Baby Shower Venues for Rent in Chicago

Many will say that baby showers are the most fun parties to plan. After all, is there a more special celebration than the one of your pending bundle of joy?! You have an opportunity to pick a fun idea and run with it! We have to admit, though, that with so many baby shower themes to choose from, it can get overwhelming. So, to make your planning process slightly easier, we have put together a few ideas you may like and use for your upcoming party. 

How to pick a baby shower theme

It’s a tough decision! There are so many fun options to choose from that picking just one theme can be no mean feat. If you’re throwing the party for yourself, think carefully about your preferences and set the theme around that. Or perhaps you already have the nursery decorated? In case the answer is “YES”, match the shower’s theme with the one in your baby’s room. If you’re throwing a party for family members or friends, think about what the parents-to-be are passionate about and let that come through in the theme. They might be passionate about travelling, so why not focus on their favorite place? Or do they have a favorite TV show or band? Don’t hesitate and consider their pick for the shower’s focus!

Need a little inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Below you will find a few unique baby shower theme ideas that will ensure the parents-to-be will remember the day forever!

Creative baby shower themes:

• Rustic. Rustic baby shower themes have become popular for both boys and girls. This is why it could be a perfect choice if you’ve decided not to know the child’s gender before their birth! You can take the decor a step further and apart from simple garlands and fairy lights, put up tree-trunk cake stands with a wide range of brown-and-white desserts. You can also effortlessly put on the table pine cones, leaves and small branches. And don’t forget about flower arrangements! Your rustic baby shower theme will tower over any other, without a doubt!
• Rainbow. This is another special way to celebrate one of life’s biggest blessings! A rainbow-themed baby shower should burst with color and scream joy! We suggest you put up a balloon garland with any color you can find, decorate desserts with colorful toppers and prepare treats boasting various shades. But remember to keep it simple (ideally white) when it comes to big details, such as the tablecloth. The colors will pop much more when displayed against a white backdrop.
• “About To Pop”. Most of the moms-to-be will say that being “ready to pop” is not the cutest moment during the pregnancy. But a “ready-to-pop” baby shower theme? An absolutely adorable idea! First things first, fill the room with all things that can “pop”. As for decor, put up lots of balloons and prepare confetti cannons to shoot at some point during the party. When it comes to refreshments, get popcorn and champagne bottles (in case you’re hosting a non-alcoholic party, there is a number of companies that can provide you with alcohol-free champagne). To make the party even more fun (and “popping”), create a playlist filled with pop classics and play it in the background throughout the event!
• “Mom-to-Bee”. Is there anything sweeter than honey? The arrival of a new baby, of course! This baby shower theme idea is simply bee-autiful and we will try to give you some ideas for the start. Tiny honey pots filled with sweets, yellow and black balloons and pops of flowers are fantastic decorations for the mom-to-bee. Don’t forget about the buzz-worthy party favors! Hand your guests things like a honey body scrub, beeswax lip balms or tiny jars of honey with custom labels where you can put the date of your party and the mom’s/baby’s name. 

Having a unique theme for your baby shower is one thing but what else could make it truly unforgettable? A bunch of planned activities that you and your guests will have a chance to indulge in during the baby shower. If you’re lost for any ideas or you need some extra inspiration, have a look at some of our fun suggestions!

Fun baby shower activities:

• Onesie decorating station. Decorating your own baby clothes can bring lots of fun to all of the party guests, but also be a special (and useful) present for the mom-to-be and the baby. Prepare simple rompers, markers and any other decoration you would like to see on a baby onesie and invite your guests to have fun!
• Pin the Poop on the Diaper. You may have already played Pin the Tail on the Donkey, so why not twist this fun game a bit and play it during your baby shower? It will surely give your guests a giggle and test their “pinning” skills when blindfolded! For an even more modern twist, use the poop emoji stickers!

• Guess Who? Ask all of your guests to bring their baby photos to the party! Distribute the photos around the whole room, attach a number to each of them, distribute blank lists and have each person guess who is pictured in every photo. Whoever guessed the most, wins!

Baby Shower Venues in Chicago FAQ

How far in advance should I secure a baby shower venue in Chicago?

Baby showers are usually held four to six weeks before the baby’s due date. But before you get to celebrate the pending bundle of joy, you should find a place for the party! We recommend you start your search at least 3 months in advance. An early booking will ensure you secure the place of your dreams.

What types of spaces can I rent for my baby shower in Chicago?

It doesn’t matter what theme or size of the party you have in mind, you will be able to throw it in one of Chicago’s venues. For a laid-back celebration, you can book a loft or a studio. For feasts, we suggest you have a look at restaurants and cafes spread all over the city. If you’re planning an elegant, yet intimate party, rent out a private room in one of the city’s hotels.

What are the best areas in Chicago to host a baby shower?

When looking for a party venue in Chicago, you have to check out some park districts. In Irving Park you’ll be able to find cute cafes and an eclectic choice of eateries perfect for a fun baby shower. Wicker Park is home to minimalist spots, as well as lavish venues - no matter your style, you’ll find a place ideal for you. Have a look around Garfield Park and discover its magnificent restaurants and cute spots for the baby shower you’re planning. Around Lincoln Park you will find not only unique party venues and cafes but also restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. If you feel like celebrating in eastern Asia, have a stroll around Chinatown and check out the neighborhood’s colorful venues and family-owned restaurants. All art-loving moms-to-be shouldn’t miss out on River North! The area is filled with art galleries and studios where you’ll be able to host your baby shower. The hip West Loop is a dining hub, so you won’t have trouble finding a great spot for a party with a fantastic feast.

How much does it cost to rent a baby shower venue in Chicago?

The prices vary depending on the venue type you would like to host your baby shower in. When it comes to lofts, restaurants and cafes, you should expect rental fees to range between $40 and $800 per hour. Versatile event spaces can be rented for fees starting at $60 and getting up to $300 per hour. If you feel like celebrating outside, be it a garden or a rooftop, you should expect prices to vary from $85 to $2,000 per hour. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)