While there are many decisions to make when planning a baby shower for your friend or family member, choosing a baby shower venue is one of the most important. The venue provides the backdrop for the rest of the shower and helps set the tone for the event.
The perfect venue helps you create the appropriate atmosphere for your loved one’s exciting event. Keep reading to learn what questions to ask to help you choose an ideal baby shower venue.
Choosing a venue should be one of the earliest decisions you make when planning a shower for your friend or family member. Once you’ve secured the venue, you can start planning the decor, party games, food and other fun details.
However, there are many factors to consider when choosing a venue. How many people are coming? Will you be indoors or outdoors? Is the location accessible? How far do guests have to travel? Let’s look at these factors to ensure you choose a venue that meets your loved one’s needs and prioritizes your attendees’ comfort.
First on the list is venue size. To choose the best venue for the baby shower, consider these factors:
If a venue is too small to comfortably seat your guest list, you can automatically count it out. However, a venue that’s larger than necessary can be challenging to decorate. Think about how much space you’ll need for the activities you’re planning and how a specific type of venue could tie into your theme.
For example, a large outdoor venue with trees would be perfect for a themed Winnie the Pooh-themed baby shower. If you’d prefer a cozy vibe, consider booking a restaurant or hosting the shower at your home. Whatever theme you choose, there’s a venue that offers the sense of space you’re looking for.
Another factor to consider is whether your friend or family member prefers an indoor or outdoor shower. Indoor baby showers are viable options all year long, and they can provide an extra cozy atmosphere.
Outdoor showers can be uniquely beautiful and relaxing. However, you’ll have to consider tricky factors like weather, outdoor temperatures and insects. You may also need a permit to host an event at a local outdoor venue. If your loved one’s heart is set on an outdoor baby shower, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan. That way, guests will enjoy the experience, and you won’t have to worry about factors that are out of your control.
The venue must be accessible for guests. This consideration is easy to forget, but it’s a necessary detail for hosting a successful shower.
Think about your guests and what would be most comfortable for them. Do any of your guests have mobility needs that make navigating stairs or sitting in hard chairs challenging? Does the venue have a nearby parking lot? Are the bathrooms big enough? Do any guests have seasonal allergies that would make an outdoor shower uncomfortable during the springtime?
You may be able to bring additional support for guests in some cases. Consider packing seat cushions for park benches, fans for warm days and bug spray to keep insects away. However, if a venue cannot accommodate people with mobility needs, it may be better to move your event to a more comfortable venue.
Determine whether the venue offers the following amenities or whether you’ll need to handle them yourself.
While some locations require you to organize the food, others offer catering services as part of their complete package. Choosing a venue with in-house catering services is an easy way to feed your guests. These services take the burden off you, allowing you to focus your energy on other details like decor and games. You can speak to the venue staff about their options and find a menu that reflects the shower’s theme and the soon-to-be parent’s preferences. Make sure you check about food allergies before finalizing the menu.
The venue for your loved one’s baby shower is the backdrop for the theme, so decor is another thing to consider when booking a venue. Some venues provide tables, chairs, tablecloths and other amenities. However, others simply provide a space you can set up per your preference.
Check with your venue to find out what decor you’ll need to bring and what will be provided. It’s important not to take anything for granted — details take an event from beautiful to exceptional.
Think through the games and entertainment you want for the shower. Does your friend or family member have a favorite game they’d love to play? Do the venues you’re considering offer the support you need? Some venues may offer entertainment options like TV screens, sound systems and photo backdrops.
In some cases, you might have to provide the entertainment yourself. For example, if you’d like to play music but the venue doesn’t have a sound system, you’ll need to bring your own. There is always a way to reach your entertainment goals, but you may need to be creative with how to get there. Planning ahead equips you to organize every part of your event in plenty of time.
Here’s a quick list of baby shower venues so you can start sorting through your options. Regardless of your budget, theme and location preferences, there’s a venue that will meet your goals and help turn your vision of a fun baby shower into reality.
Here are just a few venue ideas:
Before making your final decision, make sure to reach out and discuss pricing and amenities with venue staff at multiple locations. Real conversations will help you make the best decision and understand what you’ll receive when you finalize your booking.
If you’re planning a baby shower for the soon-to-be parent in your life in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, consider hosting it at the Colonial Golf and Tennis Club. Our event center is designed for beauty and functionality, and we offer a range of amenities to support your special event.
Choose between indoor and outdoor spaces, and work with our Catering Director to plan the perfect menu for your event. All catering is done in-house, making it easier for you to host the shower of your loved one’s dreams.
Whether you’re planning a large event or hosting a cozy, intimate shower, we have the perfect space to support your needs. Contact us today to reserve your baby shower!