Baby Shower Venues for Hire in London

Baby Shower Venues Hire Guide

When it comes to party venue hunting, London has everything you could dream of. Beautiful outdoor locations, themed cafes, cosy restaurants and event venues are easy to come by all over the city. Tagvenue offers a list of amazing locations in London for all sorts of baby showers and allows you to compare prices, read reviews and contact venue managers online, with no additional fees! If you feel lost with all this choice, we’ve got you covered - simply read this guide on how to find the best baby shower venue near you.

How to Hire a Perfect Baby Shower Venue in London

Before you even start looking for the best event space in London for your baby shower party, you should get a grasp on how you want this event to be. How many guests are you going to invite? How much can you spend for the baby shower? Do you want to prepare food for the occasion, or would you rather hire a catering service to do it for you? 

Either way, you should start by coming up with two important numbers - your budget and the number of guests. Remember that you can organise a great baby shower on any budget in London if you get creative about it. For example, you can ask your guests to prepare dishes for the occasion, splitting both the effort and the cost of food preparation. When it comes to the venue hire, which will be a substantial part of your budget, you can look for outdoor spaces or empty rooms for hire and decorate them yourself. Finding a venue that’s further from the city centre will also help drive the prices down. London is full of fantastic cheap baby shower venues, so we are sure you can find an ideal fit for your intimate event without breaking the bank! As for the guests, make sure to invite them at least a few weeks in advance so that they have time to confirm their arrival and prepare their gifts.

When it comes to the location of your baby shower, you can take a few different approaches. While you will find most baby shower venues in Central London, the outer parts of the city can also have the type of party space you’re looking for. If most of your family lives in the same neighbourhood, you should start looking for baby shower venues for hire in that area. You can do that by using the interactive venue map on Tagvenue - just zoom in towards your neighbourhood, and you will see all the options available in your area. You can do the same thing with airports and train stations if you have family coming from another city. Every baby shower venue page shows the closest tube or bus connection so that you can plan your commute in advance.

What would a baby shower be without the gifts? Before you send out your invites, you should make a gift register, or another way of ensuring that everyone will buy something different and useful for the baby. If you’re a family member or friend organising the party for the parents - you should consult this list with them. You don't want a situation where multiple people purchase the exact same gift!

Another thing you can think about is the theme of your baby shower. The most common way to work a theme into a baby shower party is doing a gender reveal. You can make the decorations, the cake, or even some other food items either blue or pink, depending on the gender of the baby. You can also just ask the parents about their preferences - if you open your mind and be creative, you’ll come up with something special to make the baby shower party unforgettable! 

When it comes to food and beverages, you have four options:

• Prepare the food yourself
• Ask the guests to cook some of the dishes
• Hire a catering firm
• Book a baby shower venue with in-house catering

In most cases you should consider all of these options - ask the family members and venue managers if they can help you out.

What are the best baby shower activities?

Looking for a way to make this baby shower more interesting? You can do that with some games and activities. We searched for some of the best games to play with your friends and family to make your baby shower party much more memorable. Here are our top 3 baby shower activities: 

• Onesie Painting - It’s almost like a guest book that the baby can wear! You’re going to need a plain white onesie and a set of paint meant for clothing. Feel free to let your guests get creative!
• Baby Picture Guessing - Ask all the baby shower guests to bring at least one of their pictures from when they were babies. Then make a trivia game where everyone has to match the baby picture with the right guest. It’s a great way to break the ice and start conversations!
• Gift Bingo - Usually the gifts for a baby shower are quite similar to each other. Find a baby shower bingo template and make people play a funny game while the parents receive gifts.

Essential Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower in London

Preparing a baby shower in London requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. This guide provides an essential checklist to organise a memorable event, from selecting the perfect baby shower venue to ensuring every decoration detail is in place.

Determine the Type of Baby Shower

Firstly, decide on the type of baby shower you wish to host. London offers many options, from elegant high teas near Buckingham Palace or Kensington Gardens to casual gatherings in cosy baby shower pubs in Shoreditch or Soho. Consider whether you want a traditional party, a gender reveal, or a more modern, inclusive celebration.

