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CostHelper > Babies & Children  > Baby Shower

Baby Shower Cost


How Much Does a Baby Shower Cost?

 
low costInvitations: 50 Cents-$3 Eachaverage costDecorations: $30-$200+high costVenue Rental: $100-$200+
Typical costs:
  • A baby shower typically costs $100-$1,000, depending on the number of guests, the menu and location. Many baby showers are held in a home with finger foods provided by the host or hostess, typically with 15-40 guests.
  • The location for a baby shower may range from no cost (for a home or church) up to $200 to reserve a community space for the shower guests. For example, the Mifflin Township Community Center[1] in Gahanna, OH, costs $200 for four hours (or $100 for residents of the township) and can accommodate 80 shower guests. Cellar 56[2] in Atlanta is an upscale wine bar and restaurant offering private parties for 30-50 guests for about $20-$30 per guest for a salad, entree and wine from the menu[3] .
  • Invitations for a baby shower typically range from 50 cents to $1 each for pre-printed invitations and $1-$3 each for custom-printed invitations. They are often ordered in groups of 25 to 100. For example, national retailer Party City[4] sells eight pre-printed invitations for $4, on which the party host can write in the details. Online retailer Tiny Prints[5] has many customizable designs for about $1-$2.50 per invitation (free shipping for orders over $59), and prices vary based on the order quantity, typically 10-500 invitations.
  • Decorations and paper products for a baby shower typically range from $1 to $10 per item, for a total cost of $30-$200 or more, depending on the size of the party and the number of decorations purchased. For example, Party Pail[6] sells a variety of coordinating paper products, table covers, balloons, favors, party games, and place cards for a Wild Safari themed baby shower. A $30 order might include paper plates, cups, napkins, a tablecloth, two Mylar balloons, confetti, a banner and a party game for 15 guests. A themed diaper cake table decoration[7] can cost $90.
  • Food and cake for a baby shower typically costs $5-$10 per guest, and may include finger sandwiches, fruit and vegetable trays, cheese and crackers, and other appetizers according to Baby Shower 101[8] . It is also common to serve some type of baby shower cake for dessert, which typically costs 35 cents-$2 per slice, and up to $4 per serving for a cake from an upscale bakery.
Related articles: Baby Books, Crib, Baby Registry, Birth Announcements

What should be included:
  • A baby shower is typically hosted by a friend or family member of the expectant parent, who covers the cost of items such as food, cake, location (if hosted outside of the home), decorations, games and prizes.
Additional costs:
  • Party games and prizes are common baby shower activities, which can incur additional expenses of $20-$50 per party. For some shower games the host must buy items like diapers, baby food and baby bottles. Printed baby shower games at Party City[9] cost $2-$10 each. Small prizes are often awarded to the winners.
  • Party favors such as bags of candy, mints, or trinkets typically cost $1-$2 per guest. My Baby Shower Favors[10] sells a variety of treat containers in this price range.
Discounts:
  • 101 Baby Shower Ideas lists suggestions[11] for free baby shower locations, including a friend's home, a church, or community center.
  • National retailer Wilton offers many resources[12] for DIY baby shower cakes, candy and cookies.
  • Online retailer Oriental Trading Company offers bundles of baby shower decorations[13] for $10 and less. They also offer a free interactive party planner[14] which allows the host to choose the best date, manage RSVPs, design invitations and more.
Shopping for a baby shower:
  • Amazing Pregnancy[15] says baby showers are often held in the final two months of pregnancy, with invitations to be sent out 4-6 weeks before the shower date. The site also offers a baby shower planning guide with tips on food, decorations, location, games, and a baby shower planning checklist[16] .
  • Beaucoup lists 20 ideas for baby shower games[17] to provide guest interaction. The forums at Baby Shower 101 offer personal recommendations[18] for baby shower games and activities.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
 
