Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 02:53 pm
Who says you need to spend a fortune to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new bundle of joy? I’m here to bust the myth that more dollars equal a better party. With a sprinkle of ingenuity and a solid game plan, I promise, you can throw a baby shower on a budget that’s both entertaining and economically savvy.
Let’s dive into the essentials of orchestrating an unforgettable baby shower – from the planning essentials and selecting delicious food to ensuring the entertainment is spot-on – all the while, keeping a keen eye on our budget.
Because honestly, hosting a baby shower on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the fun, or the memories made.
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What is a good budget for a baby shower?
The magic of the baby shower really isn’t about how much you spend. Whether you’re working with a budget under $100 or you have a bit more wiggle room financially, the joy and love you bring into the room doesn’t carry a price tag.
After all, I’ve hosted and been part of countless baby showers, and if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that the most memorable moments come from the heart, not the wallet. The budget needs to be some that you (the host) is comfortable with whether you are using it as your gift for the mom-to-be or you have some help with the finances.
So, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of budget-friendly baby shower planning, remember: this is your party, your rules. Let’s create something unforgettable together, without breaking the bank.
Tips for Hosting a Baby Shower on a Budget
#1 Planning
Planning is absolutely essential to having a baby shower on a budget. It is so easy to get lost in the fun parts of hosting that you can get over budget really quickly. Here are my top tips for planning prior to the big day to help you save money:
Choosing the Right Location
Believe me, the location is everything. Choosing a venue that’s either free or incredibly low-cost can make all the difference. We’re talking homes (whether it’s yours or a willing relative’s), local parks, churches and community spaces that often look for little more than a small fee. Even hosting a virtual baby shower can help you save tons of money. There are so many unique locations you can host a baby shower at if you are willing to be creative!
We had my baby shower at my mother-in-law’s house, and it made it so easy and convenient for both me and everyone attending the party. We were able to set up most of the decorations the night before and I even left plenty of items at her house to pick up later. Plus, it just felt cozier and more intimate, which I loved!
Hosting the baby shower at a free or very low-cost place can make all the difference in your budget. It leaves so much more room for those silly baby shower games, fun decoration, or even a thoughtful gift for the mom-to-be. And any location can be dressed up with the right decorations!
For more advice on choosing a baby shower venue, check out this post!
Keep the Guest List Small
One of the simplest, yet most effective strategies is keeping the guest list small. You might feel tempted to invite everyone from your cousin twice removed to your old college roommate, but trust me, there’s beauty and budget relief in intimacy. I know it can be hard when you get into the she invited me to this or that guilt, but just invite those that make up your “village” so to speak!
It can also help to keep this as a ladies-only type event. While co-ed baby showers are certainly fun, more people just equal more food, large venue, and other potential cost increases.
Your job as the host is to sit down with the mom-to-be and find out who she would like to have at the baby shower. Then you both can talk guest list size together and cut down (or even add more) people as you both see fit.
After all, a more intimate setting ensures quality time with each guest and creates a cozy atmosphere for everyone to shower the mom-to-be with love and attention without stretching your budget too thin.
Go Digital with Baby Shower Invites
Going digital with your baby shower invites is not only kind on your wallet but also on the planet. There are countless platforms out there offering gorgeous digital invite designs at little to no cost. You could use Evite, Paperless Post, or even a Facebook event invite.
My personal favorite that I use all the time (both for personal and this blog) is Canva! Through the free version of their platform you can make stunning baby shower invitations that can be sent through a simple text or even an email. And with so many templates, I promise you don’t have to be art savvy to make something beautiful that matches you baby shower theme.
And after the party the mom-to-be can send beautiful baby shower thank you cards through email (text probably isn’t formal enough for a thank you card but up to you) and save again on postage.
Digital invites and cards really can be beneficial for everyone.
Allow Other to Help
Now, I’m the first to admit that asking for help isn’t my strong suit. I’m a do-it-yourself kind of gal, through and through. But, when it comes to hosting a baby shower on a budget, I’ve learned the hard way that it really does take a village.
There’s something truly special about gathering a close-knit group who adore the mom-to-be, all chipping in to make her day unforgettable. So if anyone offers to step in and help, let them!
It can be as simple as asking someone to bring the plates and napkins, or contributing some yummy finger foods or drinks, or even planning a game for the party. Whatever it is will first take a load off of you and second can relieve a small amount of financial burden. Which is spread around many people can make a world of difference.
This collective effort doesn’t just lighten your load – it weaves a stronger bond of support around the mom-to-be. And trust me, it makes the celebration even more meaningful, knowing it was a group effort fueled by love and excitement for the little one on the way.
#2 Food
Food can easily take up the majority of a party budget, especially when you are feeding a large crowd. There are several ways you can minimize the cost of food while still having a delicious spread that guests will love. Check out this post from the Frugal Nook for great baby shower food ideas on a budget.
Timing is Everything
Have you ever thought about the time of your baby shower having an impact on your cost? The schedule is key reducing the cost of food for your baby shower on a budget.
Opting for a mid-afternoon slot can be your budget’s best friend. This timing is like that sweet spot – it’s not brunch, and it’s certainly not dinner. Guests won’t be expecting a full meal, which means you can elegantly sidestep the cost of catering for an army.
