Who Pays for the Baby Shower: A Complete Guide for 2025

Baby showers are one of the most cherished traditions for expecting families. They bring loved ones together to celebrate the joy of new life and show support for the parents-to-be. Along with the excitement, however, comes a practical question: who pays for the baby shower?

In 2025, the answer is more flexible than ever. While tradition once dictated that close friends hosted and covered the costs, modern families now take a more collaborative approach. Parents, siblings, coworkers, or multiple co-hosts may share the responsibility. The key is communication and fairness so no one feels pressured.

This guide explores baby shower etiquette, cost responsibilities, food, venues, decorations, favors, and budget-friendly ideas to help you plan a meaningful event without overspending.

Who Should Pay for the Baby Shower

Traditionally, close friends of the expectant mother hosted the baby shower and paid for everything. The reason was to avoid the impression that family members were asking for gifts.

Today, however, the responsibility can vary:

• Close friends often still host as a gift of love.
  
• Siblings or relatives may host or split costs.
  
• Parents or grandparents sometimes take on hosting duties.
  
• Coworkers usually throw casual office showers with shared contributions.
  
• Co-hosts are the most popular setup, with costs divided among multiple people.

Modern Baby Shower Etiquette in 2025

Baby shower etiquette is now less about strict rules and more about communication:

• Friends who host should set a budget they’re comfortable with.
  
• Families who host may cover all costs or share them.
  
• Parents-to-be should not demand payment but may offer to help.
  
• The focus should always remain on joy, not stress.

Who Pays for Food and Venue

Food and venue are usually the largest expenses. Payment depends on the hosting setup:

• Friends hosting – they typically cover food and venue, often choosing a living room or park.
  
• Family hosting – parents or siblings may split costs and book a restaurant or hall.
  
• Co-hosting – one person may handle catering while another covers the venue.

Affordable Baby Shower Food Ideas

• Finger sandwiches and wraps.
  
• Veggie and fruit platters.
  
• Cupcakes or mini desserts.
  
• DIY snack or drink stations.
  
• Potluck-style meals for variety and savings.

Budget-Friendly Venue Options

• Hosting at home or in a backyard.
  
• Local parks for bigger gatherings.
  
• Church halls or community centers.
  
• Workplace break rooms for office showers.
  
• Virtual showers via Zoom or Google Meet.

Who Pays for Decorations and Favors

Decorations and favors add charm but don’t have to be expensive:

• A single host often pays for both.
  
• Co-hosts may split responsibilities (décor vs. favors).
  
• DIY décor keeps it personal and budget-friendly.

Affordable Favor Ideas

• Mini candles or soaps.
  
• Seed packets or small plants.
  
• Homemade cookies in gift bags.
  
• Personalized bookmarks.
  
• Handwritten thank-you notes.

Creative Decoration Ideas

• Balloon garlands from kits.
  
• DIY photo booths with backdrops.
  
• Fresh flowers from a garden.
  
• Free printable banners and signs.
  
• Minimalist themes using one or two colors.

Cost Responsibilities in Different Hosting Setups

• Single host – covers everything.
  
• Co-hosts – split costs evenly or by category.
  
• Family-hosted showers – siblings, parents, or extended relatives share costs.
  
• Office showers – colleagues pool money for food, cake, and a gift.

Co-Hosted Baby Showers

Co-hosting is now the most common choice because it lightens both workload and financial responsibility. Examples:

• One host handles décor while another pays for food.
  
• Splitting all costs equally.
  
• Assigning each host a major responsibility like venue or favors.

When Parents Host the Baby Shower

Traditionally, parents did not host, but in 2025 it’s common and accepted. Parents may:

• Host at home and cover basics.
  
• Ask friends or siblings to help with tasks.
  
• Organize a potluck-style shower.

When Family Hosts the Baby Shower

Family-hosted showers feel intimate and warm:

• Siblings may share costs.
  
• Parents or grandparents may cover everything.
  
• Cousins and relatives often contribute with food or décor.

Traditional Hosting Rules vs. Modern Trends

Traditionally, friends hosted and paid while family avoided it to prevent appearing gift-seeking.
Today, family-hosted showers are widely accepted and very common.

Baby Shower Cost Breakdown

A typical baby shower costs $100–$2,000 depending on scale.

• Invitations – 5–10%
  
• Venue – 20–30%
  
• Food and drinks – 30–40%
  
• Decorations – 10–15%
  
• Favors and prizes – 10%
  
• Games/entertainment – 5–10%
  
• Miscellaneous – 5%

Money-Saving Tips for Baby Showers

• Host at home or outdoors.
  
• Use free digital invitations.
  
• Offer finger foods instead of catering.
  
• DIY or bulk-purchase decorations.
  
• Play free printable games.

Affordable Baby Shower Themes

• Storybook theme with children’s books.
  
• Garden party with picnic blankets.
  
• DIY photo booth with props.
  
• Minimalist one-color theme.
  
• Cultural heritage celebrations.

Fun Baby Shower Games on a Budget

• Guess the baby food flavor.
  
• Baby name race with pen and paper.
  
• Guess the due date.
  
• DIY bingo with printables.
  
• Baby trivia quizzes.

Memorable Modern Baby Shower Touches

• Polaroid guest book with instant photos.
  
• DIY photo backdrop for pictures.
  
• Slideshow of pregnancy journey.
  
• Memory jar with guest advice.
  
• Unique hashtag for online sharing.

Hosting Checklist

• Decide early who is hosting and paying.
  
• Set a fair budget.
  
• Pick theme and venue.
  
• Send invitations 4–6 weeks in advance.
  
• Divide responsibilities clearly.
  
• Confirm guest list.
  
• Prepare favors, games, and prizes.
  
• Double-check supplies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not clarifying costs early.
  
• Overspending on extras.
  
• Forgetting essentials like utensils.
  
• Expecting guests to pay big costs.
  
• Rushing with little preparation time.

Baby Shower Trends in 2025

• Hybrid (in-person + livestream) showers.
  
• Couples showers for both parents.
  
• Eco-friendly décor and gifts.
  
• Smaller, intimate gatherings.
  
• Practical or sustainable gift registries.

FAQs About Baby Shower Costs

Is it rude if parents host their own baby shower?
No, it’s widely accepted today.

Should the host pay for everything?
Traditionally yes, but costs are often shared now.

What if a host cannot afford it?
Others can co-host or cover specific parts.

Do men host baby showers?
Yes, couples’ and dad-hosted showers are popular.

How to politely decline hosting?
Be honest: “I’d love to celebrate with you, but I can’t host. I can help with planning or decorations instead.”

Final Thoughts

Baby showers are about celebrating love, joy, and the arrival of a new baby. Whether hosted by friends, family, or coworkers, the financial responsibility should feel fair and manageable.

At the end of the day, the amount spent matters far less than the memories created. A heartfelt shower can be just as meaningful as an extravagant one.