If you're planning to hold the baby shower for the mother-to-be before her scheduled delivery, it's best to select a date that is 6 to 8 weeks before the baby is scheduled to arrive. That allows for the unexpected, such as the baby arriving earlier than expected.

Here is the suggested timeline:

6 to 8 Weeks Prior to Shower

* Begin working on the guest list and decide a date and time for the shower, whether there will be a theme, and where the shower will be held.  If it is not a suprise, work with the expectant mother, otherwise work with a relative or close friend.
* Reserve the shower location and corresponding details, if necessary
* Order/purchase/create invitations
* Create a food and beverage list
* If desired, the mother-to-be should set up baby gift registry and forward details to host
 
4 to 6 Weeks Prior to Shower

* Finalize the guest list, address and mail invitations
* Plan shower games and select the prizes
* Purchase the shower favors
* Buy decorations and coordinating paper goods (streamers, centerpieces, signage, flags, etc.)
* Finalize/organize the menu details

3 Weeks Prior to Shower

* Confirm the reservation for the shower if it is being held somewhere other than home
* If holding shower at home, begin gathering ehough tables, chairs, serving utensils, platters and bowls to accommodate all the guests and food

1 Week Prior to Shower

* Outline schedule of activities – games, food, gift opening, and entertainment
* Contact guests who did not RSVP so you can finalize guest count
* If shower will be held at home, start cleaning
* Order cake
* If using fresh flowers, order flowers/floral arrangements
* Begin shopping for food ingredients
* Prepare foods that can be frozen
* Coordinate transportation to and from location for mother-to-be (remember she'll leave with much more than she arrived with!)

2 Days Prior to Shower

* If hosting at home, rearrange furniture to accommodate guests' table and chairs and decorate
* Reconfirm cake order
* Reconfirm shower location details if not held at home
* Identify and decorate a gift table
* Begin prep work for food

1 Day Before

* Finish preparing food
* Finish cleaning house (if applicable)
* Select a comfortable chair for mother-to-be and position it prominently
* Get cameras ready
* Order balloons to mark the party location
* Put out garbage receptacles/bags for wrappings and other trash

Day of Baby Shower

* If shower is being held somewhere other than home, arrive before shower begins to decorate and to check on food, drinks, cake, and other details.

Otherwise...
* Arrange food and beverages on designated tables
* Pick up flowers/floral arrangements
* Pick up balloon bouquets
* Pick up cake
* Greet guests upon arrival
* Stick to the schedule of activities
* Try to relax and have fun too!