Baby shower venues: How to choose the right one

You're trying to decide whether to host a baby shower at home or at a baby shower venue. You might not know exactly what you want yet, but you do know one thing: it needs to feel special.

So, what types of baby shower venues are out there? And how do you choose the right one? Rather than endlessly searching "baby shower venues near me", use this guide to focus your search. Below, you’ll learn:

• What counts as a baby shower venue

• Baby showers at home vs at a venue

• What to look for in a baby shower venue

• How to book and organise a baby shower venue

Baby shower venues explained

A baby shower venue is anywhere you can gather your favourite people to celebrate the impending arrival of a baby. For example, a village hall, local café or boutique hotel. 

Where did the custom of baby showers come from?

Baby showers began as simple afternoon teas for the mother-to-be, hosted by close friends or family. Guests would “shower” the expectant parents with gifts and good wishes. 

Although they've been a beloved tradition in America for decades, baby showers only gained popularity in the UK in the early 2000s.

Related reading: To understand more about baby showers and planning them, “What is a baby shower?” is your new best friend!

What is a baby shower venue?

Baby shower places come in all shapes and sizes. Here are just a few types of venues that hold them:

• Country house hotels

• Restaurants, cafés, and private dining rooms

• Pubs with garden spaces

• Community halls

• Your own living room! 

At its heart, a baby shower is about chatting, enjoying time together, and celebrating the mum-to-be. So, the best venues to celebrate these moments should feel instantly comfortable, welcoming, and special. 

Baby shower venues vs baby showers at home

If you've typed "baby shower venues near me" into a search engine, you'll know there's no shortage of options. The trick is knowing what to look for, and we'll get to that shortly. 

First, though, there's one big decision to make: baby shower venue or home? If only there were a table to help you compare. Oh wait…

What to look for in a baby shower venue

If you’ve decided a baby shower venue is the route for you, look for these essential elements when exploring your options:

• Accessibility and location

• Choose a venue that's easy for the mum-to-be and guests to reach.

• Look for plenty of parking and step-free access where possible.

• Make sure your venue has accessible bathrooms.

  
  

Comfort and seating

• Look for comfortable seating - baby showers can last several hours.

• Consider any guests who may need step-free access or extra support.

  
  

Size and atmosphere

• Pick a space that comfortably fits your guest list. Not too empty, not too full.

• Think about the atmosphere you want to create: Relaxed and cosy? Elegant and luxe? Match your venue to those requirements. 

• Look at the surroundings - they can make photos even more special.

  
  

Food and drink

• Check what catering options are available for baby showers.

• Make sure the venue can accommodate dietary requirements.

  
  

Hidden costs 

• Ask what's included before paying a deposit.

• Pay attention to fees such as cleaning or service charges.

• Notice whether the staff are friendly and helpful when enquiring - this can make all the difference on the day.

Afternoon tea baby shower ideas

Some popular and cute baby shower ideas include vintage, floral, and sweetie styles. Let’s explore those further:

• Vintage afternoon tea party. Think: tiered cake stands with dainty sandwiches, vintage china, and a decorative herbal tea station.

• Baby in bloom. Think: wildflower arrangements, botanical invitations, floral bakes, and mini potted plants as favours.

• Sweet as honey. Think: honey yellows, “mummy to bee" signage, bee motif decor, honey cake centrepiece, and mini jars of local honey as favours.

Many baby shower venues will handle the styling for you, and some can theme the menu too. So before you buy a single balloon, find out what's included.

Baby shower booking tips

Here are some top tips to help you enjoy a smooth booking process with a baby shower venue:

• Book 3-4 months ahead - venues can fill up fast, particularly in spring and summer

• Work backwards from the due date - baby showers are typically around weeks 28-34 of pregnancy

• Confirm rough guest numbers first - venues will ask, and it shapes everything from room options to the price

• Flag dietary needs early - including a pregnancy-safe menu for the guest of honour

• Check the timings - how long you have the room and when you can arrive to set up

  
  

Book the perfect baby shower with Springbank Manor

At Springbank Manor, our characterful venue and gardens in Lancashire are the perfect backdrop for baby showers. We love hosting baby showers and have a dedicated team to help you plan the perfect celebration. 

We’re here to make your baby shower planning a breeze, so get in touch with our friendly team for a chat about your requirements.