There is nothing like finding out you’re having a baby. It’s a joyous, exciting, and magical life event you can’t help but want to share with loved ones. There is no better way to do this than with a baby shower!
Though the main purpose of this age-old tradition is to give the future mom some much-needed baby items, it’s also supposed to celebrate the miracle of life. Therefore, you’ll need a great venue to make the party memorable. Lucky for you, there are plenty of amazing baby shower venues to commemorate this most joyous occasion!
How to Pick a Baby Shower Venue: 4 Easy Tips
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A baby shower is one of the many exciting events an expectant mother has to look forward to. Pregnancy can be exhausting, so it’s nice that a mom-to-be gets a little party all for herself, with her family and dearest friends.
As simple as this sounds, anyone who has ever planned a shower knows it’s anything but easy. Like any other celebratory event, baby showers take a lot of work to organize. You have to order and send the invitations, pick out a theme, and secure a good venue. In fact, picking a baby shower venue is the key to hosting a successful party.
The kind of site you go for can influence your theme, the food you’re going to serve, the number of invites, and your budget.
Lucky for you, there is no shortage of easy tips you can use when scouting for the baby shower locale of your dreams.
1. Figure Out Your Budget
Everybody knows that parties cost money. Baby showers are no different. However, the exact amount you end up paying will depend on the type of venue and the size of your party.
For instance, something like a high-end restaurant is surely going to come with a bigger price tag than a small family-owned establishment. Likewise, a large banquet room that can fit 100+ people will cost more than a small party room designed for a dozen guests.
Altogether, you’re looking at anywhere between $50-$500 just for the locale alone. Throw in other party essentials like food, decorations, and party favors, and that number increases by about $100-$500. That’s definitely not an inconsequential sum.
So, before committing to any kind of organizing, you first need to outline your budget. Calculate exactly how much money you can spare for the venue while being able to cover the other party essentials. Once you know the numbers, you can start searching for the perfect location within your price range.
However, if your budget is small, don’t despair. Fewer funds do limit your venue choices, but that doesn’t mean your party will turn out bad. You can absolutely find a good venue without emptying your bank account. You’ll just have to get creative and make the most of what you got!
2. Get an Early Start
The old saying goes that the early bird gets the worm. This statement is doubly true when it comes to securing a good venue for the baby shower.
Most quality party locales like restaurants, community houses, or country clubs require reservations weeks and sometimes even months in advance. Sure, you can get away with a last-minute call if you’re planning to host a smaller gathering at your favorite local diner. But if your party involves a long guest list, you need to get on that reservation ASAP to secure enough space to fit everyone.
Lastly, an early reservation is important in case of emergencies. Unexpected things happen, and it’s possible to lose your venue. But if you book the location way in advance, you’ll have plenty of time to find an alternative. That way, you will save yourself from stress, and your party can go on as planned.
3. Pick Your Theme Carefully
One of the most important features of a good baby shower is the theme. It’s what allows you to create a fun party atmosphere your guests will remember for years to come. But the right theme also plays a huge role when it comes to venue selection.
For example, if your party takes place in a quiet tea room, then a flashy 70s disco theme isn’t going to fly. Likewise, if you have an indoor venue, you can’t exactly host a cowboy baby shower with hay bale decorations and party ponies for your guests’ kids to ride. Therefore, when picking out a theme, make sure it’s something that aligns with your venue.
However, don’t forget to consider the future mom’s wishes too. This is a party for her, so you should focus on her preferences, even in a small and simple venue. For example, a reading-themed baby shower is perfect if she’s a big bookworm. It doesn’t require much space to execute or crazy decorations, so it can work for an intimate indoor venue like a home or a restaurant.
Alternatively, you can also use the venue itself to create a theme. If you’re hosting an outdoor shower at a local park or garden, then you can opt for a nature theme. Depending on the time of year, a seasonal theme can also work. Both options are almost universally appealing and will save you the trouble of having to spend extra money on decor.
4. Ask for Help
Traditionally, a baby shower is something a close family member or friend is supposed to plan for the mom-to-be. However, there’s no reason this event can’t be a group effort!
For one, having other people involved makes choosing the venue much easier. You’ll get to hear opinions and suggestions you may not have thought of on your own. Likewise, you’ll have extra help filtering good ideas from bad ones so that the venue you pick ends up aligning perfectly with what the mom wants.
