Everything you need to plan the perfect baby shower. From choosing a theme to ordering the cake, this is your complete checklist.
A baby shower is one of the most joyful celebrations you will ever plan. It is a chance to gather the people closest to the parents to be and celebrate the arrival of a new life. Whether you are organising a small gathering at home or a larger event at a venue, this guide walks you through everything step by step.
The ideal window for a baby shower is between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, the pregnancy is well established and the excitement is building, but the mother to be is still comfortable enough to enjoy the event. Avoid leaving it too late, as the final weeks of pregnancy can be unpredictable.
Start planning at least 4 to 6 weeks before the shower date. This gives you enough time to send invitations, order the cake, organise decorations and plan the food.
Before anything else, decide how much you are willing to spend. A beautiful baby shower does not have to cost a fortune. Here is a rough breakdown:
A theme ties everything together and makes the event feel polished. The most popular baby shower themes in 2026 are:
Baby shower food should be easy to eat, visually appealing and manageable for the host. Finger food and grazing style is the most popular format:
The cake is the centrepiece of any baby shower. Here are the most popular options:
Light, crowd pleasing flavours work best:
Baby shower games keep the energy up and get guests talking. The most popular ones in 2026:
You do not need to spend a fortune on decorations. A few key elements create a beautiful setting:
The ideal time for a baby shower is between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. This is late enough that the pregnancy feels real and exciting, but early enough that the mother to be is still comfortable and mobile. Some people also host post birth celebrations called sip and see parties.
A baby shower in London typically costs between £200 and £800 depending on the venue, food, decorations and number of guests. A home baby shower with homemade food and a bespoke cake can be done beautifully for £200 to £400. Venue hire and catering can push costs to £500 to £800 or more.
Traditionally, the baby shower is organised and paid for by a close friend or family member, not the parents to be. However, there are no strict rules. Some people split the cost between a group of friends. Others have the parents to be contribute. Whatever works for your group is fine.
Popular baby shower cakes include single tier buttercream cakes in pastel colours, teddy bear themed designs, alphabet block cakes and elegant floral designs. Gender reveal cakes with a hidden blue or pink centre are also popular. Cupcakes and dessert tables are a great alternative to a traditional cake.
Most baby showers have between 15 and 30 guests, though there are no rules. Small, intimate gatherings of 8 to 12 close friends and family can be just as special as larger parties. The key is inviting people who are genuinely close to the parents to be.
Tell Paulina your theme, colour scheme and guest count. She will design a cake that ties everything together beautifully.
Get a Free QuoteEvery cake is designed from scratch, so there is no price list to pick from. Send a few details and Paulina will reply personally with ideas and a quote. It costs nothing and there is no obligation.
She reads every enquiry herself and will reply to you personally, usually within a day. Her reply will come from paulina@bakeyouhappy.co, so do add that to your contacts.
If your date is close, or you would rather just talk it through, message her on WhatsApp on 07514 660 451 and she will come back to you faster.