'$5,000 felt like the right amount.' 30 women tell us exactly how much their baby shower cost.

Anyone who is planning a baby shower can understand just how stressful and costly it can be.

From decorations to food and drinks – the baby shower bill can end up a little chunkier than anticipated for parents in the thick of planning.

But just how chunky? Well, because we're nosey, we've asked a bunch of Mamamia readers how much they ended up spending on their celebration. 

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From $0 to $12,000, here's how much money 30 parents spent on their baby shower: 

Laura

When was your baby shower? 2021.

How much did your baby shower cost? $250-300.

Why did you spend that amount? We had our baby shower in the park we wanted to have our wedding ceremony. It is right on the river too, with beautiful gardens and sculptures. We went with a white theme to be fresh and light. Food was expensive because I wanted delicious food from my favourite bakery. But having Gestational Diabetes (GD) impacted what catering I went with. My mum made GD-friendly brownies which were price effective. For drinks, I had still and sparkling water with lemon. Given most twins are born prematurely, I was really worried about having them early and not enjoying a baby shower. So I had my baby shower at 25 weeks.

Nadia

When was your baby shower? 2009.

How much did your baby shower cost? $200.

Why did you spend that amount? We had a relaxed afternoon at home with family and friends and we kept it very simple with borrowed furniture rather than hiring a venue. So we had it at home. It was lovely.

Laura

When was your baby shower? 2023.

How much did your baby shower cost? $500-800.

Why did you spend that amount? It was an easy day that was traditional with a fun twist. We got our decorations, activities, food and drinks from Kmart, Amazon, Costco and Facebook marketplace for Food, drinks and activities. It didn’t help that I’m a control freak who wants to do it all myself. It wasn’t how I planned... 

I had bought a bunch of outdoor games to play, croquet, bean bag toss and other things to have a garden party baby shower. It ended up being a 38-degree day and there was no way my guests or I were going to want to stand outside and play games. I ended up with a last-minute dash to Kmart (for the third time that week) to get some crafts and paints for the ladies to sit around and complete. 

Jess

When were your baby showers? 2015 and 2017.

How much did your baby shower cost? $350 and $100.

Why did you spend that amount? I had tea and cake at home with my loved ones. The second time around, I had an easy lunch with my loved ones and they bought their own food. They were affordable baby showers because of humility. These events are about being with the people you love, listening to their stories if they have any, pondering your new life with a child in the picture, and having some cake together. Simple. No fuss is necessary.

Courtney

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? Less than $5,000.

Why did you spend that amount? We live in a rural area far from our scattered relatives. Instead of making them travel to see a pregnant me, we waited until our baby was born to have a Sip and See party. All the relatives came and got to actually meet the baby. 

Instead of hiring a separate venue and caterers, we hosted at a cute Mexican restaurant. The venue was free or included in the catering price. It was chaos and so loud. Everyone forgot to attach cards to their gifts so I still have no idea which gift is from who. 

Holly

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $500.

Why did you spend that amount? We had a brown and pink theme. The cost of food and the number of guests made it expensive. Having it at home made it cheaper, and it was so worth it.

Pam

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $3,000.

Why did you spend that amount? The baby shower was for my grandson and it was an at-home teddy bear theme. We chose to self-cater and self-decorate. It was charming, personal and relaxed. 

Ness  

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $2,500.

Why did you spend that amount? We wanted a casual catch-up with our family and friends. The venue was inexpensive – a local bowling club that was recently renovated. Supplying food was the most expensive part. It was $1,100 for 50 people. We had a mobile pizza oven and then made pizza for lunch and then dessert pizzas later. 

We asked guests not to buy gifts (they did anyway) but to pay for drinks at club prices instead. It was so good to catch up before the bub arrived.

Despina

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $2,500.

Why did you spend that amount? I had a number of guests (coming from a Greek background) so I always look for venues that are going to give me bang for my buck. I also didn’t want to be spending all day cleaning or cooking with my mum, which is why we decided to get it catered at a local restaurant. 

