Planning a baby shower this summer and want to do it in style? From fresh, floral, or totally unique ideas to custom menus and homemade cocktails, I’ve got you covered! Simply use these ideas to help bring your celebration to life.
1 | Confirm the Date and Venue
Before anything else, lock in the date and choose a venue that works for the guest of honor and key attendees. Summer opens up so many possibilities—a lush garden, a charming backyard, or even a rooftop terrace with twinkling lights. If the event is indoors, pick a space with good natural light and plenty of room for guests to move around comfortably. Make sure to consider the weather—having shade, fans, or an indoor backup plan is a must for an outdoor event.
2| Send Out Formal Invitations
Even in the digital age, a well-thought-out invitation sets the tone for a special event. If you love tradition, opt for beautifully printed invitations with a soft color palette or embossed lettering. For a modern touch, an elegant electronic invite works just as well. The key is to make it feel intentional—whether that’s a handwritten note or an animated email invitation with charming details about the theme.
3| Pick a Theme That Feels Personal
A cohesive theme makes the event feel put together and creates a seamless flow for decor, menu, and activities. Whether it’s something classic like “Baby in Bloom” or playful like a citrus or honey bee theme, choose a concept that reflects the personality of the mom-to-be. The best themes feel fresh, elegant, and easy to execute without feeling overdone.
4| Create an Elevated Menu
The food at a baby shower should feel indulgent but effortless. Since it’s summer, lean into fresh flavors—seasonal fruit platters, light salads, and delicious small bites that are easy to enjoy while mingling. Instead of heavy entrées, consider a beautifully arranged grazing table with artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh-baked bread. A mini brunch setup with delicate pastries, quiches, and yogurt parfaits is another great option for a daytime event. Don’t forget the baby shower cake. If you need inspiration, here are 50 baby shower cake ideas to inspire you.
5| Make Custom Drinks to Fit the Theme
A baby shower calls for something special beyond the usual drinks. A mocktail station with refreshing summer flavors like peach, lavender lemonade, or watermelon basil is a gorgeous touch. If the mom-to-be is okay with guests enjoying alcohol, consider pairing a signature non-alcoholic drink with a cocktail version for a sophisticated twist. Personalized drink stirrers, fruit garnishes, and elegant glassware take it to the next level.
6| Decorate with Balloons and a Stunning Backdrop
Balloons instantly transform a space, especially when paired with a statement backdrop. A soft, neutral balloon arch with pampas grass for a boho vibe, pastel clusters for a classic baby shower look, or bold, citrus-colored balloons for a fun summer feel are all beautiful choices. Pair them with a fabric backdrop, a floral wall, or even an elegant sign featuring the baby’s name or a meaningful quote.
7| Play Games That Guests Actually Enjoy
Gone are the days of awkward, overplayed baby shower games. Keep it engaging with games that are fun but don’t feel forced. A “Who Knows Mom Best?” quiz, a guessing game with baby pictures of the parents, or a fun round of baby-related charades will keep guests entertained. The goal is to create laughter and conversation without making anyone feel uncomfortable.
8| Set Up a DIY Onesie Decorating Station
A DIY onesie station is both a fun activity and a sentimental gift for the parents-to-be. Lay out plain white onesies in different sizes, along with fabric markers, iron-on patches, and stencils. Guests can create adorable designs or write sweet messages for the baby. Not only does it keep everyone engaged, but it also leaves the parents with meaningful keepsakes.
9| Ask Guests to Bring a Book Instead of a Card
Instead of traditional greeting cards, ask guests to bring a children’s book with a handwritten message inside. This thoughtful touch helps build a beautiful library for the baby while giving mom and dad meaningful notes to cherish. Classic books, bedtime stories, or even childhood favorites from guests’ own experiences make this an incredibly special tradition.
10| Give Handmade Party Favors
A party favor should feel like a genuine thank-you gift rather than an afterthought. Small handmade gifts like mini jars of local honey, personalized candles, or tiny potted succulents make perfect summer baby shower favors. Packaging them with a handwritten thank-you tag or a ribbon that matches the theme adds an extra special touch.
11| Try Baby in Bloom (Blue) theme
This theme is perfect if you’re celebrating a baby boy but still want that fresh, floral elegance. It features soft blue hydrangeas, delicate watercolor floral invitations, and dreamy decorations that make the whole space feel airy and light.
To nail this theme, you’ll need floral centerpieces, blue and peach balloon backdrop, a baby in bloom sign, and blue-themed baby shower favors.
12| Try the Citrus theme “a little cutie”
If you’ld like a bright and cheerful setup with orange, yellow, and green then you should consider this citrus-themed decor.
It’s a fresh, zesty theme that’s perfect for a morning or early afternoon celebration. It features bright pops of orange, lemon, and lime, paired with rustic wooden accents and refreshing drinks like homemade lemonade or citrus-infused water.
@wowmyparty
Some Etsy must-haves for this theme? Adorable ‘A Little Cutie is on the Way’ baby shower decorations, citrus drinks station, themed cookies and a bright orange backdrop. They’ll add the perfect touch of sweetness to your setup.
13| Try a Wildflower Baby Shower Theme
If you love a natural, boho vibe, a ‘Wildflower Baby Shower’ is the way to go. This theme feels effortlessly beautiful, with delicate wildflower centerpieces, soft pastels, and an outdoor garden setting.
14| Try the Bee Theme (‘Mommy-to-Bee’)
This one is so cute, playful, and sweet – literally! Honey-inspired treats, honeycomb decorations, and black and yellow accents make this shower feel extra special.
To make it even more special, you need honey jar favors, bee-shaped cookies, and a ‘Mommy-to-Bee’ banner hanging in the background.
15| Try the Berry Sweet Strawberry Theme
The ‘Berry Sweet Strawberry’ baby shower theme is vibrant, playful, and full of charm.
You’ll need a dessert table filled with strawberry shortcakes, pink and red decorations, and adorable strawberry-print banners.
Having strawberry-themed cupcakes, pink floral arrangements, and a strawberry-inspired invitation will help you bring this theme to life.
16| Create a Beautiful Dessert Table
A well-designed dessert table serves as both a focal point and a sweet treat for guests. Cupcakes, macarons, cookies, and a small cake can be arranged on tiered stands for a stunning visual effect. Coordinating the colors with the overall theme makes it feel even more put together.
17| Make a Stunning Baby Shower Centerpiece
A standout centerpiece ties the whole look of the event together. A floral arrangement in a unique container (like a vintage baby carriage or a wooden crate) makes a gorgeous statement. For a more modern approach, floating candles in glass vases or a cascading greenery arrangement add elegance.
18| Have Guests Sign a Guest Book with Advice for Mom
Instead of a traditional guest book, invite friends and family to leave words of wisdom for the mom-to-be. A beautiful notebook, a set of notecards, or even a framed print with space for handwritten messages will become a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Final thoughts
A summer baby shower is the perfect chance to create an event that’s not just beautiful but also meaningful. With a little creativity, thoughtful details, and a theme that feels personal, you can make this celebration feel like a truly unforgettable experience.
Happy planning, and I’ll see you in the next one!”
