Planning a baby shower includes coordinating more than a few details and arranging everything in ways that please your "mother of honor" but also remain practical. It's sometimes time consuming, so it's in every hostess' best interest to plan early. Sticking to a schedule keeps you on track and lets you avoid getting backlogged and stressed out as the day approaches.Two months beforeTalk with the new mother and see who she'd like to invite. Discuss the budget, where she'd prefer the shower take place (a restaurant, a café, someone's house, etc.) and any decoration preferences she'd like for the setting.Seven weeks beforeArrange your guest list, set up the baby shower gift registry, and start thinking about baby shower games and centerpieces. Browse bakeries for the cake or other pastries, including opinions from the new mother. Begin shopping for baby shower favors.Six weeks beforeDecide on the baby shower theme with the guest of honor. Make any and all reservations and preorders for cake, pastries, or other catering.Five weeks beforePurchase and fill out the invitations. Be sure to put RSVP reservations on the invitations as well as directions to the shower's location. Order the baby shower favors and baby shower gift packaging.One month beforeMail the invitations. Begin compiling the RSVP list. Consult with the guest of honor for final decisions regarding the baby shower menu and collaborate with restaurant venue staff. Schedule your hair appointment.Three weeks beforeOrder the cake. Check with guest of honor for any other requests. Start shopping for your baby shower gift.Two weeks beforeMake adjustments to reservations according to the RSVP list. Make final arrangements for the menu with kitchen staff or event coordinator. Purchase all decorations and arrange for any extra seating at the venue. If you're hosting the event at someone's home, you can rent tables and chairs from many catering and party planning companies.The week beforePurchase your gift. Wrap the baby shower favors and your gift. Begin printing the seating placecards and the final menu.Three days beforeClean your house if you're hosting the baby shower at home.Two days beforePurchase all necessary groceries and beverages if you're preparing the meal yourself. Begin putting up extra tables and chairs.The day beforeGet your hair done. Touch base with your guest of honor and field all last minute questions from guests.The day of the baby showerArrive early at the baby shower location, so you can welcome each guest. During the shower, take pictures and video. Keep track of who gave which gift to the mother-to-be. After the shower concludes, meet with the venue's events coordinator to cover any final details.