I had mimosas upon arrival which I paid for, so that increased my costs. We also had a balloon garland and arch for the decorations. The cake was accompanied by dessert cups, but definitely provided a nice touch for guests when they left. It was beautiful! Everyone had a fabulous day and I had minimal to do leading up to it and on the day.

Granny to be - Jenny 

When was your baby shower? 2022 (We couldn't have one for the first bub who came in 2020).

How much did your baby shower cost? $250,

Why did you spend that amount? We had a family gathering where the kids played, gifts were shared and snacks and cake were eaten. Nothing was over the top and we kept the shower to our immediate family. We had some cute decorations from cheap shops and a tiramisu cake from a local cake shop, I made cute shower tags to hang on champagne bottles and made crackers with bubbles in them for the kids. It was really fun. We had coffee, champagne, nibbles and kids blowing bubbles on the deck and making mud pies in the sandpit. Four generations being together.

Asten 

When were your baby showers? 2017 and 2020.

How much did your baby shower cost? $300.

Why did you spend that amount? A grazing board [that wasn't] gaudy or tacky. We just did a homemade grazing board, and it looked awesome. We didn't want decorations as they are bad for the environment.

Melina

When was your baby shower? 2021.

How much did your baby shower cost? $1,600.

Why did you spend that amount? It was a three-course lunch with drinks included. [All in all], the perfect baby shower. 

Hilary

When was your baby shower? 2021.

How much did your baby shower cost? Around $100.

Why did you spend that amount? It was a laid-back catch-up with friends to celebrate our bub-to-be! We [only] paid for a delicious cake and booked a few tables in a beer garden. People came and went as they pleased. It was super relaxed and there was no pressure to spend or not spend money. We didn't have lame games or decorations. I just organised a delicious Argentinian mud cake to share amongst the guests. Chill! Super low-key! Perfect!

Read more: The baby shower debate dividing the internet.

Corrine

When was your baby shower? 2008.

How much did your baby shower cost? $250.

Why did you spend that amount? We wanted to have a BBQ/party where we could both celebrate the impending arrival of our first child with all of our friends. And we didn’t want any "games". Our event was affordable because the party was very low-key. We had it in my mum’s backyard and people brought their own meat. We supplied snacks, salads, soft drinks and alcohol. It was so much fun and zero stress. Everyone had a great time just hanging out. We were the first of our friends to have children and some of them ended up having similar events when they were expecting their own.

Katie

When was your baby shower? 2021.

How much did your baby shower cost? $300.

Why did you spend that amount? We had a relaxed high tea with the girlfriends (no baby games!) and we held it at my in-law's house and had a great relationship with the local bakery that did pastries/scones/sandwiches for a great price. It was so fun and relaxed.

Melanie

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $600.

Why did you spend that amount? It was a relaxed lunch with friends and we had home-cooked food. The venue was expensive, but we didn't have many decorations, which helped the cost. The day was relaxed, fun... and a bit awkward (but that's another story!).

Karly

When was your baby shower? 2023 (last weekend!).

How much did your baby shower cost? $500.

Why did you spend so that amount? We had a day with friends and family. It was relaxed with just a few themed decorations (not very baby themed, more just a colour scheme). It was on a Sunday arvo for lunch, so not much alcohol was needed. Decorations were just themed flowers and balloons. We accepted help and had people bring some of the food and it was perfect. There was just enough to feel special without being over the top, was more about the people we shared the day with, not about the Instagram pics!

Rowan

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $300.

Why did you spend so that amount? It was a low-key vibe with good food and nice company. We saved by having no decorations aside from a few bunches of flowers, no new outfit or hair and makeup, no meals (only a cheese board) and a small guest list.

Lau

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $300.

Why did you spend so that amount? We had a really simple afternoon for all (not just women). We had DYI food, no games, decorations from Kmart and had the baby shower at home. It went perfectly and was just what we wanted: to see all our friends before the baby arrived. That made it so there was no pressure for them to all come as soon as the baby was born. 

Chérie

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? Around $600.

