When to have a baby shower? The Emily Post Institute says showers are usually given four to six weeks before the baby’s due date. In a pregnancy that runs about 40 weeks, that puts the shower at around weeks 34 to 36, with invitations going out three to six weeks before it.
How many weeks before the due date?
The Emily Post Institute puts it plainly: showers are usually given four to six weeks before the baby’s due date.
March of Dimes explains that pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period, and that the due date is the date the provider thinks the baby will arrive. It counts a baby as early term from 37 weeks, 0 days, and full term from 39 weeks, 0 days. A shower four to six weeks before the due date therefore falls at around weeks 34 to 36, before even the early term window opens.
That timing matters because babies do not always wait for the due date. The CDC defines preterm birth as birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, and says it affected about 1 of every 10 babies born in the United States in 2022. That is a good reason not to push the shower later than Emily Post’s window.
A baby shower planning timeline
Counting back from a 40 week due date, the baby shower planning timeline looks like this:
| When | What happens | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Around weeks 28 to 33 | Invitations go out, three to six weeks before the shower | Emily Post Institute |
| Weeks 34 to 36 | The shower, four to six weeks before the due date | Emily Post Institute |
| From week 37 | Early term begins | March of Dimes |
| About week 40 | The due date | March of Dimes |
The venue needs to be settled before any of that, because the invitation needs an address. That makes the booking the first job, not the last. Elvia’s Event Hall recommends booking as early as possible, especially for popular dates such as weekends, holidays and quinceañera season.
When to send baby shower invitations
Emily Post’s guidance on when to send baby shower invitations is three to six weeks before the shower. For a shower at week 34, that means sending them between weeks 28 and 31. For a shower at week 36, between weeks 30 and 33.
Can you have the shower after the baby arrives?
Yes. Emily Post notes that showers can also wait until a few weeks after the birth, because some expectant couples prefer to defer receiving gifts until after the baby arrives. A baby shower after baby is born is still a shower, so the same timing rule for invitations applies: send them three to six weeks ahead.
Who should host a baby shower?
On who hosts a baby shower, Emily Post says that traditionally, close friends, cousins, aunts, sisters-in-law or co-workers of the mother-to-be hosted. Immediate family did not, because gifts are central to showers and a family host appeared self-serving.
That rule has relaxed. Emily Post now says it is appropriate for anyone to host a baby shower, as long as there is a legitimate reason. Its example is parents-to-be who live far from their hometowns, where their mothers and siblings want to host so that long-time friends can attend. It also notes that sometimes a member of the immediate family is the only sensible option.
Bridal showers have a similar history, covered in who hosts the bridal shower.
Choosing the space
- Room for the list. Elvia’s Event Hall holds 50 to 300 people and can accommodate both small gatherings and larger celebrations. For how much floor a guest list needs, see how much space you need per guest.
- The look. Whether you want elegant, modern, traditional or themed decor, Elvia’s works with you to design the setup. Packages may include linens and table decor and event decorations and themed setups.
- Food and extras. Depending on the package, that can include food and the food crew and a photo booth. Outside vendors may be allowed depending on your package.
- Getting there. Convenient parking is available for guests.
Elvia’s lists baby showers among the celebrations it hosts, and tours are encouraged. There is more on the baby shower venue page, and for the trade-off between a full package and your own vendors, see all-inclusive packages vs booking your own vendors.
Frequently asked questions
How many weeks before the due date should a baby shower be?
Four to six weeks before the due date, according to the Emily Post Institute. In a pregnancy of about 40 weeks, that is around weeks 34 to 36.
When should baby shower invitations go out?
Three to six weeks before the shower, according to Emily Post. For a shower at weeks 34 to 36, that means around weeks 28 to 33.
Can you have a baby shower after the baby is born?
Yes. Emily Post notes that showers can also wait until a few weeks after the birth, since some expectant couples prefer to receive gifts after the baby arrives.
Who is supposed to host a baby shower?
Traditionally a close friend, cousin, aunt, sister-in-law or co-worker. Emily Post now says anyone can host, as long as there is a legitimate reason.
Can the mother-to-be’s mom host the shower?
Traditionally, immediate family did not host, because it could look self-serving. Emily Post now accepts it when there is a legitimate reason, such as parents-to-be living far from home and family hosting so old friends can attend.
Can Elvia’s Event Hall host a baby shower?
Yes. Baby showers are among the celebrations the hall lists, and it holds 50 to 300 people. Contact the hall to check availability, request pricing or schedule a tour.
Planning a shower in Stockton? Settle the date and the room first, then send the invitations. Elvia’s Event Hall has been helping families and communities celebrate since 2013. Book a tour, or see the baby shower venue page. 8807 Thornton Rd Ste C, Stockton, CA 95209. Call (209) 513-3029.