Planning a gender reveal party is one of the most exciting parts of expecting a new baby! It’s a chance to gather friends and family, share your joy, and reveal whether your little bundle of joy will be a boy or a girl.

Baby Shower vs. Gender Reveal Party: What’s the Difference?

Planning for a new baby brings so much fun and the two main ways to celebrate are baby showers and gender reveal parties. But what's the difference between the two? Both are exciting, but they each have their own special focus and timing. Here is look at the differences between these two special parties.

1. Purpose and Focus

Baby Shower: A baby shower is all about showering the mom-to-be with love and gifts to help prepare for the baby’s arrival. It’s traditionally focused on celebrating the expectant mother and giving her items she’ll need for the baby, like clothes, diapers, and baby gear.

Gender Reveal Party: A gender reveal party is all about the big reveal—sharing whether the baby is a boy or a girl. The focus is on the exciting moment when everyone finds out the baby’s gender, often with a fun and surprising reveal method.

2. Timing

When to Have a Gender Reveal Party: Gender reveal parties are usually held earlier in the pregnancy, typically around the halfway mark, when the gender can be determined via ultrasound. This is often around 20 weeks or 4-5 months into the pregnancy.

When to Have a Baby Shower: Baby showers are typically held later in the pregnancy, usually in the third trimester. This is around 6-8 weeks before the baby’s due date, giving the parents-to-be enough time to organize all the gifts and set up the nursery.

3. Gifts and Etiquette

Gifts for a Gender Reveal Party: While it’s not necessary to bring gifts to a gender reveal party, some guests may choose to bring a small token or gender-neutral present. The focus of this party is more on the reveal itself and the shared excitement.

Gifts for a Baby Shower: Guests are generally expected to bring gifts to a baby shower. These gifts often include baby essentials like clothes, toys, diapers, and other items from the mom-to-be’s registry.

4. Length of the Party

Gender Reveal Party Duration: Gender reveal parties are usually shorter and more casual, often lasting about 2-3 hours. This gives enough time for the reveal, some mingling, snacks, and a few games or activities.

Baby Shower Duration: Baby showers tend to be a bit longer, typically around 3-4 hours. This allows time for guests to socialize, play games, watch the mom-to-be open presents, and enjoy a meal or snacks.

5. Can You Have Both?

Absolutely! Many parents-to-be choose to have both a gender reveal party and a baby shower. The gender reveal party can be an exciting way to announce the baby’s gender to friends and family early on, while the baby shower later in the pregnancy focuses on preparing for the baby’s arrival with gifts and support.

Both gender reveal parties and baby showers are special in their own ways, each bringing joy as you prepare for your little one. Whether you decide to have one or both, the most important thing is to celebrate this exciting time with your loved ones.

How to Actually Keep the Surprise?

This party is pretty straightforward but you will have to decide beforehand if you want it to be a surprise for you and your partner or just for your guests. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you keep everything on track:

1. Book Your Appointment

Start by scheduling an ultrasound appointment with your doctor or midwife. This is when you'll find out the baby's gender, usually around 20 weeks into the pregnancy. Make sure to let the technician know that you want to keep the gender a secret for the reveal party.

2. Ask Your Doctor to Write Down the Gender

During your appointment, ask the technician to write the baby’s gender on a piece of paper. This ensures that the gender is kept a secret from everyone, including you!

3. Seal the Information in an Envelope

Once the gender is written down, request that it be placed in a sealed envelope. This keeps the information safe and hidden until the big reveal.

4. Deliver the Envelope

If you’re having a special cake made for the reveal, give the sealed envelope to your baker. They will use it to color the cake filling or frosting with the correct color. If you’re planning a different reveal method, such as confetti cannons or balloons, give the envelope to the person organizing that part of the party. They’ll need to know the gender to prepare the surprise.

5. Coordinate with Your Party Organizer

If someone else is handling the details of the reveal, make sure to give them the envelope as soon as you get it. Clear communication is key so they know exactly how to execute the reveal without giving away the secret.

6. Plan the Reveal Moment

Decide on the perfect moment for the reveal during your party. Whether it’s cutting the cake, popping a balloon, or another method, make sure everyone is ready and excited for the big moment!

By following these steps, you’ll keep the gender a surprise until the perfect time and make your gender reveal party a memorable event for everyone involved.

Gender Reveal Party Planning Tips: Everything You Need to Know

Choosing the Perfect Theme

A theme can make your party come together and add an extra layer of fun. Here are some popular gender reveal themes:

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

This theme is magical and can be beautifully decorated with stars, moons, and fairy lights. Gold and silver accents add a touch of sparkle.

Sports Theme

Whether it's "Touchdowns or Tutus" or "Baseball or Bows," a sports theme can be a fun way to incorporate your favorite sport into the reveal. You can use mini footballs, baseballs, or pom-poms as decorations.

He or She? What Will It Bee?

This adorable bee theme uses yellow, black, and white decorations with cute bee-related items. Think honeycomb centerpieces and bee-shaped cookies.

Prince or Princess

Go royal with crowns, tiaras, and elegant decor. Gold, silver, and regal colors like purple or deep blue can set the scene.

Nautical Theme

"Anchors Away" or "Sailor or Mermaid" themes are perfect for a summer party. Use navy blue, white, and red with cute anchor and sailboat decorations.