Selecting the Venue

Choosing the right venue for the baby shower is paramount. London's baby shower spaces range from luxurious ballrooms in hotels near Hyde Park to charming garden venues and outdoor baby shower locations in Hampstead or Greenwich. Consider spaces like:

• Private dining rooms in Michelin-starred restaurants for an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere.
• Community halls and clubhouses in neighbourhoods like Fulham or Clapham for a more relaxed, spacious setting and affordable baby shower venue hire.
• Art galleries and museums for a culturally rich setting, offering unique experiences in locations such as South Kensington or near the Tate Modern.

Sending Out Invitations

Once the venue is booked, design your invitations to match the baby shower's theme. Include essential details like the date, time, location (with directions), and RSVP information. Consider digital invitations for ease and efficiency or bespoke paper invitations for a touch of elegance.

Catering and Menu Planning

For your baby shower in London, there are many catering options to choose from:

• Afternoon tea catering, featuring an assortment of scones, sandwiches, and pastries, is perfect for venues in posh areas like Mayfair or Belgravia.
• Customised menus from local caterers, including options for dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Food trucks for a casual, outdoor baby shower in Victoria Park or the Southbank.

Incorporate traditional British fare or choose a menu that reflects your tastes and heritage.

Decorations and Theme

Decorations transform a venue and set the mood for the celebration. Decide on a theme that aligns with the venue's aesthetics. London provides endless inspiration, from the Royal Parks' natural beauty to the historical charm of its Victorian and Georgian architecture. Consider:

• Floral arrangements from local florists in Covent Garden or Chelsea.
• Bespoke decorations that incorporate elements of London, such as miniature London buses or Big Ben-themed centrepieces.
• Eco-friendly decorations that involve using sustainable materials and local, seasonal flowers.

Entertainment and Activities

You should plan activities that match the tone of the event and the interests of your guests. 

• Crafting workshops (e.g., making custom onesies or baby hats) are ideal for creative spaces or artist studios in Hackney or Brixton.
• Professional photography sessions, capturing the day with London's skyline or the Thames as a background if you pick a riverfront baby shower space.
• Live music or DJ, selecting genres that resonate with the city's eclectic music scene.

Gifts and Favours

Choose thoughtful favours to thank your guests for their attendance and support.:

• Handmade gifts, such as scented candles or bespoke chocolates sourced from London's markets like Borough or Portobello Road Market.
• Personalised keepsakes that reflect the baby shower's theme or London's iconic symbols.

Logistics and Accommodations

Consider transportation options, and parking near the venue, ensuring everyone can easily arrive and depart. For guests travelling from outside London, provide information on nearby accommodations, from luxury hotels in the West End to charming B&Bs in Notting Hill. You can also go for a baby shower venue with accommodation, for example a hotel function room!

Planning and Coordination

Lastly, ensure a seamless event by hiring a baby shower planner or coordinator familiar with London's best vendors and venues. They can handle logistics, from setup and decoration to coordinating with the venue and caterers, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without stress.

Baby Shower Themes and How to Implement Them in London Venues

Storybook Fantasy at a Historical Baby Shower Venue

• Theme Idea: Transport your guests into the magical world of classic children's storybooks. Think of timeless tales like "Peter Pan," "Alice in Wonderland," or "Winnie the Pooh."
• Venue and Decor: Decorate with whimsical elements like oversized books, teacup centrepieces, and a pathway of vintage clocks or golden keys. Use soft pastel colours and antique furniture to enhance the storybook atmosphere.
• Activities: Organise a storybook reading corner, a character dress-up contest, or a treasure hunt based on the chosen tale.

Royal Baby Elegance at a Luxury Hotel

• Theme Idea: Inspired by the city's royal family, create an elegant, royal-themed baby shower. This theme can include elements of sophistication and regality, perfect if you love a touch of luxury.
• Venue and Decor: Select a luxury hotel in central London, perhaps near Buckingham Palace or in the exclusive Mayfair district. Decorate with plush velvet drapes, gold and silver accents, and elegant floral arrangements. Incorporate crowns, tiaras, and sceptres as part of the table settings.
• Activities: Host a high tea with a selection of fine teas, sandwiches, and pastries. Consider a classical music ensemble to add to the ambiance.