Plus, a group baby shower will likely end up costing you less. Family members are usually happy to help pay for the party. However, even if they don’t contribute to the fund monetarily, they can save you a few extra bucks in other ways. For example, if they offer to prepare the food, you get to save a ton on having to hire a caterer. It’s a win-win for everyone!
10 Baby Shower Venues
Now that you know how to pick a good baby shower venue, it’s time to explore your options. Fortunately, there is no shortage of amazing contenders for the best baby shower venue. Whether you’re looking to host an indoor or outdoor party, you’re bound to find a site that’s going to make your baby shower an event to remember!
Outdoor
Baby showers celebrate one of life’s greatest miracles. Therefore, there’s no better place to host them than out in the sun! Having an outdoor party means you get plenty of space for a large gathering! Not only that, but you also reap the benefits of good weather and a beautiful atmosphere.
So, if you think an outdoor party is exactly what the future mom wants, here are the best outdoor locales to consider.
1. Vineyards
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If your goal is an outdoor venue you don’t have to decorate, then look no further. A vineyard is one of the best outdoor baby shower venues you can imagine. It’s classy and creative while also providing your guests with breathtaking scenery to enjoy. It’s the ideal setting for an intimate event or a shower with a picnic-style theme.
And in case your guests want an indoor area to retreat to, some vineyards even offer rooms to rent. Sadly, the only downside is that they tend to get pricey. Even a small-scale party at a vineyard starts at $1,000 minimum. Naturally, the more guests you plan on having, the more the price goes up.
Nevertheless, when you consider all the benefits, the hefty sum is more than justified.
2. Botanical Garden
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Picture this — you, your guests, and the mom to be sitting near a water fountain, surrounded by heaps of colorful flowers. It sounds like a scene straight out of a fairytale. Well, you can make this dream a reality if you choose to host your baby shower at a botanical garden.
Botanical gardens are one of the most breathtaking baby shower venues you can choose. Much like vineyards, they come equipped with a serene atmosphere and a dazzling view for your guests to enjoy. They’re also ideal if you want a nature-themed baby shower but don’t have the budget to spend on fancy ornaments.
However, all the money you save up on decorating will have to go into booking the place. A botanical garden costs a minimum of $250 an hour to rent. So, if your party lasts around 3 hours, be prepared to fork over $750. That’s slightly better than the cost of a vineyard, though still not ideal if your budget is tight.
3. Tent
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When you think of tents, you probably think of family camping trips and cold nights stuck in a cramped sleeping space. But don’t be fooled. Tents come in many shapes and sizes — including ones large enough to fit dozens of guests, party tables, plenty of decorations, and still have room for a dance floor!
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. If you want a completely open tent with no sidewalls, you can pick a basic pole tent or a high peak frame tent. Both these options are perfect for a summer gathering because they provide plenty of shade while still letting air flow through. However, if your shower takes place on a windy spring day, then a pop-up tent or closed-out tent is the way to go.
If that isn’t enough to convince you, consider the price. A smaller, 20×20 party tent costs between $200-$500 to rent, while bigger 20×40 ones are around $500-$750, depending on where you buy them. That’s still on the pricier side, but when you compare it to the cost of renting a vineyard, it comes out pretty cheap!
4. Terraces
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Suppose you have trouble choosing between an outdoor and indoor venue. Well, your dilemma ends here. If you decide to host the baby shower on a terrace, you get to enjoy the benefits of both! This location is one of the most appropriate baby shower venues for a party taking place on a scorching summer day. Your guests get to bask in the sunlight while sipping drinks and lazing on some comfy chairs.
And in case the heat becomes too much to bear, you can always retreat inside to cool off in a lounge room. It’s truly the best of both worlds! Sadly, the double whammy doesn’t come cheap. Like with vineyards, renting a terrace costs a whopping $800 an hour.
The number will vary depending on the location and the size of your event. Nevertheless, this is definitely an option you should only consider if you have money to spare.
5. Farm/Barn
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Leave your preconceived notions at the door for this last entry! Not all barns are filthy, nor do they smell like cow manure. In fact, with the right tweaks, a barn can be one of the most idyllic outdoor baby shower venues of all time — especially if you’re going for a rustic theme.
