Planning a baby shower is an exciting milestone, but choosing the right venue can be trickier than you think. Many new parents choose local community spaces including; church halls, community centers, and school halls. Choosing a community venue can help keep costs down. 

But beyond the obvious factors like size and price, there are a few key details that often get overlooked. Here’s what to keep in mind when selecting the perfect baby shower venue to hire.

1. Natural Light & Atmosphere

Lighting can make a huge difference in creating a warm and inviting space. Look for venues with plenty of natural light or soft lighting options to create a cosy event space.

2. Kitchen or Catering Facilities

Even if you’re keeping things simple with snacks and cake, having access to a kitchen for food prep, storage, or even just heating up drinks can make all the difference. Check if there’s a fridge, oven, or kettle available for use in your hall hire.

3. Easy Accessibility for Guests

If you have guests with strollers or mobility needs, make sure the venue has step-free access, ramps, or elevators. Also, consider the parking situation—plenty of spaces nearby can make the experience smoother for everyone.

4. Comfortable Seating & Layout Options

Not all community venues have comfortable seating, so check what’s available. Consider whether the chairs are suitable for guests who may need extra support and whether the layout can accommodate games, gift tables, and mingling areas.

5. Baby Changing & Bathroom Facilities

Since many guests may be parents themselves, having clean, accessible bathrooms with baby-changing facilities is a major plus. Some community halls may not have dedicated changing spaces, so it’s good to check in advance.

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6. Flexible Decoration Policies

Some venues have restrictions on how you can decorate, such as not allowing tape on walls or confetti. Ask what’s allowed so you can plan your baby shower themed decorations accordingly.

7. Entertainment & Sound Restrictions

If you plan to play music, hire a DJ, or run games with a microphone, check for noise rules. Also, look for sound system options at the venue.

8. Setup & Cleanup Time

Many people forget to ask how much time they’ll have to set up and clean up after the event. Some venues have back-to-back bookings. Make sure to check how early you can arrive. Also, ask if you have enough time to pack everything up afterward.

9. Privacy & Shared Spaces

Some community venues hire out multiple rooms at once, so check if your space is private or if you’ll be sharing facilities like bathrooms or entrances with other groups.

10. Cancellation & Refund Policy

Plans can change, so it’s important to know the venue’s cancellation policy. Ask whether you’ll get a full or partial refund if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Baby shower planning is great fun and finding the right venue can make all the difference. By keeping these often-overlooked factors in mind, you can choose a local, budget-friendly space that meets all your needs. Ready to start your search? Look into nearby community venues with Sharesy and book early to secure your perfect spot!

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For more baby shower insirpation check out our blogs here.