Think around the 1-4 pm time slot. Its perfect for a nice afternoon snack, but nothing filling is expected because it is cushioned by two meals of the day.
Simple and Delicious Finger Foods
Now if your party is going to be held in the sweet spot between meals, finger foods will be your go to! These are both easy to set up and can save you some money in your budget on cutlery while guest graze throughout the party.
Finger foods can be as simple as sandwiches, fruit and veggie trays, or crackers/chips and fun dips. One of the best ways to get any of these items on a budget is to hit up a local discount or warehouse store like Costco. May can make platters to order so all you have to do is go pick them up!
You can just leave them as is or lay them out on platter of your own. Paired with some simple décor, your food table will look like you spend so much time and a fortune on it without much work at all.
Build Your Own Food Bar
A build your own food bar is the perfect way to make an impressive spread with a theme that secretly is super budget friendly. You can have a lot of food and really not spend much at all!
Here are some of my favorite DIY food bar ideas:
- Taco Bar
- Café Rio Salad Bar (My sister did this for her bridal shower and it was AMAZING!)
- Waffle Bar
- Parfait Bar
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar
- Sub Sandwich Bar
Really the possibilities are endless. And you can match the theme with the time of day (think waffle bar for more of a brunch) or fit with the overall baby shower theme. And guests are sure to enjoy their food because they can pick exactly what they want.
This also is a great option if you have several friends or family members that want to contribute to the planning. Ask everyone to bring a specific topping or side to go with the main bar to help keep your baby shower on a budget!
#3 Entertainment
Entertainment really is the center of the party, but you don’t have to spend tons of money to have fun! Here are some of the best tips I have to have an enjoyable baby shower on a budget.
Choose a Simple Theme
Choosing a baby shower theme or color theme that’s uncomplicated doesn’t mean it won’t look amazing. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Choosing a color theme (maybe the color of nursery?) instead of a specific theme like an animal or airplane can help reduce the cost significantly. Simply put, specific decorations cost money and that can add up quickly.
Focusing on just a color or two can really help you transform your baby shower venue into the party of your dreams with simple balloons, tablecloths, and centerpieces.
One of my favorite tricks? Scouring discount stores and hidden gems like the dollar store, Target, or even Facebook Marketplace for chic yet affordable decor pieces. It’s incredible what you can find—adorable garlands, tableware, and even fairy lights for a fraction of the price.
And post shower, don’t hesitate to try and sell the gently used décor on places like Facebook Marketplace to get a bit of your money back. I did and while it wasn’t much, it still made a big difference in my overall budget. Honestly, it’s a win for everyone, because you get some cash back and can help someone else host a baby shower on a budget!
Simple and Affordable Baby Shower Games
Playing cheesy games at a baby shower almost always part of the plans, which can get expensive. But there are so many games out there that cost little to nothing if you plan ahead.
Your best option is going to be playing a few games using printables found online. Etsy can be a great place to find baby shower games that match your theme but there are plenty of free options online. The cost comes down to just printing, which if done at home can be kept very cheap.
Prizes are definitely where a lot of your costs for games can add up quickly. If you only need a few, there are several great options of baby shower game prizes that won’t break the bank. But even something DIY or homemade like baked goods or a bag of candy with a note can be a welcomed gift.
If the mom-to-be isn’t really interested in playing games, no worries! There are so many great baby shower activities to keep your guests entertained that don’t cost anything.
A great activity for a baby shower is a diaper raffle. Diaper raffles are easy to put together and help the parents stock up on a much-needed necessity before their new baby arrives. If you want more details on how to host a diaper raffle, check out this post.
Skip the Party Favors
Let me let you in on a little secret – when it comes to party favors at a baby shower, you can easily skip them. Yes, you heard me right. While these tiny tokens are cute and all, they often end up forgotten or tossed.
Trust me, I’ve seen it happen more times than I care to count. But if your heart is set on sending your guests home with a little something, why not keep it super simple and budget friendly? Here are some of my favorite options:
- Mini hand sanitizer bottles with a “Thank You” tag attached
- Sugar cookies wrapped in cute packaging
- Small potted succulents
- Nail polish tagged with a cute note
- Mini hand cream bottles
These small gestures are just as thoughtful and won’t have you breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts on Hosting a Baby Shower on a Budget
And that sums up all my thoughts on hosting a baby shower on a budget. Celebrating the arrival of this new addition really doesn’t have to cost a ridiculous amount. You can have a beautifully decorated shower and enjoy the company of the people you love on a modest budget.
Just a few simple cost-cutting items here and there really can make a world of difference!
What was your favorite baby shower on a budget tip? Or is there anything you’d add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
Great tips for hosting a baby shower on a budget. I love that Etsy printable games are so much fun and affordable!
What a great post! I’ve only been to a few baby showers, and I definitely think having a small group, only close friends and family is what makes it special. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for shariing, baby shower can be expensive and it does not get better when money is tight.
Did I mention that we all want to have fun during baby shower? i will follow your tips and see how to host a baby shower coming up and see where I can save some cash.
These are really great tips for hosting a baby shower – especially on a budget. I like the idea of featuring a build-your-own food bar.
Great tips for hosting a baby shower. I love party favors ideas the most.