How to Guide

Choosing a venue for your Baby Shower

Whoever is throwing the baby shower, whether it’s the mum-to-be or a close friend or family member, choosing the perfect venue will set this special occasion off to a great start. It’s traditional to host the event at home, and while this can work well, choosing a venue and its professional services, ample space and facilities, is an excellent way to make this celebration truly wonderful.Booking an event venue for a baby shower increases your options in terms of guest numbers, catering and themes, you’ll even have a bigger choice of fun and games – no need to stick to space limited word-related games, such as ‘Don’t Say Baby’ you can go all out with activity games. Why not give Place The Baby On The Mummy or Sloppy Nappy Relay a try? If you want some baby shower game ideas, you’ll find plenty here.Using private event venues for baby showers can make it a lot easier - not to mention saving a lot of clearing up! It’s important that the venue set the right tone, so here are some tips on choosing your baby shower venue.Set the dateFirst things first, mum-to-be must decide when she wants to host her baby shower party. It’s normal to hold it when the pregnancy is around 7 months along, which provides plenty of time to plan, give invitees notice and give the newly expecting parents time to organise what other products they need for the baby, once they have received their baby shower gifts. To book private venues, you will need to set a firm date and book the venue weeks or months in advance. Your baby shower themeTheming the baby shower is a wonderful way to personalise the party, emphasising the special relationship between mother and baby. The chosen theme could have a bearing on your choice of venue, for example, if mum-to-be has a special interest, such as history, nature or science, the perfect baby shower venue may be a museum that displays artefacts relating to her interest. Or, if she knows baby’s gender you could go with an ‘it's a boy’ or ‘it's a girl’ theme.  If mum just loves to be pampered, and let’s face it, she deserves to be, you could choose a local spa as the baby shower venue and give her a real treat.Remember, these are modern times and fathers-to-be like to be involved in every aspect of their baby’s lives. This has meant that baby shower parties that include both male and female guests have come into favour and, in these cases, you’re advised to choose a baby shower venue that appeals to both genders, somewhere neutral. This is when restaurants, local community venues and hotel function rooms can be ideal. Choosing a baby shower venueBy the time you have chosen a baby shower theme and date, you’ll probably have a good idea of the number of guests that will be attending and how much money you have to spend. There’s no harm in asking a venue to work to your budget, as long as you’re realistic in your choice, most will do their upmost to accommodate you. The number of guests will determine the venue size and type. Maybe just a few close friends are coming, so create an intimate affair in a small and cosy venue or if it’s lots of guests travelling from far and wide, the baby shower event starts to feel more like a wedding reception and large venues with catering will be your best choice. A large event doesn’t mean you r options to do something special are limited, there are plenty of unusual and unique venues for baby showers, such as theatres, castles, sports clubs or monuments.Given your knowledge of mum-to-be and the guests to be invited, knowing which type of venues for baby showers that will delight everyone will probably be instinctive - creating a short list and making a final choice will be the challenge. There are professional organisations that specialist in venue selection. Using a venue finding website will help, or contact a member of our team of venue finding experts. We love babies and we love baby showers - we’ve got plenty of ideas that can make your baby shower unforgettable. Just get in touch, we’re here to help.Find baby shower venues here.

Choose Your Venue
04-10-23
Choosing a venue for your Baby Shower

Whoever is throwing the baby shower, whether it’s the mum-to-be or a close friend or family member, choosing the perfect venue will set this special occasion off to a great start. It’s traditional to host the event at home, and while this can work well, choosing a venue and its professional services, ample space and facilities, is an excellent way to make this celebration truly wonderful.

Booking an event venue for a baby shower increases your options in terms of guest numbers, catering and themes, you’ll even have a bigger choice of fun and games – no need to stick to space limited word-related games, such as ‘Don’t Say Baby’ you can go all out with activity games. Why not give Place The Baby On The Mummy or Sloppy Nappy Relay a try? If you want some baby shower game ideas, you’ll find plenty here.

