Choose a date and time.

Consult with the guest of honor to choose a date and time for her shower. Most baby showers are held when the mom-to-be is about seven months pregnant—she's well into her pregnancy, but likely still quite comfortable. This time frame will also give her time to organize gifts after the party and decide what else she needs to buy before the baby arrives.

Determine the guest list and budget.

Once the parents-to-be have given you the full guest list (make sure it also includes email addresses or addresses of the people involved), figure out your budget. This will help guide your venue and catering choices. If you have $500 and 10 people, you can probably splurge on the venue and food. On the other hand, if you have $500 and 50 people, you may need to cut back.

Choose a location.

Consider the time of year, number of guests, and budget. Having a party in your backyard or living room is intimate, and you won’t have to pay a fee to reserve the space. If you have a long guest list or a larger budget, consider a nearby hotel or restaurant. Their staff will handle setup, catering, and cleanup, and the guest can sit back and enjoy the event. Parks or beaches can be a good option if you’re having a summer party—just check with your local council to see if you need a permit, and make sure you have a backup plan in case of rain.

Send out the invitations.

Ideally, guests should receive their invitations about six weeks before the party. This will give them plenty of time to save the date, RSVP, purchase gifts, and arrange a babysitter if needed. For a casual party, an email invitation is perfectly acceptable. If you're having a more formal party, opt for a paper invitation.

Plan the menu and decoration.

When planning a baby shower, work out these details about three weeks before the party. Purchase decorations that won't perish (wait until the day before to buy flowers, for example). Finalize the menu based on the guest of honor's tastes. Consider serving bite-sized portions to make it easier to manage the food and keep guests engaged at the event.

Make a schedule.

Next, plan the program for the baby shower. Most showers include games, gift opening, food, and drinks. The key is to organize these activities in a way that creates a fun flow that keeps guests entertained and engaged. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for guests to arrive, and offer drinks to those who walk in the door. Once everyone is there, start an activity. For example, ask guests to add photos and thoughts to a scrapbook for the guest of honor. Serve food while gifts are being opened, followed by dessert and coffee.

Choose baby shower gifts.

A welcome gift is a simple way to thank your guests for coming, and it doesn't have to be fancy. For example, give iTunes gift cards for a music theme, and bags of homemade candy or chocolates for a sugar and spice theme.

When thinking about a baby shower gift, you should also think about your guests. Other moms will appreciate magnetic frames. Scented soaps, candles or bubble baths are also popular.

To make sure you're on the right track, keep this baby shower planning checklist handy.