Baby showers are one of the loveliest ways to celebrate before your little one arrives — but if you’ve never been to one (or been asked to host one), the whole thing can feel a bit… confusing. Who’s supposed to organise it? Is it rude to ask for gifts? How much does it actually cost? And is it really bad luck?
We style baby showers every week across Kent, and we hear the same questions come up time and again. So we’ve put together this honest, no-nonsense guide to everything you’d want to know — whether you’re the mum-to-be, the friend who’s been roped into planning, or a guest who’s not quite sure what to expect.
Grab a cuppa. Let’s get into it.
The Big Etiquette Questions
Let’s start with the ones that cause the most WhatsApp group debates.
Who hosts a baby shower?
Traditionally, a close friend, sister, or family member hosts — not the mum-to-be herself. The idea is that someone else does the organising so the mum can just turn up and enjoy it. Co-hosting between two or three friends is really common in the UK, which is brilliant because it splits both the work and the cost.
That said, we’re not in the 1950s. If nobody’s offered and you really want one, there’s nothing wrong with organising your own. Just frame it as “a get-together before baby arrives” rather than “come and bring me presents,” and nobody will bat an eyelid.
Who pays for it?
The host. If there are co-hosts, they split the costs between them. Guests are not expected to contribute towards the event — they’re already bringing a gift.
This comes up a lot on Mumsnet, and the consensus is pretty clear: asking guests to pay for their attendance is a no-go. If budget is tight (and it often is — we get it), host at home, keep the food simple, and put the budget into one statement piece of decoration. A gorgeous balloon garland behind the dessert table makes the whole room look styled, even if everything else came from Tesco.
Is it bad luck to have a baby shower before the birth?
This is a very British worry — the old superstition about not bringing baby things into the house before the baby arrives. It goes back generations, and in some families it still runs deep.
The honest answer: baby showers have been mainstream in the UK for over 20 years now, and the vast majority of parents celebrate before the birth without a second thought. But if the superstition matters to you or your family, you could always have a “sip and see” after the baby arrives instead — same celebration, different timing.
Can you have a baby shower for a second baby?
Yes! The “baby sprinkle” is a wonderful concept that’s become really popular — a smaller, more relaxed version of a full baby shower. Fewer guests, less fuss, maybe an afternoon tea with your closest friends rather than a big production.
The gift expectations are different too. Second-time parents usually have most of the gear already, so gifts tend to be consumables — nappies, muslins, bath products — rather than big-ticket items. It’s really just an excuse to celebrate together again, and why wouldn’t you?
Do men come to baby showers?
Totally up to you. Co-ed baby showers (sometimes called “Jack and Jill” showers) are becoming more common, especially among younger parents. They tend to have a more relaxed, party-style atmosphere — think garden barbecue rather than afternoon tea.
Some mums-to-be prefer a girls-only afternoon. Others want their partner, dad, and brothers there. There are genuinely no rules here — do whatever feels right for your group.
“The best baby showers feel like a natural get-together with the people you love — not a formal event with a rulebook. If it feels right, it is right.”
The Planning Questions
When should you have a baby shower?
The sweet spot is 28 to 36 weeks pregnant. Most UK mums go for around 32–34 weeks — early enough that the bump looks gorgeous in photos, late enough that you’re properly in the pregnancy zone, but not so close to the due date that you’re too uncomfortable (or too anxious) to enjoy yourself.
A lot of mums time it for just after maternity leave starts, which is a lovely way to mark the transition. Weekend afternoons work best — Saturday or Sunday, 2–4pm is the classic window.
How many people should you invite?
There’s no magic number, but most UK baby showers have between 10 and 25 guests. Small enough to feel intimate, large enough to create an atmosphere. Close friends, sisters, mums, maybe a few colleagues or NCT friends.
Bigger isn’t always better. Some of the most beautiful showers we’ve styled have been for 8–10 people in someone’s living room. It’s about quality, not headcount.
Do children come to a baby shower?
This one’s entirely up to the host. Some baby showers are adults-only — especially if the vibe is prosecco and afternoon tea — and that’s completely fine. Others are family affairs with little ones running around, which can be chaotic but lovely.
