sure to send out your invitations in a timely manner and request RSVPs to ensure you have an accurate headcount.
Your Mom
We all know that moms are the best support system during pregnancy. On the day of the baby shower, your mom’s presence will be invaluable. With all the attention and bump-touching from guests, it can be overwhelming. Having your mom there to cheer you on and help manage the situation will make the day much smoother. Plus, she’ll likely give you the biggest gift, which is always a plus!
Your Best Friend
Our best friend is someone who understands us better than anyone else. She always has our back and knows how to handle things before we do. Having her around during our baby shower planning will save us a lot of stress. She will ensure that we have a wonderful time and take care of everything that needs to be done.
Your Closest Friends
Of course, we can’t forget about our closest friends! They are the people we turn to for support, advice, and of course, a good time. It’s important to invite those who have been there for us through thick and thin, and who we know will continue to be there for us as we embark on this new journey of parenthood.
However, it’s also important to remember that this is our special day, and we shouldn’t feel pressured to invite anyone who doesn’t genuinely bring us joy and support. Our baby shower is a celebration of our new arrival, and we want to surround ourselves with those who will make us feel comfortable, relaxed, and excited for the future.
Your Mother-In-Law
Dealing with a difficult mother-in-law can be stressful. If your relationship needs work, counseling and therapy can be helpful. Remember, you don’t have to feel obligated to have her at your baby shower.
Your Mom’s Friends
When planning a baby shower, it’s common for moms to want to invite their friends. However, it’s important to remember that this day is about you and your baby. You should only invite people who matter the most to you and who will help make the day special. If you don’t have the room or budget to invite your mom’s friends, politely decline. Remember, it’s your day and you should feel comfortable and surrounded by those who matter most.
Your Coworkers
When planning a work-related event like a baby shower, it’s important to consider who to invite. Instead of inviting the entire office, choose only the coworkers who you would be honored to spend the day with.
Feuding Family Members
We all have those family members who can’t seem to get along. To avoid any unnecessary drama at your baby shower, it’s best not to invite those who can’t stand each other. Let’s focus on celebrating the parents-to-be and leave the family drama at home.
Toxic People
We all have people in our lives who can be toxic, even if they are close relatives. It’s important to remember that it’s okay not to invite them to your baby shower. These are the people who always know everything about everything and make you second guess your decisions. Don’t feel guilty about not having them there on your special day.
How Long Should A Baby Shower Last?
We recommend that baby showers last between 2-3 hours. This gives everyone enough time to catch up with the mommy-to-be and enjoy all the planned activities for the day. If you’re throwing a virtual baby shower, we suggest keeping it short and sweet, around 1-1.5 hours. This way, everyone can have fun without feeling overwhelmed. Remember to plan enough time for games, activities, and prizes!
Who Decides the Baby Shower Guest List?
When it comes to deciding who to invite to a baby shower, it’s important to consult with the mom-to-be. After all, she knows her friends and family best. If the baby shower is meant to be a surprise, the host should work with someone close to the mom-to-be to ensure that no one is left out or included who shouldn’t be.
Ultimately, the host is responsible for all expenses and can decide how long the guest list should be. However, it’s important to keep in mind the mom-to-be’s wishes and make sure that the guest list includes those who will make her feel loved and supported.
When creating the guest list, consider including the new baby’s grandparents, family members, parents’ coworkers, and close friends.
What To Do When You Overshoot The Guest List.
If both the host and the soon-to-be mom invite guests, the guest list may overshoot the expected average size of a baby shower. This can be quite overwhelming and stressful, especially if the host has limited space and resources.
There’s no easy way to handle this situation. However, uninviting some guests might be the only option if the host can’t accommodate the extra people. We suggest contacting the guests individually and letting them know that they’re no longer able to attend the shower. It may seem scary, but some guests might actually be relieved they won’t have to buy a gift.
Another great option would be to have separate baby showers with different groups of people in your life. For example, you can have one for friends and family and another for your co-workers. You can even have a different one for your husband’s friends and family. It’s up to you and your budget how far you can go with these showers.
However, keep in mind that too many baby showers may not be a good idea for you. While all those gifts might be appealing, just opening them up can be tiring and overwhelming. It’s important to set realistic expectations and not overspend on multiple baby showers. Always keep your budget in mind and prioritize your well-being.
Conclusion
Choosing the right number of guests for a baby shower is crucial to ensure that the event is enjoyable and memorable for everyone. While the average number of guests at a baby shower is around 20-25 people, the number of guests you invite ultimately depends on the size of the venue and your personal preferences. It’s essential to consider the parent-to-be’s guest list and their general disposition. Whether you prefer a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration with all your loved ones, the most important thing is to surround yourself with the people who will make your day special.