Should I be paying for my own baby shower

Yes

Yes you are xx

I think it depends. I’m hosting my baby shower at a restaurant and covering decor, snacks, cake and favours. As a single mum-to-be, I can’t afford to pay for everyone’s meal, so guests can order food if they’d like (at their own expense). I think the key is communication and letting them know in advance.

For us culturally you don’t invite people to things if you cannot cover all costs.
It’s like you have an idea and plan something yourself and then want people to spend when it was all your idea.. if that makes sense?xx

Yes you should pay for it yourself

Traditionally/ in my culture, a baby shower is hosted by a close friend or family member, often a sister. I don’t have a sister, and my family lives on a different continent, so I’ve had to organise it myself. London is an incredibly expensive city, and while some people may be able to cover a meal for 20 guests, that’s simply not realistic for me right now. But just because I can't foot the entire bill doesn’t mean I should miss out on celebrating this huge moment in my life. IMHO, it’s 2025- traditions evolve, and I believe what matters most is coming together to share joy, not who pays the bill.

I feel you hun! I personally am one of those that always likes to fit the bill for everyone im with so my culture sits pretty well with me haha but i absolutely do not judge and would attend events/parties where i know i have to pay for myself 🩵🩵🥰

thanks Olivia. It’s not the guests paying, more so if I should ask his family to pay. My sister and his sister are helping me, plus a good friend of mine. I dnt want to ask/assume or overtake. I’m certain they are paying for the catering and that’s the biggest expense for 70 odd guests, as well as it being at their home so no venue hire, which is so kind of them to allow it in their home. As long as it’s not something my side of the family is meant to contribute to, unless they wish to, and I believe they will want to contribute to some deserts of something. Makes sense what all are saying, there’s no right or wrong these days and main thing to get together and be clear on communication xox

Oooooh girl take all their money 😂😂 jk!
Personally I wouldn’t ask my other half’s family to pay for anything but that’s because of dynamics and I’ve never seen my husband ask them to cover any costs so I’d just get my family to cover costs if it’s too much for me alone, plus his family always give us more gifts than mine so I don’t have it in my heart to really ask them for anything haha xx
BUT you’re spot on, it’s all about clear communication, they’re your family too now so no harm in them chipping in x

I wouldn’t ask his family to pay if you’re not prepared to ask your family to pay.
If his family are already covering the catering and providing the venue that’s more than enough.

My husband organized an afternoon tea for the baby shower. My mum and dad paid for our wedding and got the baby big gifts (pram cot etc). My husband’s mum and dad didn’t even send a card or call when she was born. Just sent an email to my husband saying congratulations! 🙄. That’s been all and she’s now 8 weeks! Sorry that was a vent only slightly related to your question…

Interesting to hear the differences I thought it was a US thing to pay but noticed this was the England page! I offered to pay costs at mine and my friend organising it said there’s no way you’re paying anything at your own baby shower so I guess it’s up to the group - if I was having it at home then I’d cover the costs x

Thank u all. It’s more of a cultural thing but we pretty modern and western. Very helpful and wishing each and everyone of u a lovely rest of ur pregnancies xox