If you’re inviting children, it’s worth having a few bits to keep them entertained — a colouring station, some bubbles, or a small craft activity. If you’d prefer adults only, just say so on the invitation. A simple “grown-ups only this time” is all you need — most parents will be grateful for the excuse to get a babysitter and have an afternoon off.
Where should you have a baby shower?
The most popular options in the UK are:
At home — the most popular and budget-friendly choice. You have full control over the decoration and timeline, and there’s no venue hire to worry about. It works beautifully if you’ve got a decent living room or a garden (weather permitting).
Afternoon tea venue or hotel — really popular because the food is sorted, the setting is elegant, and there’s no washing up. Many hotels in Kent offer baby shower packages with private rooms.
Restaurant with a private room — great middle ground. Semi-private, food handled, usually flexible on decoration.
Village hall or community centre — brilliant if you want a bigger guest list on a budget. Hire is usually £50–£100 for a few hours, and you get a blank canvas to decorate however you like. We love styling village halls — the transformation is always dramatic.
Venue Tip for Kent
If you’re local to Sittingbourne, Faversham, or Maidstone, check whether your venue allows you to come in early for setup. Most village halls and hotels will give you an hour or two before the event — which is all we need to install a balloon garland and style the table. Ask before you book.
What food should you serve?
Afternoon tea is the undisputed queen of UK baby shower catering. Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, mini cakes, pastries — it’s elegant, easy to eat while standing, and feels properly celebratory.
If you’re hosting at home, a grazing board is a gorgeous alternative — charcuterie, crackers, dips, fruit, cheese, and some sweet bits. Looks stunning, takes 20 minutes to assemble, and everyone can help themselves.
For drinks: prosecco or fizz for the guests, with a mocktail for the mum-to-be. A jug of elderflower cordial with fresh mint and cucumber slices looks beautiful and costs about £3.
What happens at a baby shower?
A typical UK baby shower runs for 2–3 hours and follows a fairly relaxed flow:
- Guests arrive, drinks and nibbles, catching up
- Some light games or activities (nothing cringy — we promise)
- Food — afternoon tea, grazing board, or buffet
- Gift opening (if the mum-to-be is comfortable with it)
- Cake, more photos, winding down
It’s not a wedding — there’s no rigid schedule. The best ones feel like a lovely, relaxed afternoon with the people who matter most. Plenty of time for photos in front of the balloon display, obviously.
The Budget Questions
How much does a baby shower cost?
It really depends on what you want. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the UK:
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | Free (home) | £50–£150 | £200–£500+ |
| Food & drink | £30–£60 | £80–£200 | £250–£500+ |
| Balloon styling | £40–£80 | £120–£250 | £300–£500+ |
| Cake | £15–£30 | £40–£80 | £100–£200 |
| Games & favours | £10–£20 | £30–£60 | £60–£100 |
| Total | £95–£190 | £320–£740 | £910–£1,800+ |
A beautiful baby shower at home with homemade food, a statement balloon garland, and a simple cake from M&S can be done for under £200. You don’t need to spend a fortune to make it special — you just need one hero element that makes the room look styled. That’s usually the balloons.
How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
Most people spend between £20 and £40. Close family or best friends might go up to £50–£100. The national average is surprisingly high at around £100, but that’s heavily skewed by London spending.
A thoughtful £25 gift is absolutely perfect. Muslins, a lovely baby grow, a book with a message inside — it really doesn’t need to be expensive. If there’s a gift registry, even better — you know you’re buying something the parents actually want.
The Practical Questions
What games should you play?
The key word here is non-cringy. UK guests tend to run a mile from anything too American or too embarrassing. The games that go down well are the ones that feel like fun rather than forced participation.
Our favourites:
- Baby bingo — guests fill in a card predicting what gifts the mum will receive, then mark them off as gifts are opened. Easy, fun, keeps everyone engaged.
- Guess the bump size — guests cut a length of ribbon to guess the circumference of the bump. Always gets a laugh.
- Onesie decorating station — set up fabric pens and plain white babygrows. Guests decorate one each. The mum gets a set of unique, personalised outfits. This is the one everyone loves.
- Advice cards — guests write their best piece of parenting advice on a card. Pop them in a jar for the mum to read during those 3am feeds. Sentimental and genuinely useful.
- Nappy messages — guests write funny or supportive messages on nappies with a Sharpie. When the parents are doing a late-night change, they get a little surprise. This one is always a hit.
