I've planned 30+ baby showers and I keep seeing the same mistake: people blow $500+ on decorations that end up in the trash.

Here's the formula I use to throw a beautiful shower for under $200:

1. Pick ONE color palette, max 3 colors. Pastel sage + blush + cream never misses. When everything matches, it looks expensive — even from the dollar store.

2. DIY the centerpieces. A glass vase + grocery store flowers + a ribbon = $8 centerpiece that looks like $40. Do 3-4 of these and you're set.

3. Skip the balloon arch, do a backdrop instead. A $12 fabric tablecloth pinned to the wall with some paper flowers looks cleaner than a balloon arch that deflates halfway through.

4. Batch your food. Finger sandwiches, fruit skewers, and one signature drink. Don't try to cater a full meal. Pinterest has you thinking you need a charcuterie tower — you don't.

5. Use a timeline checklist. Start 4 weeks out and do a little each week. Panic-buying the night before is how budgets explode.

I put all of this into a planning kit with every template, checklist, and guide you need. If you're throwing a shower soon, it'll save you hours and hundreds of dollars.