It seems like baby showers are becoming expensive events. The average baby shower costs anywhere between $200 and $1,000, with some being even more pricey. Influencers are partially to blame for this. They post their perfectly curated showers on social media and many people start comparing their showers. The reality is, you don’t have to hire a party planner or spend thousands of dollars to have a beautiful celebration. If you have been tasked with planning a baby shower for yourself, a family member, or a friend, you may be wondering how to throw a great party on a budget. Here are a few tips to help you pull it off.
1. Choose an Affordable Venue
The best place to host a baby shower, of course, is in someone’s home. However, that isn’t always possible. If you need to search for an affordable baby shower venue, it’s time to get creative. Usually, popular venues like restaurants, hotels, and breweries all have a high price tag. Instead look for unique venues like town-owned buildings, halls, historic homes, parks, or bookstores. Make sure the location allows you to bring in your own food or has a kitchen that you can use. This will save you a considerable amount of money.
2. Make Your Own Favors
Shower favors can be a huge expense, especially if you shop at candy stores or Etsy. Instead, you can make your own favors with a little creativity. Try dipping Oreos in chocolate or baking sugar cookies in baby-themed shapes. If you aren’t skilled at baking, you can repurpose Rice Krispies Treats by putting them on a stick, wrapping them in plastic, and finishing them with a bow. Depending on your theme, you can also send guests home with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in decorative containers like mason jars. The key is to think outside the box!
3. Get Food from Costco
One of the best hacks for throwing a baby shower is to make your own food and buy it at a store like Costco. Then, you can elevate the food with a few simple steps. Costco in particular has several items that will help you save money. They offer charcuterie platters, large salads, mini pancakes, macaroons, pasta salad, and more. You can look like you had the event catered by focusing on the presentation. Salad or yogurt parfaits in individual cups are cute for the occasion. You can also create grazing boards, a charcuterie spread, a butter board, or baskets of pastries for added elegance. There is plenty of inspiration on TikTok and Pinterest. Remember, light bites or a dessert bar are appropriate for a shower, especially if it’s in the afternoon. You don’t have to go all out.
4. DIY It
It may be tempting to hire a balloon artist for your event, but it will set you back hundreds of dollars. Instead, DIY projects will save you. Consider ordering a balloon arch kit on Amazon instead. You can usually find them for less than $30. The dollar store has a lot of baby decor from cute plastic strollers to add to centerpieces, balloons, and vases. With a hot glue gun and some patience, you can create stunning decor for less than half the price of a professional.
Diaper cakes are an affordable and adorable option for DIY decor too. Plus, the parent-to-be can reuse the diapers. All you need is diapers, something for support in the middle like a cardboard paper towel roll, and decorations like fake flowers and ribbon. Most sellers on Etsy charge upwards of $100 for diaper cakes, but you can easily put one together for much less.
Lastly, games are an easy thing to DIY. Instead of paying $20 on Amazon for baby trivia, create a template and print it yourself. Small purchases like games tend to add up, so be mindful and DIY as much as possible.
5. Ask for Help
When planning a party of any kind, utilize your resources. Is your friend a great baker? Ask them to make the cake! Did someone work as a florist years ago? Great, they can help with the centerpieces! It takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes one to throw a shower. You can also ask everyone to bring something potluck-style to help cut the cost of the celebration.
6. Find Affordable Flowers
While you don’t have to use fresh flowers at the event, there are some options for doing so affordably. Many people buy their flowers at Trader Joe’s for savings. The typical bouquet from Trader Joe’s can be as little as $4. You also can order flowers from Sam’s Club or Costco in bulk for a reasonable price. Wood flowers are also a great option if you want to decorate more sustainably. Several online sites sell wood flowers and all the supplies you’ll need such as containers, wire, and Styrofoam. Plus, this is something the mom-to-be can have as a keepsake from the special day or they can double as party favors.
7. Utilize Discount Sites
If you need party items like table runners or game prizes, don’t go to a big box party store. Instead, use sites like Oriental Trading or Temu to find what you need. You can also check out your local Dollar General to see what they have available. Another great tip is that many people have leftover decorations from their showers that they sell on Facebook Marketplace. Keep an eye out for items in your area. This option is so much more affordable than buying items at a party store.
Throwing an Affordable Baby Shower
Throwing a baby shower can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips in your back pocket, you can plan a shower on a budget. If you find that you’re still overwhelmed with the cost, you might consider alternatives to the traditional get-together. Many moms have hosted nesting parties or virtual showers to eliminate the cost of throwing a baby shower altogether. At the end of the day, your friends and family will be excited to celebrate the new baby.
Do you have any special tips for throwing a baby shower on a budget? Let us know your secrets in the comments.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