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Low cost baby shower
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: Mommy to be in Tampa, FL.Posted: September 3rd, 2020 12:09PM
Number of Guests: 40Venue: Home
I spent about $200 on food/snacks/simple decor- where I served Packaged desserts (due to covid) and deli sandwiches, bbq chicken and Bread/cheese/fruit. Then I spent an additional $400 on baby shower game prizes and thank you gifts for the hosts. It was definitely worth it, because we already received over $1000 in gifts and will receive even more since our registry is still open until baby is due in 2 months. My two bffs and MIL helped set up and host the party, so I recommend having as much help as possible!
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First Baby Shower
Amount: $1,300.00
Posted by: S.quin in Orlando, FL.Posted: July 29th, 2019 12:07AM
Number of Guests: 30Venue: Hall
This was our first baby shower, even though it was for our third child. I was in Iraq at the time of first one, second one came out at 23 weeks. We really wanted to make it unique so we went over the budget but not but much (+300 over). It was amazing and a memory we will always cherish. The guests had a great time and gifts were awesome.
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Beach House Baby Shower
Amount: $750.00
Posted by: Lexi Hall in Galveston, TX.Posted: June 18th, 2019 12:06PM
Number of Guests: 35-50Venue: Beach House
My boyfriend and I spent about $400 on the venue, a beach house for 3 days and 2 nights. Close friends got to stay the night. The house slept 13, included a bar, and a fire pit. All walking distance from the beach. The decorations and serving trays were about $150-200. We used evites instead of paper ( I wanted to save the planet and some money!) My baby Shower hosts and I bought and cooked our own food which was about $120. We had Chicken Alfredo, crab croissants, veggie and fruit trays, spinach dip and cake.
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Baby shower
Amount: $450.00
Posted by: KayceeK in Clearwater, FL.Posted: June 12th, 2019 06:06AM
Number of Guests: 25Venue: Clubhouse
Party is this weekend. My mother and mother in law are covering costs. Spent 40 on invites, thank you cards, bingo game and prediction cards. Printed at home. Finger foods and drinks 100. Prizes 50. All other decor and items 240. We got handmade soaps for favors, all under the sea themed balloons and decor, and a cake. The clubhouse is a 50 dollar refundable fee. Should be a fun time!
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BaByQ
Amount: $375.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Gilbert, AZ.Posted: March 22nd, 2019 02:03PM
Number of Guests: 40Venue: Neighborhood Clubhouse
We did a BBQ baby shower, coed for all our family friends and their kids
Venue: $150 neighborhood Clubhouse
Food: $150 pulled pork sliders, potato salad, watermelon, chips, cupcakes, jello, lemonade, tea, water bottles, juice box (for kids)
Decorations: $50 venue was nice so we kept decor simple couple balloons checkered table cloth and Mason jar with sunflowers
Invitation- Free! I made a cute email invite and sent everything via email!
Games- $25 Guess Baby Food Game, Baby Shower bag game (and MTB got to keep all cute baby items)
Had tons of food and was a fun nice hang out. Especially for coed party, keep it simple. It's about spending time with friends. Good food and company and everyone will have a blast!
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Disappointed in co-hosts
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: Taken in Grand Rapids, MI.Posted: March 5th, 2019 12:03PM
Number of Guests: 35Venue: Club House
At our first meeting, I brought up what our budget was and how we would share expenses. It became clear to me that my niece and the best friend of the Mom to Be were hosts in name only. I did the Lion’s share of the work and paid for everything that the mother of the MTB didn’t already purchase. The shower was planned at 11:00am so “people wouldn’t waste their whole day” according to my niece. And on the morning of the shower it was obvious that my niece had stopped by the store that morning and got a gallon of tea and lemonade and a two gallons of ice cream. Mother of MTB brought all serving containers ice cream scoop etc. and the cake, games and gifts. Granted, I had been up to 12:30am the night before doing fruit salads, deviled eggs, chicken salad, (food was beautifully plated) flowers, cleaning and decorating the Club House. The other host brought two dirty bowls for the chips she brought. I was truly diappointed that my co-hosts didn’t make or take the time for this shower.
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Baby shower
Amount: $3,000.00
Posted by: Katdnpedro in San Pedro, CA.Posted: February 28th, 2019 08:02AM
Number of Guests: 80Venue: Clubhouse
I started planning my daughters baby shower 4mon in advance. I hand made every thing from invites to decor. I made all my own flower centerpieces as well. I had the food and beverage catered in. A lot of work but it was amazing! I would do it all over again!!
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baby shower
Amount: $800.00
Posted by: Jessue in Dallas, TX.Posted: January 21st, 2019 06:01PM
Number of Guests: 30Venue: house
260 on food
70 on cake
60 on flowers
60 on balloons
60 on mom to be attire
200 on other decorations, plates, prizes...
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Baby shower for a boy
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: Lucy chavez in Huntington Beach, CA.Posted: January 15th, 2019 09:01AM
Number of Guests: 50Venue:
I need a planner to do the decorations for the baby shower
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Baby Shower
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: Eleanor Brown in Marion, AL.Posted: December 21st, 2018 10:12AM
Number of Guests: 80 peopleVenue:
i want a baby shower on december,31,2018 and i will be having 80 people as you can see on the number of guest be sure u get this post please thank you god bless you and have a ice day.