Why did you spend so that amount? We had a Wild Flower Theme, and we spent the amount we did on invites, artificial flowers for the arbour, fresh flowers to go around the room and themed plates/cups. Friends and family also contributed (I used items from girlfriend's previous baby showers/parties, two girlfriends help put together and decorate a floral arbour and table decorations, a girlfriend made cupcakes, a girlfriend made baby shower cookies, a girlfriend supplied drinks, my mum and another girlfriend put together the grazing table, and a group of girlfriends organised games with prizes). Having people contribute towards the baby shower helped not make it so expensive for one person. My whole day was amazing! The joy and love I felt from everyone was a true blessing – I felt so loved, and grateful.

Marie

When was your baby shower? 2023.

How much did your baby shower cost? $500.

Why did you spend so that amount? I didn’t even call it a baby shower. It was High Tea and a chance to bring together and spend time with my village of close friends and family, those who will be there to support me and us through the coming weeks, months and years. It was so heartwarming and not long enough!

Mikaela

When was your baby shower? 2021.

How much did your baby shower cost? $800.

Why did you spend so that amount? We had a relaxed picnic with the girls. It was at a country hall, we hired the picnic set up so we didn’t have to buy everything and we used other things we already had. Also had DIY catering. It was so beautiful, relaxed and fun! The perfect celebration especially since I had seen no one due to lockdowns. 

Mel

When was your baby shower? 2019.

How much did your baby shower cost? $150.

Why did you spend so that amount? Our day was spent with loved ones celebrating before bub came. There were men and women – it was no fuss, just love. We spent on entrees/nibbles for everyone. My best friend made us a cake and everyone paid for their own drinks. We didn't want anyone to have to do too much work (and I didn't want the mental load) so we opted to have everyone come to a restaurant/bar. We booked two large tables – to avoid the function fee – and bought the first round of food. We intended to put a small tab at the bar but our family and friends were happy to pay their own way. 

Brooke 

When was your baby shower? 2005.

How much did your baby shower cost? $0.

Why did you spend so that amount? It was really low-key and mum helped with everything. It was even held at mum's house and the food was made by her too. It was perfect.

Listen to this episode of Baby Bump, a Mamamia podcast hosted by Monique Bowley and Bec Judd. Post continues after audio. 

Laura

When was your baby shower? 2015

How much did your baby shower cost? $30 on my outfit.

Why did you spend so that amount? I had no vision because my friends threw it for me. I've always thought it to be rude to throw your own shower – since it’s basically a party for people to bring you gifts! I only spent the money on my dress. My friends threw me a party at my house. It was amazing. They know just what I like so it was Grease themed and everyone dressed up!

Alex

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $1,200.

Why did you spend so that amount? Our vibe was relaxed and inclusive. We spent the amount we did as we wanted catered food at our venue with dedicated space. It was full of love and everyone enjoyed it!

Cassandra

When was your baby shower? 2019.

How much did your baby shower cost? $300.

Why did you spend so that amount? We had the event at our home and put together a grazing table. We ordered decorations online in the months before and did it all ourselves. The cake was probably the most expensive thing, which I had professionally made. It was a bit hectic hosting an event but overall a good vibe and a lovely opportunity for friends and family to celebrate our first child. 

Becky

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $5,000.

Why did you spend so that amount? It was a garden party with a pastel theme. We spent on catering, props and venue hire. It was a really nice day with family... but we wouldn't go with the same venue again.

Lilli

When was your baby shower? 2022.

How much did your baby shower cost? $800.

Why did you spend so that amount? My sister cooked all the food! We provided basic beer, bubbles and non-alcoholic punch for the 40-50 people who were there throughout the day. If I had a smaller group, it would have obviously cost less! The bay shower was the perfect excuse to get friends and family together for a relaxed afternoon.

Lisa

When was your baby shower? 2016.

How much did your baby shower cost? $12,000.

Why did you spend so that amount? We wanted extravagance. I wanted to give my baby boy the best welcome to the world, and so I rented out the same venue my husband and I had our wedding at and got a bunch of beautiful vendors to decorate with balloons, flowers, a three-tier cake, themed snacks and a generous bar tab. We also had over 100 guests. It was wonderful.

Some names have been changed for privacy reasons. 

Feature Image: Getty.