Think about it. You get all the benefits of a cozy, family atmosphere, an amazing background for group photos, and plenty of space for your guests to explore! If you’re planning on hosting a child-friendly party, you can even rent some farm animals to keep your guests’ kiddos entertained.
However, be vary of the price tag. Out of all the options listed here, a barn is possibly the most expensive. The cheapest locales start at $2,500 and can go to $4,000 and even $6,000, depending on the location and when your party is taking place. In short, as pretty as it is, it’s definitely a venue you go for if you want to splurge.
Indoor
An outdoor party is amazing, but it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea — especially if the weather is bad. In any case, indoor venues can work just as well. They’re intimate, which is perfect if you want a low-key event centered around the most important people in the future mom’s life. Plus, depending on which one you go for, some of them are completely free!
If this sounds appealing for your party, take a look at all the indoor places available to you.
6. At Home
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No list of baby shower venues would be complete without everyone’s favorite location — a house! To be clear, this doesn’t have to be your house. It can be the future mom’s place or the home of one of her other family members or friends. No matter who owns it, it’s still the best spot to host a baby shower.
To begin with, you have total freedom to decorate it however you like. You can clear out a few rooms to fit the necessary ornaments or even repurpose the furniture you already have. Hosting everything in a house also means you don’t have to spend time traveling to the venue to set it up.
Lastly, you get the benefit of familiarity. A home is synonymous with family, love, and warmth. In short, it’s exactly what you need for a baby shower. But the best part is, it’s completely free! No exorbitant rental costs or stressing about booking a location in advance. All you have to do is invest in the decor, party favors, and food, and get to celebrating!
7. Virtual Baby Shower
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The global pandemic forced many people to get creative when it came to hosting social events. Everything was moved online, and people celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and even baby showers over platforms like Zoom and Google Meet. Though the lockdown restrictions loosened in the last few months, you can still benefit from hosting your shower online.
For one, if you’re on a tight budget, an online shower is a no-brainer. You don’t have to spend money on food, party favors, or other amenities. All you have to do is find a lovely backdrop and come up with some fun online party games, and presto! You have the perfect low-key baby shower that’s guaranteed to keep your guests entertained.
It may not be the most exciting option, but it’s worth a shot if money is an issue.
8. Community Center
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This entry is the locale to go for if you need a lot of space. Community centers are places where members of a community gather for social activities or big events. Therefore, they usually have a huge capacity. Even better, they’re equipped with all the necessary amenities like chairs, tables, and maybe even a few decorations. So all you have to do is bring the food, the people and get your party started!
If that sounds amazing, it actually gets even better. Community centers are incredibly cheap to rent. The average cost is between $100-$250 an hour. That’s quite affordable when you consider everything you’re getting. Plus, if you’re a part of the local community, you can even arrange to host the event completely free of charge!
9. Restaurant
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In terms of indoor baby shower venues, it doesn’t get more classic than a restaurant. It has everything you need for a large and small gathering alike. First, it comes fully equipped with all the necessary party appliances, so you don’t have to bring your own. The food is already taken care of, so there’s no need to hire catering.
Lastly, you get a diverse atmosphere. For a close-knit event with a handful of family and friends, you can opt for a small, local eatery or tea room. Alternatively, if your party is a big 50+ gathering, a large restaurant room is the way to go. But the best part about going with a restaurant venue is the wide price range.
Rental can cost you anywhere between $25-$350 an hour. The amount is contingent on the type of restaurant, the size, and the location. Nonetheless, it’s definitely the indoor venue for everyone, regardless of the budget.
10. Art Gallery
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The last location is a bit out there in terms of baby shower venues. However, it’s undeniable that an art gallery is a locale like none other. It has a comfortable, classy atmosphere, perfect if the mom-to-be is an art buff. However, even if she isn’t an art expert, she and the other guests can enjoy the view of some beautiful paintings. That saves you from having to string up flashy decor!
Plus, depending on the location, some art galleries may be kind enough to provide you with the necessary amenities like chairs and tables. Unfortunately, these fancy locales run on the pricier side. In large cities, it costs around $200-$500 an hour to rent an art gallery.
Some galleries have a four-hour minimum, so right out the gate, you’re looking at $1,000 dollars. Thus, only go for this option if your budget can handle it, and you know the future mom will absolutely adore it.
