Serving Alcohol at a Baby Shower: Do or Don't?

April 20, 2011

It's not only wedding season, but it's also the season for showers! Over the weekend, I attended my first baby shower of the year, and I hate to say it, but the party was awkward. No alcohol was served, and the hostess proclaimed that since the guest of honor "couldn't have any fun and drink, none of us should." This declaration definitely put a damper on the mood, and I wondered what the other guests thought of it. Instead of dwelling about it, I decided to get your opinion. Is serving alcohol at a baby shower a do or don't? Moms: was wine served at your baby shower?

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21 Comments

micky23 1 year

Since generally the parties are held earlier in the day, and unless you have a drinking problem, the lack of alcoholic beverages should not be a problem. If it is that important to a person, you may not want them at the party anyway. They are probly going to be a problem. Seen it!

Brittney Stephens 2 years

I've only been to a few baby showers (thus far), but all of them served both alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. I don't think there's anything wrong with offering both options (like any other party should). It seems a little egotistical to have the'nobody can drink if i can't' attitude, and like OhMaxine pointed out, baby showers can be so awkward sometimes that it definitely helps to have a glass of wine or champagne available. I don't think Katie was implying that you NEED alcohol to have fun, but I think at least offering it shows that you want your guests to be able to relax and have a good time. For the record, I plan on having tons of booze at my (very far away) baby shower. If I can't drink, I'll need my friends to drink twice as much in my honor!

Mavs2980 2 years

I say a do. I threw a shower in January for a friend, and I had this mixed drink recipe that I was digging and wanted to make it for all our friends that would be there. I checked with the Mom to be before hand to make sure it was ok. She was fine with it. I also made sure we had iced tea, sodas, and bottled water to offer those that didn't want to drink. Not one of our friends got "smashed" as others would say, but they had a drink or two and really enjoyed the party. I didn't even get to finish my full glass, since I was so busy hosting!!

danakscully64 2 years

I've never been to a shower with alcohol, so this wouldn't phase me. This rule applies to weddings too: If you're disappointed by the lack of alcohol and expect it, you're there for the wrong reason. I voted "It Depends" because it should be up to the Guest of Honor.

GummiBears 2 years

Well I feel that the mom to be should call the shots. Personally it is not a big deal. If I plan to have a baby shower, depending on who is attending, I can gage where alcohol would be missed or not.

amber512 2 years

I am under the impression that baby shower attendance is not mandatory if game-playing and alcohol-free fun is not appreciated. :)

OhMaxine 2 years

Alcohol should be served at baby showers so guests can pass the time by quickly and enjoyably while watching baby gifts being opened or playing those dumb games.

fuzzles 2 years

I agree that the Mom-to-be should call the shots on this and that the host should respect her wishes. Every shower that I have been to has been alcohol-free. Some have had alcohol-free wine, champagne and mimosas. Not a complaint from anyone that I am aware of!

lizesc 2 years

I think if the honoree is cool with it then go for it. We've done mulled wine or mimosas for a few of the showers I've helped throw.

amber512 2 years

It should totally be up to the mother-to-be. But I find it funny anyway, because I have been to quite a few baby showers and never one where alcohol was available!

sonya ina 2 years

I think it should be up to the mother-to-be. When my husband and I have kids, I wouldn't mind if alcohol was served. Totally fine with me!

2 years

For comment 9.... I meant baby shower**

2 years

I attended a bridal shower (while pregnant myself) and i went up to the table where they had this wonderful spread. Thirsty as i was, i grabbed a glass and started to pour myself some punch. People were around clearly watching me. Finally my mom came up to me and said "no, theres alcohol in the punch!" I'm like" oooh thank goodness you told me...so wheres the non alcoholic drinks? "... There was none!!! So i think that alcohol is fine at a bridal shower (if the demand is there) but make sure there is something for the ones who dont want/cant have alcohol

lauren 2 years

I think having wine or champagne is a great way to celebrate such a fun occasion! I have been to plenty of baby showers with alcohol, no was smashed by the end of it, they just a had glass to celebrate. Of course, I think you should offer non-alcoholic options too but just because the mom can't celebrate with sparkling wine doesn't' mean their guests shouldn't! But I do agree with GirlA it definitely shouldn't be expected!

2 years

I think it is ridiculous that someone would find such a joyous occasion boring because of the lack of alcohol. I've never had a drop of the junk in my life, nor do I ever intend to start. Those women who couldn't have any fun without being buzzed are the ones who put a damper on things, not the hostess' decision not to serve booze.

girlA 2 years

I don't think there's anything wrong with having alcohol at a baby shower--I've been to ones with and ones without alcohol and I've thrown baby showers myself where I offered wine. But I don't think it should be expected at a baby shower. If someone feels they need alcohol to have a good time, then I think that's a problem. Stop at a liquor store on your way home then.

2 years

I've never been to a baby shower where alcohol was served. Its absence has certainly never been mentioned either. Punch, soft drinks and sparkling water are more than enough for a baby shower luncheon. The day is tailored to the guest of honor. If other's want a cocktail, how about a Shirley Temple?

onlysourcherry 2 years

I'm just so thankful I haven't had to go to a baby shower yet. Bridal showers are bad enough. Just kidding. Kind of.

xxstardust 2 years

The vast majority of showers I have been to - either as a guest, or the ton I have worked at as a waitress - have included alcohol. Not an open bar, certainly, but a champagne punch or mimosas (since they're almost always brunches).

mandaleebee 2 years

What's the problem with having a bottle of wine available? Some of my friends are going to try having kids soon, and I know they would encourage you not to feel awkward just because they can't drink! Sure you can have fun without alcohol, but I don't see any harm in having some wine/champagne/whatever at a celebratory occasion.

myhousemd 2 years

I've been to tons of baby showers, and not a single one has included alcohol. You don't need alcohol to have fun and have a party. The fact that the woman said you couldn't have any fun probably set that awkward mood.

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21 Comments