How Many People To Invite To A Baby Shower

Isn’t it strange how the most enjoyable events all seem to have the most difficult planning? A baby shower is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the coming new life and a woman entering motherhood.

But they’re also very stressful to organize, with tricky etiquette rules to negotiate.

Deciding on how many people to invite to a baby shower is all about finding the right balance. Too many become overwhelming but too little, and you can’t celebrate the importance of the day.

25 to 30 people are the average number of people to invite to a baby shower. However, anywhere from 5 to 50 people can be okay. If you’re planning a baby shower, this guide can help you to pull together the perfect guest list.

How Many People Should Be Invited To A Baby Shower?

The average number of guests at a baby shower is roughly 25 – 30 people. This number feels welcoming and celebratory, without becoming an overly long event (all that present opening!).

However, the number of guests should be based on the size of the home/venue, and what the honoree is comfortable with. Anywhere from 5 to 50 guests is acceptable for a baby shower.

A baby shower is a very personal event, and the guest list should reflect this. Consider the mom-to-be being honored, her needs, and the size of the venue, rather than worrying about what’s considered “average”.

Baby showers are generally held at the home, so everyone on the guest list needs to fit inside comfortably.

More guests won’t equal a better party if everyone has to fight for some elbow room. Reduce or enlarge the guest list to fit your space.

The guest list tends to be chosen by the person throwing the party, rather than the mom-to-be. However, if the party isn’t a surprise, then you may want to consult with the honoree.

If you’re throwing your own baby shower, then you have the freedom to invite as many or as few as you want. Don’t feel pressured by expectation – only you know what you can handle.

Who To Invite To A Baby Shower

Before you start planning the baby shower, it’s important to think carefully about the guest list. Don’t just throw one together last minute and hope for the best – especially if you’re planning for someone else.

With a smaller shower, most of the guest list is obvious. The mom of the mom-to-be is considered a must. Not only will she want to be there, but she should also provide a helping hand when things get stressful.

Other close family members like sisters and grandparents should also make the list. For a larger shower, cousins, aunts, and other relatives may be worth inviting.

After family, close friends are very important. These are the people the mom-to-be will want to share the moment with. Use the space requirements to help you decide if it’s a “best friends only” style party, or if there’s room for a larger friend group.

Any friends invited should be excited about the new coming baby, and able to give support during the celebration.

Mom-in-law, or the mom of the father-to-be, is another person who tends to make the list – especially if it’s a close relationship.

Mom-in-law relationships can be tricky, so the invitation isn’t obligated. However, if they get on well, then this is an expected guest.

Most importantly, everyone at the shower should be close with the person being honored – not just whoever’s throwing the party.

Who Not To Invite To A Baby Shower

Baby showers and etiquette rules aren’t exactly set in stone. The baby shower as we know it has only started to develop since the 1950s, and expectations are constantly changing.

Although there are a few people who will be expecting an invitation, there’s definitely room for negotiation.

It probably goes without saying, but anyone invited to the shower should be aware of the fact that there’s a baby on the way.

That means if you give someone the invitation, and they seem surprised about the upcoming birth, then you need to reassess the guest list.

Beware the excessively long guest list. If you’re inviting people who aren’t close to the honoree, it tends to feel like a grab for presents. Even if you’re inviting with the best intentions, it can be seen as unwelcome pressure.

A baby shower is meant to be about mom and baby. Anyone who is likely to cause unnecessary stress, or offer too much-unsolicited advice, doesn’t need to get an invite.

People should be understanding if the guest list is small because pregnancy is not always an easy time.

If anyone seems upset about not making the cut, simply explain the space constraints.

Casual acquaintances, workplace friends, and distant relatives don’t need to be invited.

What About Co-Ed Baby Showers?

Co-ed baby showers are becoming increasingly popular. At these events, both men and women are invited, including the father-to-be. They’re a great way to create a family experience and bring everyone together.

When inviting for a co-ed baby shower, be sure to remember the friends and family of both parents-to-be. This can lead to an extended guest list, but it’s also an opportunity for an intimate gathering.

Rather than inviting everyone the couple is close with, each can pick a select few who make the cut.

The “plus one” isn’t necessary at a standard baby shower, but they’re a little more common at the co-ed parties.

Although there are guidelines regarding how many people to invite to a baby shower, there aren’t strict rules. Each situation is unique.

But the most important consideration is how many people mom-to-be wants there. Pregnancy can be an incredible, wonderful time – but it can also be very stressful.

Mom may want a celebration of all her friends and family coming together, offering support and well wishes.

But she might prefer something a little more low-key, with just her inner circle.