You’re having a baby! Congratulations. Now, what are you going to do about the shower – when are you going to throw it?
It can be difficult to know when’s the best time to throw your special event, isn’t it? That’s precisely why we put together this helpful guide on when people typically have baby showers so you can plan accordingly.
The Short Answer
People tend to hold baby showers about four to eight weeks before their due date. This is because the pregnancy is far enough along that the gender of the baby is known but not so close to the due date in case the baby arrives early or so.
However, like all things baby-related, there’s no hard and fast rule about when to have a shower. So, let’s get into more scenarios.
Baby Showers and Timing: The Full Story
Given the importance of timing when it comes to baby showers, it’s only fair to take a closer look at when people generally have baby showers and why.
Is a Baby Shower Before or After Birth?
Traditionally, baby showers are thrown before the baby is born. This is because it’s a good way to get all of the necessary items for the baby and the home without having to do a mad dash to the store when the little one arrives.
That being said, plenty of couples choose to have a shower after the baby is born. This could be because they want to include their child in the celebration or because they don’t want the stress of throwing a shower when they are so close to delivery.
It’s also perfectly fine to even skip the shower altogether and have a post-birth get-together. There are no absolutes in life!
Yet, if you’re throwing the shower for a close mommy-to-be, be sure to take into account any personal, religious, or cultural traditions that might dictate when a baby shower should happen, too.
We also wrote an article on who usually throws a baby shower to help you out.
How Far in Advance Should You Have a Baby Shower?
The standard time frame for holding a baby shower is four to eight weeks before the due date (around two months before pregnancy). This gives you enough time to get everything done and plan an event that’ll be fun and special for the mommy-to-be (or yourself, if you’re the one planning it).
Of course, if you want things to go perfectly or if this is your first child, it’s best to start planning even earlier than that. Three-four months in advance is generally a good rule of thumb. That’ll give you time to choose a date, send out invitations, and make sure that everything is just right.
On the other hand, if you’re rushed for time or don’t want to deal with planning a shower, you can always wait until closer to the due date. But be aware that that might end up leaving you scrambling to get everything done in time.
Best Time of Week for a Baby Shower
When it comes to the best time of the week to have a baby shower, weekends are generally the way to go. This is especially true if you’re aiming for a daytime event.
That way, guests don’t have to worry about taking time off work and can enjoy themselves without having to worry about getting up early the next day. It also gives you a little more time to plan things out, as weekends usually have fewer distractions than weekdays do.
That said, there’s no reason why you can’t have a baby shower on a weekday if you want to. It’ll be a little harder to find the time and make sure people are available, but go for it if it works for your schedule! Just try not to have it on an official holiday or during a busy time for most people.
What Time of Day Should a Baby Shower Start?
Baby showers are usually held in the daytime, starting anywhere from 11 AM to 2 PM, with 1-2 PM being the most common.
This is because most people are available during the day, and it gives guests a chance to enjoy the event without having to rush off to another event or worry about the sleep deprivation caused by staying out too late. It actually gives people plenty of time to come and go as they please while still being able to enjoy some food and festivities since it’s lunchtime.
Of course, hosting a baby shower in the evening is also fine. You’ll probably have to shift some things around and adjust for how many guests are available at that time of day, but it can be done if necessary.
Plus, if you want to shake things up a bit, there are plenty of other options to choose from. For instance, Some mommies-to-be enjoy being the host at an earlier hour for a brunch celebration, while others adore hosting a “happy hour” shower with baby-themed mocktails at sunset.
So, it really depends on your personal preferences and what everyone else in attendance is comfortable with. Get creative!
Summary and Recap
To wrap up, while there’s no one “right” time to throw a baby shower, most people tend to have a baby shower four to eight weeks before the due date, but you can also wait until closer to the due date if you’re rushed for time. Some people also prefer to wait until as late as possible before the due date so they can enjoy the shower with their baby bump.
As for when during the week, weekends are generally the way to go when it comes to the best time of the week to have a baby shower, and daytime showers starting from 11 AM to 2 PM are the most common.
But, from the information here, you now know that there isn’t a universal “right” way to have a baby shower. It’s up to you and your schedule. So, consider that before making the final decision, but don’t be afraid to get creative! There are plenty of fun and unique ways to celebrate a baby shower.