DEVENT planning resources
Baby Showers, Bridal Showers and Family Celebrations
The best family celebration reflects the person or people being honoured. Ask about their preferences first, then make the size, activities and invitation fit the occasion.
Ask the guest of honour
Discuss the preferred size, privacy, location and types of activities. A surprise, public announcement or gender reveal is not right for everyone. If any information is intended to remain private, agree who can know and keep it out of shared invitations and widely visible notes.
Choose hosts, venue and budget
Confirm who is paying and approving the guest list, and compare a home, restaurant or hired space. Ask about access, food, decorations, seating and setup. For an anniversary or christening, check whether a ceremony and gathering take place at different locations.
Send a useful invitation
A simple example is: “Please join us to celebrate [name] on [date] at [time], at [address]. Kindly reply by [date] to [contact].” Make the event type and any separate ceremony details clear. Gift preferences are optional; avoid making participation feel compulsory.
Baby showers and bridal showers
For a baby shower, ask the parent-to-be about timing, food, mobility and whether they prefer a small gathering or activities. For a bridal shower, involve the person being celebrated in decisions about guests and surprises. Ask a venue about outside food, decorations and setup rather than assuming they are included.
Gender reveals and private information
If the hosts want a reveal, agree who holds the information, who prepares the reveal and when it will happen. Check venue rules for any proposed materials and choose a safe, suitable activity with the provider. Keep the outcome out of invitations and shared planning notes until the hosts want it disclosed.
Anniversaries and christening gatherings
For an anniversary, consider a family meal, shared photographs or a short speech if the couple welcomes those ideas. For a christening, check the ceremony arrangements with the relevant faith leader, then tell guests the separate reception address and timing if there is one. Ask the family which customs are meaningful to them.
Plan comfortable activities and food
Choose games or activities only if the guest of honour enjoys them, and offer ways for guests to participate without pressure. Ask about individual dietary and access needs. For a family gathering with children or older guests, confirm seating, rest space and appropriate supervision.
Create a flexible schedule
Allow for arrival, food, any speeches or activity, photographs and departure. Give a lead contact the venue and supplier details, and ask about pack-down and collection. If a surprise is planned, make sure one trusted person coordinates what is shared.
Worked example · illustrative details
A relaxed baby shower
The host asks the parent-to-be whether they want games and a public announcement. They choose an afternoon tea, include the venue’s access details in the invitation and arrange a quiet place to sit. The menu is discussed with the provider after replies arrive.
Your next steps
- Ask the guest of honour about the celebration and privacy.
- Agree the hosts, guest list, location and budget.
- Send a clear invitation and collect individual requirements.
- Confirm the schedule, contacts and cleanup arrangements.
Common questions
Does a baby shower have to include games or a reveal?
No. Ask the guest of honour what they enjoy and whether they want any surprise or public announcement.
Should gift information be included?
It is optional. If the hosts include a preference, make clear that gifts are not a condition of attending.
Useful next steps
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