Using private event venues for baby showers can make it a lot easier - not to mention saving a lot of clearing up! It’s important that the venue set the right tone, so here are some tips on choosing your baby shower venue.

Set the date

First things first, mum-to-be must decide when she wants to host her baby shower party. It’s normal to hold it when the pregnancy is around 7 months along, which provides plenty of time to plan, give invitees notice and give the newly expecting parents time to organise what other products they need for the baby, once they have received their baby shower gifts.

To book private venues, you will need to set a firm date and book the venue weeks or months in advance.

Your baby shower theme

Theming the baby shower is a wonderful way to personalise the party, emphasising the special relationship between mother and baby. The chosen theme could have a bearing on your choice of venue, for example, if mum-to-be has a special interest, such as history, nature or science, the perfect baby shower venue may be a museum that displays artefacts relating to her interest. Or, if she knows baby’s gender you could go with an ‘it's a boy’ or ‘it's a girl’ theme.  If mum just loves to be pampered, and let’s face it, she deserves to be, you could choose a local spa as the baby shower venue and give her a real treat.

Remember, these are modern times and fathers-to-be like to be involved in every aspect of their baby’s lives. This has meant that baby shower parties that include both male and female guests have come into favour and, in these cases, you’re advised to choose a baby shower venue that appeals to both genders, somewhere neutral. This is when restaurants, local community venues and hotel function rooms can be ideal.

Choosing a baby shower venue

By the time you have chosen a baby shower theme and date, you’ll probably have a good idea of the number of guests that will be attending and how much money you have to spend. There’s no harm in asking a venue to work to your budget, as long as you’re realistic in your choice, most will do their upmost to accommodate you. The number of guests will determine the venue size and type. Maybe just a few close friends are coming, so create an intimate affair in a small and cosy venue or if it’s lots of guests travelling from far and wide, the baby shower event starts to feel more like a wedding reception and large venues with catering will be your best choice. A large event doesn’t mean you r options to do something special are limited, there are plenty of unusual and unique venues for baby showers, such as theatres, castles, sports clubs or monuments.

Given your knowledge of mum-to-be and the guests to be invited, knowing which type of venues for baby showers that will delight everyone will probably be instinctive - creating a short list and making a final choice will be the challenge. There are professional organisations that specialist in venue selection. Using a venue finding website will help, or contact a member of our team of venue finding experts. We love babies and we love baby showers - we’ve got plenty of ideas that can make your baby shower unforgettable. Just get in touch, we’re here to help.

Find baby shower venues here.

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A Warm Farewell: What to Look for in a Pub Function Room for a Wake
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A Warm Farewell: What to Look for in a Pub Function Room for a Wake

A pub function room can offer a warm, familiar, and relaxed setting for a wake. It provides a space where people can share stories, connect, and remember in comfort. Many pubs offer private or semi-private rooms suitable for gatherings of all sizes, here’s your guide to choosing the right one for the wake your are planning.What to Look for in a Pub Function Room Privacy and atmosphere matter. Look for pubs with dedicated function rooms away from the main bar area. Comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a calm environment help guests feel at ease. Staff experienced in hosting wakes can support you with arrangements such as music, photo displays, or quiet spaces.Types of Pub Function Rooms There are so many different types of pub venues, from traditional inns with cosy private rooms to modern pubs with spacious function suites. Some are located near crematoria or churches, while others offer a more personal connection—perhaps a favourite local spot. Many pubs provide flexible hire options to suit your needs.Catering and Hospitality Pubs often offer buffet menus, afternoon tea, or light refreshments. Ask about dietary options, bar service, and whether you can bring in your own food. Some pubs offer exclusive-use bars within the function room. Confirm timings to ensure a smooth transition from the funeral service.Location, Parking, and Transport Links Choose a pub with convenient access and parking. Step-free access is important for older guests or those with mobility needs. Many pubs can also advise on local taxi services and public transport.Conclusion A pub function room can provide a warm and welcoming setting for a wake. Consider all the options available in your area on chooseyourvenue.com and choose a venue that feels right for your family and the person you’re remembering.