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Dream Baby Shower
Amount: $3,000.00
Posted by: a user in Chicago, IL.Posted: February 28th, 2018 03:02PM
Number of Guests: 90Venue: Gala Banquet
Venue: 5hrs with server and Tap bar
4 course meal, desert table, lighting, cloth napkins and centerpiece all for $2000
Cake and cake pops: $240
Additional decorations for dessert table: balloons, wooden ornaments and frames $600
Prizes for baby showe games: $160
I think it is worth it because so far I have received $2500 worth of gifts and I still have 1 week till the shower where there will be more gifts
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Baby shower
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: Maria Pastrano in San Bernardino, CA.Posted: January 21st, 2018 02:01PM
Number of Guests: 35Venue:
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My First Baby Shower
Amount: $693.50
Posted by: Z.M. Harris in Chicago, IL.Posted: September 26th, 2017 12:09AM
Number of Guests: 30-40 guestsVenue: One18 Ven. $250 for 5hrs
Decorations, Dessert Table, BBS Games, Cutlery & Plates $150
Games List
•Diaper Raffle (already had raffle tickets)
•Onesies Decorating Contest (purchased clothing paint and stuff for art/ sister purchased onesies)
•Mommy To Be (already had ribbon, but u can also u a tissue roll)
Baby Shower Planner, SetUp, & Cleaning Up Fee $85
(My Family Event Planner Cost)
Customize Cake from Calumet Bakery $58.50
1/2 Sheet Cake for 35-45 ppl
Finger Foods, Beverages, and 3 Gift Cards for 3 game Winners $150
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Catered Couples & Family Baby Q
Amount: $3,000.00
Posted by: Bella Rose in Cincinnati, OH.Posted: July 22nd, 2016 12:07PM
Number of Guests: 100Venue: Community Center
Venue $250.00 rental 4 hours
Invites $100.00 Hobby Lobby-Printed @ Home
Catered Food Beef Brisket Barbeque $1,800.00 full meal with setup and a server.
Dessert/Drinks/Beer $200.00
Decorations, table cloths(paper linen like)plates, cups, centerpieces, dessert cups $200.00
Games & prizes $150.00
Barbeque Sauce jar favors $200.00 with special printed event tags
Tips, misc costs $100.00
I don't know if its worth it yet or not but if you can afford to cater any event with set up and a server, you really should, its a lot more fun for you that way.
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Baby Shower
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: Emrose in Castle Rock, CO.Posted: July 11th, 2016 02:07PM
Number of Guests: 40-50Venue: Neighborhood clubhoue
We spent the most on our venue and it was only because of the $250 deposit and the $25/3hours which we sadly didnt get back because someone spilled the punch bowl everywhere. We spent about $35-40 on food and $20 on decorations and $20 on invitations
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Baby shower for my first baby!
Amount: $1,500.00
Posted by: Emilie in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: April 21st, 2016 11:04AM
Number of Guests: 70Venue: Clubhouse
$250 for photographer, $75 for venue, $140 for valet guy, $100 for a kitchen helper, $700 on food, $100 decor and balloons, $120 invitation, thank you cards & party favors. Friends provided cake, extra food, dessert, formal table covers, centerpiece and more decor!
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baby shower
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: teuta in brooklyn, NY.Posted: March 19th, 2016 03:03PM
Number of Guests: 30Venue: brooklyn
for the boy
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Customized Baby Shower
Amount: $1,500.00
Posted by: Danita in Delray Beach, FL.Posted: February 2nd, 2014 06:02AM
Number of Guests: 50-75Venue: Rented Clubhouse
Custom Shower was planned for 100 guests whereas aprox 65 showed up! With some custom order gifted items, and some store bought! Candy/Sweets Buffet, all decorations/themed items were handmade by me and/or custom ordered. Very beautiful, my 3rd organized event & best one yet!
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Overly expensive baby shower
Amount: $8,000.00
Posted by: Mayra in Jersey, NJ.Posted: June 22nd, 2013 05:06PM
Number of Guests: 125Venue: Dinner
My son's in law took it upon herself to plan a baby shower buy everything without discussing it with me. Than came up tell me saying I own her $4000.they never asked called me and ask about my opinion or what is my budget. So I will give them only $2000. If they like it or not. Next time they will know to contact me about things that deals with my son
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On a budget baby shower
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: :)) in Las vegas, NV.Posted: January 23rd, 2013 10:01PM
Number of Guests: 30Venue: Home
I've spent $350 on everything , I made my own diaper cake, bassinet for decoration and cupcakes! I ordered finger foods from two places & bought 6 prizes for the games under $20!! All very decent gifts !!
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External Resources:
  1.  www.miftwp.org/departments/community_center/index.jsp
  2.  www.cellar56.com/index.php?page=booking
  3.  cellar56.com/menus/c56%20food%20menu%20041111.pdf
  4.  www.partycity.com/product/king+of+the+jungle+invitations+8ct.do
  5.  www.tinyprints.com/shop/baby-shower-invitations.htm
  6.  www.partypail.com/wild-safari-pink.html
  7.  www.partypail.com/wild-safari-pink-elephant-diaper-cake.html
  8.  www.babyshower101.com/baby_shower_food.html
  9.  www.partycity.com/category/baby+showers/games.do
  10.  www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/cheap.html
  11.  www.101babyshowerideas.com/baby-shower-locations.htm
  12.  www.wilton.com/celebrations/Baby-Shower/
  13.  www.orientaltrading.com/baby-boy-decorating-kit-a2-42_1133.fltr?prodCatId=388626&t...
  14.  www.orientaltrading.com/s3-mlp_1_party-planner.fltr
  15.  www.amazingpregnancy.com/baby-shower/
  16.  www.amazingpregnancy.com/baby-shower//checklist.html
  17.  www.beau-coup.com/baby_shower_games.htm
  18.  www.babyshower101.com/forums/index.php?action=vtopic&forum=2
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