Bridal showers and baby showers are some of the sweetest parties to plan. They are smaller than a wedding, but they still deserve a beautiful room, good food and a little breathing space for the guest of honor. The trouble is that most homes are not built for 40 guests, a gift table and a dessert spread at the same time.
Here is how to plan a shower near St. Louis that feels special without the stress, plus a look at hosting one at Romaine Valley in Fenton.
Pick a date that works for the guest of honor
For a bridal shower, most hosts aim for two to three months before the wedding. For a baby shower, four to six weeks before the due date is the sweet spot, when mom is still comfortable but the nursery list is ready. Weekend afternoons are the most popular time, so it pays to reserve the space as soon as you know the date.
Spring is a busy season for showers. If you are planning one for March, April or May, now is a great time to look at dates.
Know your guest count
Showers usually range from 20 to 60 guests, but some families invite well over that. Get a rough count early, because it decides the size of the room, the number of tables and how much food to order. A space that is a little too big is easy to make cozy. A space that is too small is hard to fix.
Choose a theme and a color palette
A simple theme makes every other decision easier. A few favorites:
- Garden party with fresh flowers, greenery and pastel linens
- Brunch with a juice and coffee bar and sweet and savory bites
- Pink and gold for a bright, classic look
- Something blue or baby blue for a soft, calm feel
- “Love is brewing” with a coffee and tea bar
Pick two or three colors and carry them through the invitations, the tables, the cake and the favors. Romaine Valley has white linens, which make an easy base for any color palette.
Plan the food
Shower food can be light. Think finger sandwiches, salads, a fruit tray, a charcuterie board and a dessert table that doubles as decor. Cupcakes, cookies and a small cake are always a hit.
At Romaine Valley, you choose your own caterer or pick one from the preferred vendor list, and they work from the full kitchen in the Grand Hall. That gives you room to keep things simple with trays and a dessert table, or go all out with a catered brunch.
Plan a few activities
Most guests come for the guest of honor, the food and the conversation. A couple of activities help the afternoon flow:
- Opening gifts, with a friend writing down who gave what for thank you notes
- A short game or two, like a trivia quiz about the couple or a baby photo guessing game
- A card station where guests write advice or wishes
- A photo spot for pictures with the guest of honor
Two to three hours is plenty for most showers. Leave room for people to simply visit.
Why a venue makes it easier
Hosting at home means cleaning before, cleaning after and squeezing everyone into the living room. A venue gives the host a chance to enjoy the party too. At Romaine Valley, showers and celebrations are held in the Grand Hall, which seats up to 350 guests, so even a large family shower has room for a gift table, a dessert spread and a sitting area. On a nice day, guests can spill out onto the covered patio.
There is also plenty of parking right on the property in Fenton, which matters when grandparents and out of town family are coming.
Bring the whole family
If family is traveling in, the six cottages on the property make it easy to turn a shower into a weekend. Guests can stay right where the party is, and the cottages are pet friendly. Learn more about the cottages.
Your shower planning checklist
- Set the date with the guest of honor
- Build the guest list and get a rough count
- Book the venue
- Choose a theme and colors
- Send invitations four to six weeks ahead
- Order the food, cake and desserts
- Plan one or two games and a photo spot
- Pick up favors and a thank you gift for the host
Plan your shower at Romaine Valley
Bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and milestone parties all feel at home here. See more on our shower and birthday party venue page, then check your date or call us at 636-748-5683. We would love to help you celebrate.
