Baby Shower Guest List Manager

The average baby shower has 15–30 guests. Intimate showers run 10–15 people (close family and best friends only), while larger showers can go up to 50+ for a community-style celebration. The right size depends on the mama-to-be's personality, the venue, and your budget — a smaller, more personal shower is often more meaningful than a large one.

Send baby shower invitations 4–6 weeks before the shower date. This gives guests enough time to RSVP, buy a gift, and arrange travel if needed. Send save-the-dates 2–3 months in advance if guests need to travel or if the shower is during a busy season (spring or fall). The shower itself is typically held 4–6 weeks before the due date.

Traditionally, baby showers were women-only events for close family and friends of the expectant mother. Today, co-ed 'baby sprinkles' or 'sip and sees' are equally common, and it's normal to invite couples, partners, and male friends. Workplace baby showers are also standard. The guest list is ultimately up to the parents-to-be — invite whoever you want celebrating with you.

The most reliable RSVP method is a direct ask — a phone call or text to each guest — since printed RSVP cards have a low return rate. Digital RSVPs via Evite, Google Forms, or text work well for most groups. Set your RSVP deadline 2 weeks before the shower so you have time to finalize food and seating. Use this tracker to mark who has confirmed.

Have someone take notes during gift opening — write down who gave what in real time, as it's easy to forget after 20+ gifts. Or use this tracker to log each guest's gift as it's opened. Send thank-you notes within 2–3 weeks of the shower, or within 2 weeks of the baby's birth if gifts arrive late. A personal, specific note ('we love the Snoo you gave us — it's already our favorite thing') is always more meaningful than a generic card.