Gender Reveal Party Etiquette – Darling celebrations

Gender Reveal party etiquette is something many of us are unsure about! We’ve compiled all your questions to create the ultimate Gender Reveal party etiquette guide!

What is a Gender Reveal Party?

In other words, Gender Reveal parties are fun family gatherings where parents reveal the gender of their upcoming arrival.

They started as a YouTube video in 2008 and took off in 2010. And they’re all about having fun with provocative news that everyone is desperate to know.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about Gender Reveal party etiquette.

What do you do at a Gender Reveal Party?

Reveal the gender! Usually Gender Reveal parties are small, informal gatherings. However, some parents like to combine them at the Baby Shower for one, double whammy party. If so, check out our ultimate guide to running a Baby Shower party.

Gender Reveal parties usually take place around the twentieth week after the parents find out the gender themselves. The point is to reveal the secret in a cool way, usually by showing a color. You can order or make a Gender Reveal cake, which when cut reveals a pink or blue interior. A few pops Gender Reveal Balloons shower colored confetti.

Drop the items by opening an envelope. Or kick things into high gear with colored light sabers, smoke from car exhaust pipes, driving waves, paint guns or scratch cards. Another popular idea is a Gender Reveal balloon box.

Just be creative and find ideas that tickle your fancy and fit your budget.

Are there games at a Gender Reveal Party?

Baby Showers are all about funny, fun games. You may decide to go this route for your Gender Reveal party as well.

But you don’t need to.

Gender Reveal parties are usually intimate affairs where all your guests get to know each other. Some good food and drink, maybe a good playlist and you should be fine. If you decide to play, try something older.

At the end of the day – it’s your party. You make the rules!

The truth is, Gender Reveal parties are so new, they don’t really exist. So tear up the non-existent playbook and do whatever you feel like. Just be aware that you shouldn’t need a program to keep the positive vibes flowing. Family gatherings are fun enough without needing extra stimulation.

What to bring to a Gender Reveal Party?

The big question is – do I need to bring a gift to a Gender Reveal? Absolutely not.

Unless the Gender Reveal party is combined with a Baby Shower, gifts are completely optional.

If you don’t feel comfortable going empty-handed, you can bring a small gift, in neutral colors. Something from their baby registry, if the parents have one, would be greatly appreciated. However, don’t bring a large or extravagant gift because you don’t want to embarrass other guests or make the hosts uncomfortable.

A pack of diapers or plain onesies is a sweet gift. Maybe bring something for mom instead. It’s usually early on that she’s more interested in gifts for him, than her bump. A scented candle or home decor for $10 is a great gift idea.

Alternatively, call the hosts and ask if you can bring something to share with everyone, a cool salad or a bottle of wine. Note that this is completely optional. Gender Reveal party etiquette is to show what you are.

What to wear to a Gender Reveal Party?

Again, Gender Reveal parties are usually small intimate gatherings. Play it by ear. If the Gender Reveal is at the host’s house, choose casual or smart casual. If it’s in a fancy location, dress up – it’s not a wedding, dress up but don’t go overboard.

A word of warning to hosts. Don’t ask your guests to dress in gender colors. It can be pushy and can force guests to buy clothes to fit the color scheme. Keep the Gender Reveal party cool.

Who Knows the Gender at a Gender Reveal Party?

Gender Reveal parties are very innovative. Depends on the parent. If they want to know the gender they should be the ones who know the gender. One caveat here, of course – make sure the parents are really ok with either gender. If one of them gets upset, it ruins the whole night and can cause friction and tension because they can’t process their emotions in private.

If you want to find out your baby’s gender with your loved ones and experience the thrill and excitement with them, ask your ultrasound technician to write down the gender and put it in an envelope. Then take it to a local bakery and let them create you a magical reveal cake. When you cut it, you will be surprised along with others.

Is there food at a Gender Reveal Party?

Absolutely.

The rules are very fluid. If you want to keep the tone simple, then buy a few bites and a few drinks. Plus, it’s also a budget option.

If you want to do an all out bash – go for it.

Another great idea is to have gender-themed foods.

