Struggling with planning your baby shower guest list? Whether you’re just starting out or scrambling for a final head count, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from how many to invite, to who should make the list, to RSVP timing. Let’s make this part stress-free and even a little fun.
1. How many people to invite?
First, let’s figure out how many people you want to attend. This depends mostly on your venue and budget.
- At home: Aim for 15–30 people (depending on your space).
- At a rented venue: You can go up to 50 guests or more if your budget allows.
But remember—bigger doesn’t mean better. Baby showers are often sweetest when they’re small, intimate gatherings of your closest family and friends. Bigger usually means more stress.
A good rule of thumb: Plan on 70% attendance. So if you invite 20 people, expect around 14 to come.
I typically recommend a final guest count of 15–25, which means inviting 20–35 people.
And don’t forget—you can have more than one shower! It’s totally normal to have separate gatherings for work friends, family, or church groups. Smaller, themed showers can make things easier and more personal.
2. Who to invite?
In short: Invite whoever you want!
Co-ed showers are becoming more common, and it’s totally fine to allow kids if that feels right for your crowd. But if you’d prefer something small and relaxed, just invite the women (or people) who mean the most to you.
What if you’re feeling pressure to invite someone you’d rather not? That’s where boundaries come in. Think through how you’d feel with them there—and how you’d feel if they weren’t. Sometimes setting boundaries comes with a little discomfort, but this day is about you and your baby. You get to choose.
3. When to invite?
Send invitations 4–6 weeks ahead of time.
This gives guests enough time to make arrangements—and keeps your shower top of mind before other plans pop up. If your guest list includes out-of-town family or friends, consider sending a “save the date” even earlier.
4. When to follow up?
It’s totally normal for people to forget to RSVP. Feel free to follow up 1–2 weeks before the shower. A friendly text, email, or quick phone call is more than acceptable—you’re not being annoying, you’re just being a good host!
5. Bonus Tip: Use a Guest List Tracker
Whether it’s a printable planner, a simple spreadsheet, or a free tool like Google Sheets, keeping track of your guest list will make everything easier.
Track:
- Who’s invited
- Who has RSVP’d
- Who needs a follow-up
- Gift tracking (for thank you notes later!)
Final Thoughts
Your baby shower should feel like a reflection of you—your style, your people, and your comfort level. Big or small, co-ed or women-only, at home or at a venue, there’s no one “right” way to do it.
Trust your instincts, set boundaries where you need to, and focus on what matters: celebrating this exciting new chapter in your life.
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