10 Baby Shower Planning Mistakes to Avoid (From 2,000+ Events)
The short answer: The most common baby shower planning mistakes are booking a space that's the wrong size, underestimating food, forgetting room for games and a dessert table, and leaving décor and timing to the last minute. After hosting hundreds of baby showers at Bat Haus over 14 years, these are the ten slip-ups we see most — and exactly how to avoid each one.
1. Choosing a space that's the wrong size
Too big and the party feels empty; too small and guests can't move during games. For 30–40 guests, look for a room that comfortably seats everyone and leaves open floor space. Fix: ask the venue what guest count actually feels comfortable, not just the maximum capacity.
2. Underestimating the food
Showers run long and guests graze the whole time. Hosts routinely order too little. Fix: plan for guests to eat across 2–3 hours, not one sitting — a generous grazing table plus a couple of hot options is the sweet spot.
3. Forgetting space for games
Baby shower games need a clear area and sightlines. A room packed wall-to-wall with tables kills the energy. Fix: keep an open zone or a flexible layout (tables on wheels help) so you can shift things for games.
4. Skipping a dedicated dessert / cake table
The cake and dessert spread is a photo centerpiece — and it gets lost if it's crammed onto the food table. Fix: give it its own table against a nice backdrop.
5. Booking the most expensive day without realizing it
Saturday afternoons book up first and cost the most. Fix: a Sunday daytime slot is often just as lovely and noticeably more affordable.
6. Paying for catering you don't need
Full-service catering minimums can double your budget. Fix: a BYO venue lets you bring trays from a favorite restaurant or a grazing spread for a fraction of the cost.
7. Over-ordering décor
Hosts often buy far more décor than a good space needs. Fix: pick a venue with natural light and greenery and let it do the work — a backdrop, balloons, and flowers are usually plenty.
8. No clear timeline for the day
Without a loose schedule, showers drift and games get rushed at the end. Fix: sketch a simple flow — arrival and grazing, games, cake, gifts, mingling — and share it with your host or helper.
9. Forgetting parking and transit info for guests
Out-of-town family especially need directions. Fix: include transit and parking notes on the invite (for us: L train to Metropolitan/Lorimer, street parking nearby).
10. Booking without seeing the space
Photos can mislead on size, light, and flow. Fix: always tour first — it's free, and it's the best way to picture your setup and avoid surprises.
Plan it the easy way
At Bat Haus, our baby shower hosts get a space that's right-sized for up to 50, room for games and a dessert table, a private backyard, BYO food and drinks with no markup, and setup and cleanup included — plus a host who's helped plan hundreds of showers and will walk you through the details.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most common baby shower planning mistake? Choosing the wrong-size space — too big feels empty, too small leaves no room for games. Always ask what guest count feels comfortable, not just the max capacity.
How much food should I plan for a baby shower? Plan for guests grazing over 2–3 hours, not a single meal. A generous grazing table plus a couple of hot options works well for 30–40 guests.
How far ahead should I book a baby shower venue? Book 2–3 months ahead, especially for weekend dates, and tour the space before booking.
Do I need a lot of décor for a baby shower? No — a venue with natural light and greenery needs only a backdrop, balloons, and a few flowers. Let the space do the work.
Written by Natalie Chan, founder of Bat Haus in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Natalie has helped plan hundreds of baby showers among 2,000+ events since 2012.