• Blue and pink striped cookies and cupcakes.
• Popcorn drizzled with colored sauce.
• Fruits or snacks dipped in blue or pink frosting (strawberries, pretzels, etc.)
• Deviled eggs dyed blue or pink.
• Cupcakes with blue or pink icing on top.
• Cookies with blue or pink frosting.
• A pink and blue themed Gender Reveal cake

BBQs are a popular option, classier than pizza but still chilled and fun.

Check out this post for our top Gender Reveal Party food ideas.

Should I serve alcohol at a Gender Reveal?

Alcohol is not expected to be served at Gender Reveal parties. However, if you want to break out the bubbly, why not? Guests should not arrive expecting a free bar.

How should I invite guests to a Gender Reveal party?

You don’t have to love. You can find great templates on websites like Canva or Etsy, to liven up your invitation with cool visuals and color-popping designs or go muted and classy. Find a template, customize, and email to your visitors.

Where there will be a Gender Reveal Party

The party venue sets the mood for the entire event. Remember, Gender Reveal parties are often more intimate gatherings. However, you should choose anything in your budget, your taste, and your fancy. Let’s explore etiquette for different locations.

Gender Reveal Party at home

Budget friendly, having a big bash at home is good on the wallet. This will create a more cozy, homey vibe which is great if you only have close loved ones around.

Just because you’re staying at home, doesn’t mean you have to feel at home. Drape some fabric in different colors, blue and pink or in neutral colors or go for rainbow splashes. Themes are fun, they take any party to the next level.

Choose a color scheme and decorate the party area and tables to match.

Decor doesn’t have to be expensive. Shop. A little clever googling will go a long way. Amazon has a great selection of cute party items. Look for multipack purchases. If you’re looking for ideas about themes, check out some of our other articles.

In a restaurant

The good thing about outsourcing, is that there is no stress on you to do, plan or prepare. Rush in and have fun. And when it’s all said and done? No cleaning!

While many restaurants will allow you to bring in small gender reveal props, most will insist that you order a cake from them directly. Also, they probably won’t be ok with messy, loud or extravagant Gender Reveals so you’re limiting your options. But if you want to stick with the traditional “cake cutting” reveal or opt for lower-end options like scratch cards, a restaurant can be a fantastic option.

If you’re hosting your own Gender Reveal party – you’re pregnant, you’ve got plenty to keep you busy!

That said, you can be more creative at home. It all depends on what kind of gender reveal party you want to have.

Gender Reveal Party outside

Who doesn’t love the great outdoors?

Be sure to check the weather and make contingency plans, just in case.

When the weather is nice, enjoy the outdoors. It also gives you room to throw extravagant displays with cannons and balloons or pinatas. Remember to clean up afterwards. If you’re going the nature route, why not have a picnic? Undoubtedly unique and wonderful, it’s fitting to reveal the gender of your expectant little bundle of joy.

Take the memories

Make sure the event is well documented. Consider giving this task to a friend so you can focus on the party and experiencing the memories instead of capturing them. A good idea is to hold a Polaroid camera and have guests sign the photo that you can put in an album. Or ask the guest to record messages to your soon-to-be child for them to watch one day in the future.

Points to consider

If you are out or at someone else’s house, remember to arrange for cleaning. Gender Reveals can be very messy so plan the cleanup ahead of time. Plus, consider hiring a cleaner to reduce your stress.

If you have older children, make sure they are with you to avoid sibling jealousy. Involve them from the start so they feel like they are Mommy’s helpers rather than rivals. And consider letting them open the box or pop the balloon to reveal the gender.

Of course, Gender Reveal parties are still new, so the rules aren’t defined. Adjust the day to suit your taste. At the end of the day, it’s all about you having fun and sharing the excitement of the gender reveal. Even if you want to surprise, you can still arrange a big reveal by asking a friend to do the booking for you.

The sky is the limit so be as creative or as expensive as you feel. Or keep it low key and classy. Up to you.

It’s your party. You are crazy.

Or don’t.

Have fun and we hope this Gender Reveal party etiquette guide was helpful!