Baby Shower Venues for Rent in Chicago, IL

Your Guide to Renting Baby Shower Venues in Chicago, IL

Many will say that baby showers are the most fun parties to plan. We have to admit, though, that it can get overwhelming with so many venues and themes to choose from. 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 Party Theme

It's a tough decision! There are so many fun options 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? If 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, consider what the parents-to-be are passionate about and let that come through in the theme. They might be passionate about traveling, 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! And with Chicago's great selection of creative and unique baby shower venues, you can match the event space to the theme! 

Need a little inspiration? We've got you covered! Below are a few unique themes that will ensure the parents-to-be will remember the day forever!

Creative baby shower themes

• Rustic. This 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 pine cones, leaves, and small branches on the table. And don't forget about flower arrangements! Your  theme will tower over any other, without a doubt! Chicago's outdoor venues will be a great choice for such a party.
• Rainbow. This is another special way to celebrate one of life's biggest blessings! A rainbow-themed shower should burst with color and scream joy! Versatile event spaces in Chicago will give you a great base to decorate in rainbow colors. 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) regarding big details, such as the tablecloth. The colors will pop much more when displayed against a white backdrop!
• "About To Pop". Most moms-to-be will say that being "ready to pop" is not the cutest moment during the pregnancy. But a "ready-to-pop" theme? An adorable idea! 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, a number of companies 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 is one thing but what else could make it truly unforgettable? You and your guests will have a chance to indulge in a bunch of planned activities at your venue of choice. If you're lost for any ideas or you need some extra inspiration, have a look at some of our fun suggestions!

Fun Party Activities

• Onesie decorating station. Decorating your baby clothes can bring lots of fun to all 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 party? 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!

Still trying to figure out how to approach organizing the baby shower? You'll find plenty of fun ideas, as well as venue rental tips, on our blog!

FAQs about Baby Shower Venues in Chicago, IL

How far in advance should I book my 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 to rent 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 kinds of baby shower venues can I rent in Chicago?

It doesn’t matter what theme or size of party you have in mind, you will be able to throw it in one of Chicago’s venues. Whether you’d prefer an indoor winter venue or a garden for a summer celebration, you’ll find something just right! 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 looking for a small venue in Chicago, rent out a private room in one of the city’s hotels or event spaces. And if, on the contrary, you’re expecting a lot of guests, banquet halls are a popular option on the Chicago venue rental scene! 

What are the best baby shower locations in Chicago?

When looking for a party venue in Chicago, you have to check out some park districts and suburbs. In Irving Park you’ll be able to find plenty of cheap venues, including cute cafes and an eclectic choice of bistros perfect for a small celebration or brunch. 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. Around Lincoln Park you will find not only unique baby shower locations but also eateries 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 - they make for some of Chicago’s best kid friendly venues. 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 private baby shower venue in Chicago?

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 hosting the in a garden or on a rooftop, you should expect prices to vary from $85 to $2,000 per hour. (All data from Tagvenue.)