Fun Gender Reveal Party Names

• Touchdowns or Tutus
• Baseball or Bows
• He or She? What Will It Bee?
• Boots or Ballet
• Wheels or Heels
• Mustaches or Lipsticks
• Ties or Tiaras
• Cowboy or Cowgirl
• Prince or Princess
• Lashes or ‘Staches
• Tractors or Tiaras
• Waddle It Be?
• Bows or Arrows
• Rifles or Ruffles
• Anchors or Mermaids
• Guns or Glitter
• Superman or Wonder Woman
• King or Queen
• Racecars or Ribbons
• Camo or Cupcakes
• Dragons or Fairies
• Firetrucks or Fairy Dust
• Rockets or Rainbows
• Jungle or Jewels
• Sports or Sparkles

Sending Invitations

Sending out invitations early enough ensures that your guests have enough time to plan and attend. Here are some tips:

Timing

Aim to send out invitations about 4-6 weeks before the party. This gives guests ample time to RSVP and adjust their schedules.

Digital vs. Paper Invitations

Digital invitations are quick and eco-friendly. Websites like Evite or Paperless Post offer beautiful designs. If you prefer traditional paper invites, Etsy has tons of customizable options. For the last party I organized, I used star-shaped paper invites that matched our "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" theme. They were a hit!

Information to Include

Ensure your invitations include the date, time, location, RSVP details, and any theme or dress code instructions. A little teaser about the reveal can also build excitement!

Decorations That Dazzle

Decorations set the mood for your party. Here’s how to make your space look amazing:

Color Scheme

Use both pink and blue to keep everyone guessing. Incorporate your theme’s colors to tie everything together. For example, our star-themed party had gold, silver, pink, and blue accents.

Balloons and Streamers

Balloons are a must! Mix in some themed balloons with plain pink and blue ones. Streamers, banners, and garlands can add a festive touch.

Table Settings

Set up a beautiful table with themed tablecloths, plates, cups, and napkins. Centerpieces can include flowers, themed items, or even a cute diaper cake.

Photo Booth

A DIY photo booth with props related to your theme is a fun addition. Our starry backdrop and silly props were a huge hit!

The Big Reveal

The moment everyone’s been waiting for! Here are some creative reveal ideas:

Balloon Pop

Fill a giant black balloon with pink or blue confetti. Pop it to reveal the gender. It’s a dramatic and fun option.

Cake Cutting

Order or bake a cake with colored filling. When you cut into it, the color inside reveals the gender. Our cake had a blue filling, and it was so exciting to see!

Smoke Bombs

These make for great photos and a spectacular reveal. Make sure to use them in an open outdoor space.

Piñata

Fill a piñata with pink or blue candies. It’s a fun way to get guests involved in the reveal.

Confetti Cannons

Confetti cannons filled with pink or blue confetti are another dramatic option. We used these along with our cake cutting for an extra surprise!

Capturing the Moment

Photos and videos will help you remember this special day forever. Here’s how to make sure you capture it all:

Hire a Photographer

If your budget allows, hire a professional photographer. They’ll ensure every moment is beautifully captured.

DIY Photography

If hiring a photographer isn’t an option, ask a friend or family member who’s good with a camera to help. Make sure they know when and where the big reveal will happen.

Photo Booth

Set up a DIY photo booth with themed props and a fun backdrop. It’s a great way to get candid shots of your guests.

Fun Games and Activities

Keep your guests entertained with some fun games and activities:

Gender Reveal Scavenger Hunt

Send your guests on a fun scavenger hunt and the final clue will reveal the gender.

 Old Wives’ Tales Quiz

Create a quiz based on old wives’ tales about predicting a baby’s gender. Guests can guess the gender based on your answers.

Baby Name Suggestions

Set up a station where guests can write down their favorite baby names. You might find some inspiration!

Gender Prediction Votes

Have guests vote on whether they think the baby is a boy or a girl. Provide pink and blue stickers or ribbons for them to wear.

Diaper Raffle

Ask guests to bring a pack of diapers for a raffle entry. It’s a fun way to build your diaper stash.

Delicious Food and Drinks

No party is complete without yummy food and drinks! Here are some ideas:

Finger Foods

Keep it simple with finger foods like mini sandwiches, mini quiches, sliders, veggie trays, and fruit platters. 

Themed Treats

Incorporate your theme or color theme into the treats. These gorgeous cotton candy cupcakes are a perfect addition to a gender reveal party.

Drinks

Offer a variety of drinks, including a signature mocktail or punch that fits your theme. 

Dessert Table

Set up a dessert table with cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and candies. Make sure to include both pink and blue treats to keep the mystery alive.

Thank-You Favors

Show your appreciation with thoughtful thank-you favors:

Themed Candies

Fill small jars or bags with pink and blue candies. Add a cute tag with a thank-you message.

Personalized Items

Consider personalized items like keychains, candles, or magnets that match your theme.

DIY Favors

Get creative with DIY favors. For our party, we made star-shaped bath bombs and wrapped them in gold cellophane. They were a hit!

Final Touches

A few final tips to ensure your party goes smoothly:

Plan Ahead

Start planning early to avoid last-minute stress. Make a checklist and timeline to keep track of everything.

Delegate Tasks

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Assign tasks to friends or family members to make the day less overwhelming.

Enjoy the Moment

Remember, this day is about celebrating your new baby. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the excitement with your loved ones.

Planning a gender reveal party is so much fun. From choosing a theme to the big reveal, every step is an opportunity to share your happiness with friends and family. Keep it simple, stay organized, and most importantly, have fun!

So, what theme will you choose for your gender reveal party? Whatever you decide, it’s sure to be a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Happy planning!