- Baby-themed quiz — trivia about the parents-to-be, mixed with general baby facts. Personalised questions work much better than generic ones.
Skip These
Games involving melted chocolate in nappies, drinking from baby bottles, or anything that requires the mum-to-be to stand up for a long time. Read the room. If in doubt, opt for station-based activities (decorating, writing, tasting) over structured group games — they let people participate at their own pace.
What should the mum-to-be wear?
Whatever she feels gorgeous in. Most mums opt for a dress that shows off the bump — fitted maternity dresses in soft colours photograph beautifully against balloon displays. Some choose to coordinate with the colour scheme (sage green dress with a sage and ivory balloon garland, for example).
Comfort matters. She’ll be on her feet, sitting, standing, hugging people — so something stretchy that she can move in. A lot of mums ask us what colour to wear, and our answer is always: whatever makes you feel like yourself, but in a colour that won’t clash with the decor.
What should guests wear?
Smart casual is the safest bet. It’s not a wedding, but it’s not a barbecue either (unless it is — in which case, dress for a barbecue). A nice dress, jumpsuit, or smart top and trousers. Some hosts specify a dress code or colour theme on the invitation — if they do, go with it.
How far in advance should you send invitations?
Give guests 4–6 weeks notice. Any less and people won’t be able to make it; any more and they’ll forget. Digital invitations (Canva, Paperless Post, even a WhatsApp group) are completely acceptable — and much more practical than posting physical invitations.
Include the date, time, venue, what to expect (afternoon tea, garden party, etc.), and any gift registry details. Keep it warm and informal — this is a celebration, not a corporate event.
Planning Timeline
If you’re organising a baby shower and want a simple timeline to keep things on track, here’s what we’d suggest.
Set the Foundations
Choose a date, set a budget, pick a venue. If you’re co-hosting, agree who’s covering what. Chat with the mum-to-be about the vibe she’d like (or keep it a surprise if that’s the plan). Book any professional styling — balloon stylists and venues fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Send Invitations
Send out your invites with all the details. Include any gift registry information. Set an RSVP deadline of 2 weeks before the event so you can confirm numbers for food and seating.
Plan the Details
Finalise your colour scheme, plan the menu, organise games and activities. Order any props, favours, or printed materials. If you’re making a fake cake for the dessert table, now’s the time (see our DIY fake cake guide).
Confirm Everything
Chase any outstanding RSVPs. Confirm venue booking and catering. Finalise the running order. Do a food shop for anything you’re preparing yourself. Confirm setup time with your balloon stylist.
Set Up and Enjoy
Allow 1–2 hours for setup. Professional balloon installation typically takes 45–90 minutes depending on the display. Lay out food, set up game stations, put out the favours. Then take a breath, pour yourself a glass of fizz, and enjoy the afternoon. You’ve earned it.
A Quick Note About Baby Showers in the UK
We know baby showers divide opinion over here. They’re an American tradition that’s become mainstream in the UK over the last 20 years, and some people — particularly older generations — still find the whole thing a bit much. You might have a nan who thinks it’s tempting fate, or a friend who calls it “grabby.”
Here’s our take, having styled hundreds of them: a baby shower is simply a celebration. It’s a chance for the people who love you to get together, eat some nice food, play some silly games, and tell you how brilliant you’re going to be at this whole parenting thing. The gifts are a bonus, not the point.
The best baby showers we see aren’t the most expensive ones or the most Instagram-worthy ones — they’re the ones where the mum-to-be feels genuinely loved and celebrated. Everything else is just details.
“A baby shower isn’t about the decorations or the gifts — it’s about gathering the people who’ll be in that baby’s life and celebrating together. The balloons just make it prettier.”
Need Help Styling Yours?
We style baby showers every week across Kent — from intimate home celebrations in Sittingbourne to larger venue events in Maidstone, Canterbury, and beyond. Whether you want a simple statement garland or the full works — balloons, dessert table styling, backdrops, and props — we’d love to help.
Browse our gallery for baby shower inspiration, check out our baby shower styling packages, or read our baby shower balloon ideas guide for more inspiration.
Let’s Plan Your Perfect Baby Shower
Tell us your colours, your venue, your vibe — and we’ll design a balloon display that makes the whole room look incredible. Free consultations across Kent.