Thoughtful Questions to Help You Plan a Baby Shower That Feels Personal, Modern, and Full of Heart
Planning a baby shower should feel just as joyful as the moment it celebrates. Whether you’re hosting for a best friend, sister, or client, your goal is the same: to create an environment where the expectant parent(s) feel seen, supported, and celebrated. And while Pinterest-perfect details have their place, the most meaningful showers begin with thoughtful conversations.
Here are four foundational questions to help you build a celebration that feels true to the parent-to-be and elevated in every sense.
Question 1: Should the Shower Honor One or Both Parents?
More and more showers are evolving into celebrations for both parents—and we love it. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or something more experiential, knowing whether the event will honor one or both expectant parents helps shape everything from guest list to atmosphere.
If you’re leaning into a co-ed shower, consider experiences that feel inclusive and interactive: a floral arranging class, an outdoor tasting menu, or even a progressive shower (like a progressive dinner!) hosted across homes in the same neighborhood.
These ideas feel more like gatherings than ceremonies, and allow everyone to connect in a way that’s memorable and fresh.
Question 2: Is the Vision More Traditional or Unexpected?
Before diving into themes and color palettes, ask the parent(s) what kind of feeling they want the event to evoke. Some might lean toward tradition—gender-specific themes, gift opening, and brunch classics. Others might want something with a bit more personality or edge.
Let the answers guide you. From there, brainstorm a few directions and narrow it down together—leaving a little element of surprise for the guests of honor.
Some of our favorite recent themes:
For a traditional minimalist:
- Baby in Bloom — think monochromatic florals, oversized balloon blooms, a build-your-own bouquet station, and a soft seasonal menu. Check out this bounce house inspiration below from Starr of Texas, who we adore and collaborate with often!
For a chic gender-neutral twist:
- Bonjour Bébé — French-inspired and fresh, with white florals, lavender, elevated charcuterie, and kir royales served in vintage coupes.
For the bold and playful:
- Mamma Mia! — a Grecian disco dream with disco balls, layered blues and whites, boas, funky sunglasses, and ABBA on repeat. For a show-stopping surprise, book a live performer (we love the energy of Extragrams!).
Question 3: What Are the Must-Haves—and No-Gos?
This is your shortcut to clarity. Ask the expectant parent(s): what do they definitely want, and what would they prefer to skip?
It might be something heartfelt—like wanting a quiet, intimate group—or practical, like skipping public gift opening. Maybe they’ve always dreamed of a specific type of cake or a particular flower that holds meaning. These are the details that make a shower feel personal.
By understanding both sides—what to include and what to avoid—you’re setting yourself up to design something thoughtful and tailored.
Question 4: How Can the Community Show Up Beyond the Party?
A baby shower is more than a celebration—it’s a moment to rally the village. This question helps you think beyond the event itself. Are there ways to support the parent(s)-to-be in the days and weeks after?
You might:
- Organize a meal train sign-up during the shower
- Gift a service or experience, like postpartum wellness or home cleaning
- Assemble a crew to help build furniture or prep the nursery
- Or simply ask guests to share their best new-parent advice in a keepsake book
A luxe robe, spa treatment, or quiet dinner for two goes a long way in making them feel cared for beyond the baby.
Whether you’re planning an elaborate affair or an intimate at-home brunch, the best baby showers are built around intention. Ask the right questions early, and the rest will flow from there—theme, tone, and all the thoughtful little touches that make your celebration feel elevated and uniquely personal.
Looking for inspiration from past showers we’ve brought to life? Get ideas, see how we style different aesthetics, and find a little spark for your own next gathering.
Still unsure how you can host the perfect baby shower yourself, or wanting to take the next step to create a luxury event? Reach out to us to start dreaming up the perfect party.
Images Courtesy of Dagnushka, Jerry Hayes Photography, and Starr of Texas