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When Should You Book a Venue for an 80th Birthday Party?
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When Should You Book a Venue for an 80th Birthday Party?

An 80th birthday is a meaningful occasion, often bringing together family, friends, and loved ones. Whether you’re planning a quiet gathering or a larger celebration, starting early helps everything run smoothly. You don’t need to decide every detail straight away, but choosing a date and thinking about the guest list is a good first step. Most people begin planning an 80th birthday party four to six months in advance. If you’re booking a venue or expecting guests to travel, it’s worth starting early. Weekends in spring, summer, and of course, December, can get busy, and early planning gives you time to make adjustments if needed.What’s the best day and time for a party?Afternoon gatherings are popular for 80th birthday celebrations. They’re easy for guests to attend and suit a relaxed format—whether it’s a lunch, garden party, or afternoon tea. Starting around 2–4pm works well, giving people time to arrive and enjoy the event without it running too late.What happens if I need to change something?Planning ahead gives you flexibility. If you need to adjust the date, change the venue, or rethink the format, you’ll have time to do it without stress. Most venues and suppliers are happy to accommodate changes if you give them notice. Leaving things late can make changes harder and limit your options.How can I find the right venue?If you don’t know any suitable venues, ask friends or family for suggestions, or search online with venue-finding sites that let you compare spaces, check availability, and enquire directly. ChooseYourVenue.com is user-friendly and lists options across the UK, from pubs to halls.

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British Accounting and Finance Association Chooses Cardiff for 2027 Annual Conference
07-07-26 British Accounting and Finance Association Chooses Cardiff for 2027 Annual Conference

7th July 2026, UK: Meet In Wales has announced that the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) will bring its annual conference to Cardiff in 2027 — another strong endorsement of Wales as a compelling destination for global academic and professional gatherings.The conference will attract leading scholars, researchers and practitioners from across the UK and internationally, reinforcing Wales’s growing reputation as a hub for knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration.Securing the event was led by Meet In Wales conference ambassador Professor Qingwei Wang, together with his colleagues, Professor Jill Atkins, Dr Svetlana Mira and Dr Dennis De Widt. Professor Wang is Professor of Finance and Head of Accounting and Finance at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University. He also leads the Cardiff FinTech Research Group and has spent more than a decade at the university. During his career he has organised or co-organised around 20 UK and international conferences.Professor Wang said:“Cardiff combines a strong academic community with excellent conference facilities and a highly accessible location. Cardiff University has high strength in accounting, finance, and FinTech research, making it a great home for the BAFA conference. Cardiff also offers a vibrant cultural scene and a welcoming environment for delegates.”Ambassadors form a key strategic part of Wales’ promotional plans, with a national ambassador programme as well as a city programme in Cardiff. Meet In Wales aligns its ambassador network with the key priority sectors and Research Excellence Framework which includes Fintech.The selection of Cardiff reflects the city’s strong academic ecosystem, excellent infrastructure and reputation for delivering high-quality conference experiences. Meet In Wales worked in partnership with Cardiff University and local stakeholders to support the successful bid and its Head of Business Events, Heledd Williams said: “Hosting the BAFA Annual Conference in Cardiff is another powerful example of international academic communities choosing Wales for its expertise, accessibility and warm welcome. Conferences like BAFA not only advance global knowledge exchange but also create lasting connections between international specialists and our research communities.”Today, the Wales tech sector is worth an estimated £8.5billion to the Welsh economy, with Wales leading the way in FinTech growth by combining rapid job creation with a strong ecosystem of innovators and global brands. FinTechs across the nation are expanding fast, with major employers such as Starling Bank, Sonovate, Delio, Pepper Money, and Wealthify driving sector growth.

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