How to Plan a Baby Shower (Godh Bharai): Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a baby shower for the new member is not just a Godh Bharai nowadays? It’s a complete celebration

From decor to food to guest lists and a lot of tiny details, it can feel overwhelming.

That’s why this checklist was prepared by the Shaahidecor team. To keep things simple and guide you step by step.

So you can focus on what really matters; warm, love-filled celebration.

Before You Begin: The Big Decisions

A baby shower function isn’t something you can just plan on the go. You need to sit down and figure out a few important things beforehand. Little planning early on makes everything else much easier later.

1. Who Is Hosting? (Maika or Sasural)

First things first, who’s actually planning this?

Traditionally, the Godh Bharai rasam (Baby shower) is hosted by the mother-to-be's family (maika). In many North Indian homes, that's still the norm.

But today, many families prefer to co-host it together, with both sides contributing to the planning and festivities.

So get it decided first. It sets the tone for everything that follows.

These days, it’s also quite common for close friends to host a separate baby shower just for the mom-to-be. It makes the whole experience even more special

2. Set a Budget

Before you get into anything else, be clear on how much you want to spend. Once you have a number in mind, break it down into:

• Venue or home setup

• Catering and sweets

• Decor and flowers

• Puja samagri (ritual items)

• Gifts and return gifts (shagun tokens)

• Games and activities

• Invites (printed or digital)

3. Fix the Guest List

In Indian families, the guest list can grow fast. It’s better to sit with the mom-to-be and decide this together.

First clarify, that you want to host something small and intimate or a big celebration? Based on that, start with a close family. Then, add relatives. And then friends.

Earlier baby shower programs only had women involved. But now many modern families invite everyone, men, kids, friends, colleagues.

Your guest list will decide your venue size, food quantity, and budget. So lock it early.

4. Pick a Date & Time

You can consult your family pandit to find an auspicious date and muhurat for the ceremony.

The ideal time for Godh Bharai rasam is the 7th month of pregnancy. It's believed to be the most sacred and auspicious phase. Some families do it in the 8th month too.

Avoid the 9th month. The due date is too close and the mother-to-be needs rest.

Daytime baby shower functions usually work best. You get good light, relaxed vibes, and it feels more traditional.

5. Choose the Venue

You don't need to look far for the perfect venue. Hosting at home, whether at maika or sasural, creates the most personal and comfortable experience for the mom-to-be   

But if you’re planning for big celebration, you can consider:

• Community halls or dharmashalas

• Banquet halls 

• Open lawns and gardens

The venue should have proper seating, ventilation, and space to move freely. these matter most.

6. Baby Shower Theme Ideas

You don’t have to go fancy, but having a simple theme makes everything look put together.

You can go for:

• Soft pastel florals (very modern, clean look)

• Simple balloon setup at home (Pink and Blue theme)

• Jungle Safari theme

• Boss baby theme

• Fairly tale theme

• Traditional theme (with marigold and brass)

Most themes these days are kept neutral, so they work well whether it’s for a baby boy or girl, and everyone can enjoy it. Just pick something that fits your space and budget. No need to overdo it.

7. Menu Ideas for Godh Bharai

Indian food is one of the best things about this celebration. Make sure to keep it homely and flavourful.

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• A custom baby shower cake

• Mini sandwiches and wraps

• Fruit chaat and sprout salad

• Paneer tikka or veg kababs

• Mocktails and nimbu paani

• Traditional Indian sweets like laddoos and barfi

You can even have a “DIY Food Station” to let the guests make their yummy treats.

Don't forget the mother-to-be's cravings. Ask her what she wants on the menu. Her comfort matters most on this day.

8. Game for Baby Shower Program

Baby shower games can be really fun if you plan on the right ones. Soon going to be parents don’t want forced or cheesy games. They just want simple moments, laughter, bonding, and good memories.

You can choose games that everyone enjoys. Not just the parents-to-be, but also dadi-dada, nana-nani, mamu-mami… basically the whole family.

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Here are some easy and fun options:

• Baby Bingo Quiz: Guests mark off baby-related words or gifts on their bingo card as they’re mentioned.

• Who’s that baby?: Everyone guesses which childhood photo belongs to which guest.

• Emoji baby song guess: Guess baby-related songs using only emojis.

• Baby Word Scramble: Unscramble mixed-up baby words as quickly as possible.

• Baby food taste test: Taste different baby foods and guess the flavour.

• Diaper change challenge: Race to see who can change a diaper the fastest (usually on a doll)

Keep prices as well for the games. This will surely make sure shy guests even play.

9. Puja Samagri Checklist

In an Indian baby shower, the godh bharai ritual is the heart of the celebration.

Family members bless the mom-to-be by placing fruits, sweets, and flowers in her lap. It’s a very emotional and special moment. So make sure you plan this properly.

Don’t leave these things for the last minute. Keep everything ready in advance:

• Haldi (turmeric)

• Kumkum (vermilion)

• Chandan (sandalwood paste)

• Coconuts (one for the ritual, extras for distribution)

• Rice grains

• Seasonal fruits for the thali

• Fresh Flowers

• Sweets

• Supari (betel nut) and paan leaves

• New cloth or dupatta for the mother-to-be

• Aarti thali with kumkum, rice, and diya

10. Return Gift Ideas for Guests

Giving a small return gift is a sweet way to thank everyone for being part of your special day. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful and useful.

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Here are some simple ideas you can consider:

• Dry fruit or sweet boxes

• Potli bags with dry fruits and a coconut

• Scented candles

• Small self-care hampers

• Cute jars with chocolates or treats

If you want to do something a little more special, you can go for a full themed tray based on your baby shower theme.

These trays usually include a mix of:

• Chocolates and sweets

• Dry fruits

• Cute caricatures or baby-themed decor

Add personalised thank you note with every return gift. 

11. Send Out Invitations Early

Once your date and guest list are set, don’t wait too long to send out invites. Sending them early gives your guests enough time to plan and be a part of your celebration.

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You can choose what works best for you:

• Digital invites

• Printed cards

Just make sure your invite clearly includes:

• Date, time, and location

• How to RSVP

• Any special instructions (like dress code or theme)

Try to send your invites 4–6 weeks in advance. It gives everyone enough time to respond and plan properly.

Gift Ideas for the Mother-to-Be

Here are some useful and thoughtful options:

• Baby clothes (newborn & 0–3 months)

• Diapers & wipes

• Baby care kits

• Swaddle blankets

• Nursing pillow

• Night lamp / baby monitor

• Trending Baby Keepsake Frames

If you want to explore more curated ideas, you can check this detailed guide on newborn baby gifts. It covers both practical and meaningful options.

Baby Shower Planning Timeline (Week-by-Week)

6–8 Weeks Before

• Decide host (maika/sasural/friends)

• Fix budget

• Draft guest list

• Finalize date & muhurat

4–5 Weeks Before

• Book venue (if needed)

• Decide theme

• Plan decor

• Send invitations

2–3 Weeks Before

• Finalize menu & caterer

• Plan games

• Order return gifts

• Prepare puja samagri list

1 Week Before

• Confirm guest count

• Final vendor follow-ups

• Buy puja items

• Arrange outfits

1–2 Days Before

• Decor setup (if at home)

• Food prep coordination

• Keep puja thali ready

• Pack return gifts

You've Got This

A baby shower doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to feel like love. 

Plan it week by week. Check things off one at a time. Ask for help when you need it.

And most of all, enjoy it. This is a special moment in someone's life. You're helping make it beautiful. If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone who's planning a baby shower right now. They'll thank you for it.