Baby Shower Budget Planner (Templates & Cost Breakdown)
Plan your shower without stress. Average costs, category breakdowns, sample $50/$150/$300 budgets, and a printable planner to track spend.
By BabyWelcome TeamUpdated 2025-01-13
💰 Download Your Budget Tracker
Get our free printable budget spreadsheet with all categories and tracking columns. Stay organized and on budget!
Download Free Budget SheetAverage Costs (typical ranges, US)
Per Guest Costs:
- Food & drinks:$2–8/guest
- Cake/dessert:$25–120
- Decor & printables:$15–150
- Games & prizes:$10–40
One-Time Costs:
- Invites (print/digital):$0–60
- Venue (if renting):$0–200
Budget by Category (checklist)
Venue
Invitations
Decor/backdrop
Tableware
Food/drinks
Cake/desserts
Games/prizes
Favors
Photo/lighting
Misc (tape, hooks, ice)
Sample Budgets
$50 Budget
- • Digital invites
- • Paper fans backdrop
- • Cupcake mix
- • Lemonade
- • Emoji quiz
- • 1 small prize
Perfect for: 8-12 guests, backyard celebration
$150 Budget
- • Printed invites
- • Backdrop + lights
- • Cupcakes/bakery small cake
- • Two games
- • Prize basket
- • Simple favors
Perfect for: 15-20 guests, community center
$300 Budget
- • Styled dessert table
- • Photo corner
- • 3 games + printables
- • Upgraded cake
- • Favors for 15–20
Perfect for: 20+ guests, venue rental
Save vs. Splurge
💚 Save Smart
- • Digital invites
- • DIY backdrop
- • Borrow stands/frames
- • Grocery flowers
- • Homemade desserts
- • Simple games
💖 Splurge Wisely
- • Pro cake or dessert table
- • Photo corner
- • Keepsake signage
- • Professional photography
- • Custom favors
- • Premium venue
Tracker Template (columns)
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | Actual Cost | Paid? | Notes/Link | Assigned To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invitations | 20 | $30 | $28 | ✓ | Etsy shop | Sarah |
| Cake | 1 | $60 | - | - | Local bakery | Mom |
Download our full template with all categories pre-filled and formulas to calculate totals automatically.
Related Planning Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How many favors should we buy?
Only for those who RSVP yes + a few extras. Plan for 10-15% more than your confirmed guest count to account for last-minute additions.
Do hosts split costs?
Up to your group—note assignments on the tracker. Some families split evenly, others divide by category (one person handles food, another decor).
What's the average cost per guest?
Expect $15-25 per guest for food, drinks, and basic decor. This doesn't include venue rental or major decorations.
Ready to Plan Your Baby Shower?
Download the budget sheet template!
Get Started