English Garden Party in a Private Garden 

• Theme Idea: Embrace the beauty of nature with an English garden party theme, ideal for spring or summer baby showers. This theme is perfect for a more relaxed daytime event.
• Venue and Decor: Look for a botanical garden or a venue with a beautiful garden in areas like Kew or Hampstead Heath. Use floral patterns, garden furniture, and string lights to create a whimsical outdoor setting. Centrepieces can be made from wildflowers and traditional English garden flowers.
• Activities: Plan garden games such as croquet and a flower-arranging workshop. Set up a picnic area with blankets and baskets filled with gourmet treats.

Contemporary Chic in an Urban Space

• Theme Idea: Opt for a contemporary chic theme for a modern and stylish baby shower. This theme is suitable for fashion-forward parents and offers a sleek, minimalist approach.
• Venue and Decor: Choose an urban loft or a contemporary art gallery in trendy districts like Shoreditch or South Bank. Use a monochrome colour scheme with pops of colour for a modern look. Incorporate geometric shapes and metallic elements in the decor.
• Activities: Have a mocktail bar with a professional mixologist, a custom fragrance station, or a modern art workshop where guests can create artwork for the baby's nursery.

Vintage Tea Party at a Quaint Café

• Theme Idea: A vintage tea party theme is perfect for a cosy, intimate baby shower. This theme refers to the 1940s and 1950s charm, offering a nostalgic and warm atmosphere.
• Venue and Decor: Select a quaint baby shower café or a tearoom in Notting Hill or Covent Garden. Decorate with lace tablecloths, porcelain teapots, and vintage china. Use pastel balloons and bunting for a festive feel.
• Activities: Serve traditional British tea, scones, and finger sandwiches. Organise old-fashioned games like bingo or a hat-making workshop for a fun, interactive experience.

Tips for Planning Your Baby Shower in London Venues:

• Book Early: The best baby shower venues in London can fill up quickly, especially in popular areas or during peak seasons. Early booking ensures you get your desired location.
• Weather Contingency: For outdoor baby showers, always have a backup plan in case of unpredictable London weather.
• Local Flavours: Incorporate local London specialities into your menu or activities to give your baby shower a unique touch.

FAQs about Baby Shower Venues in London

How do I organise a memorable baby shower in London?

There are many ways to make your baby shower party memorable. For example you can decorate the event space in a fun way or come up with engaging games for all the guests. You can also pick a party room with a unique theme that will do the work for you. Why not organise a themed baby shower? The roaring 20s, hippie 70s or anything else, let your creative juices run free! There are plenty of great quirky baby shower venues for hire or, if you'd prefer to have full control over the decor, top-rated blank canvas event spaces.

Which kinds of venues for baby showers can I hire in London?

The venue type that you pick for your baby shower highly depends on your personal preferences and what kind of atmosphere you’re going for. You can choose to have a classy party in a restaurant, or a relaxed one in a café. One of the most popular options is organising a tea party for your baby shower, since London has an abundance of afternoon tea venues!

How do I organise an affordable baby shower party in London?

Having a baby shower on a budget can be a challenge in London, but we have some tips and tricks up our sleeve. If your guest list is already as short as possible, but you’re still not fitting into your ideal price range, consider asking someone to co-host. There are venues that allow you to bring in your own alcohol or dessert, which can lower the final cost. If you bring your own decorations and pre-prepared games, you can choose a plain, cheaper baby shower venue and spice it up yourself.

How much does it cost to hire a baby shower venue in London?

The cheapest event venues suitable for a small baby shower start at around £15. If you want to go for a minimum spend venue, expect prices between £100 and £1000 or beyond. Private baby shower venue hire costs will depend on the size of the space, proximity to the city centre, and the facilities included with the hire. (All data from Tagvenue.)