Gender Reveal & Baby Shower Decorations: DIY Ideas & Budget Tips
RevealTogether Team•January 17, 2026
Gender Reveal & Baby Shower Decorations: Complete DIY Guide for Stunning Setups
Transform any space into a beautiful celebration venue with the right decorations. Whether you're working with a $30 budget or $300, this guide covers everything from DIY balloon garlands to professional-looking backdrops.
Balloon Decorations
Balloons are the cornerstone of most gender reveal and baby shower decor!
DIY Balloon Garland Tutorial
What You'll Need:
- •50-100 balloons (11" and 5" sizes)
- •Balloon decorating strip
- •Hand pump or electric inflator
- •Command hooks or fishing line
- •Optional: balloon glue dots
Step-by-Step:
- •Inflate balloons to varying sizes (creates dimension)
- •Thread balloons through the decorating strip holes
- •Alternate colors and sizes as you go
- •Use glue dots to attach smaller balloons in gaps
- •Hang using command hooks or fishing line
Color Combinations:
| Theme | Colors |
|---|---|
| Classic Gender Reveal | Pink, blue, white, gold |
| Neutral/Modern | White, cream, sage, gold |
| Boho | Dusty rose, sage, terracotta, cream |
| Tropical | Pink, coral, teal, gold |
| Elegant | White, silver, blush |
Cost Breakdown:
- •Balloon pack (100): $15-25
- •Decorating strip: $5
- •Pump: $10 (reusable)
- •Hooks/line: $5
- •Total: $35-45
Balloon Backdrop Ideas
Balloon Wall:
- •Cover a wall or foam board with balloons
- •Create an ombre effect from light to dark
- •Perfect for photo opportunities
Balloon Arch:
- •Frame a doorway or table
- •Half-arch requires fewer balloons
- •Use a balloon arch kit for easier setup
Balloon Ceiling:
- •Fill ceiling with helium balloons
- •Attach ribbons for guests to pull
- •Beautiful floating effect
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Don't forget—decorations set the stage, but the reveal is the main event! RevealTogether can make your reveal moment even more magical with synchronized digital effects.
Backdrop Ideas
DIY Fabric Backdrop
Materials:
- •Backdrop stand or PVC pipe frame ($15-30)
- •6 yards of fabric ($15-30)
- •Clips or safety pins
Fabric Options:
- •Tulle (ethereal, flowing)
- •Sequin (glamorous, photos pop)
- •Chiffon (elegant, drapes well)
- •Tablecloth plastic (budget-friendly)
Setup Tips:
- •Iron fabric before hanging
- •Create pleats for dimension
- •Layer multiple fabrics for depth
Paper Flower Wall
What You'll Need:
- •Cardstock paper (various colors)
- •Scissors or cutting machine
- •Hot glue gun
- •Foam board or cardboard base
Tutorial:
- •Cut circles in graduating sizes
- •Shape petals by curling edges
- •Layer and glue from largest to smallest
- •Attach to backdrop in clusters
Time Required: 3-4 hours for a full wall
Cost: $20-40 depending on size
Fringe Backdrop
Super Easy DIY:
- •Use plastic tablecloths ($1 each)
- •Cut into strips from bottom up (leave 6" at top)
- •Layer colors for depth
- •Hang with tape or pushpins
Colors for Gender Reveal:
- •Alternate pink, white, blue
- •Or keep neutral until the reveal!
Table Decorations
Centerpiece Ideas
Balloon Centerpieces:
- •Balloon bouquets anchored with weights
- •Single large balloon with tassel
- •Balloon inside balloon (color inside clear)
Floral Centerpieces:
- •Fresh flowers in pink, blue, or neutral
- •Faux flowers (reusable, budget-friendly)
- •Baby's breath in colored vases
Themed Centerpieces:
- •Baby blocks spelling "BOY?" "GIRL?"
- •Mason jars with colored candy
- •Mini diaper cakes
- •Stuffed animals with ribbons
Table Runner & Settings
DIY Table Runner Ideas:
- •Tissue paper pom-pom garland
- •Eucalyptus or greenery garland
- •Tulle runner with scattered confetti
- •Butcher paper with hand-written messages
Place Settings:
- •Colored napkins (pink and blue)
- •"Team Boy" and "Team Girl" cards
- •Prediction cards at each seat
- •Mini favor bags as place markers
Signage & Banners
Welcome Signs
DIY Options:
- •Chalkboard with hand lettering
- •Foam board with vinyl letters
- •Picture frame with printed design
- •Mirror with window markers
What to Include:
- •"Welcome to [Baby Name]'s Gender Reveal!"
- •"What Will Baby [Last Name] Be?"
- •Party hashtag
- •Event date
DIY Letter Banners
Materials:
- •Cardstock or scrapbook paper
- •Letter stencils or printed letters
- •Hole punch
- •String or ribbon
Popular Phrases:
- •"Boy or Girl?"
- •"What Will Baby Be?"
- •"The Big Reveal"
- •"He or She, What Will Baby Be?"
- •"Pink or Blue, We Love You"
Marquee Letters
- •Rent or buy light-up letters
- •Spell "BOY" or "GIRL" (reveal)
- •Use "BABY" for neutral setup
- •Great photo opportunity
Photo Booth Setup
DIY Photo Booth
Backdrop Options:
- •Balloon garland on simple frame
- •Streamers or fringe curtain
- •Gold/silver sequin fabric
- •Custom printed backdrop
Props:
- •"Team Boy" / "Team Girl" signs
- •Baby bottle and pacifier props
- •Mustaches and bows on sticks
- •Speech bubbles ("I think it's a...")
- •Crown and bow tie props
Photo Booth Essentials:
- •Good lighting (ring light or window)
- •Phone tripod or camera stand
- •Props basket
- •Signage with party hashtag
Printable Props
Many free templates available online:
- •Canva templates
- •Pinterest printables
- •Etsy digital downloads ($3-8)
Themed Decoration Packages
"What Will Baby Bee?" Theme
Decorations:
- •Yellow and black balloon garland
- •Honeycomb paper decorations
- •Bee-shaped balloons
- •"What Will Baby Bee?" banner
- •Honeycomb centerpieces
DIY Touches:
- •Paper bees on string
- •Honey jars as vases
- •Yellow flower arrangements
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" Theme
Decorations:
- •Navy, gold, and white balloons
- •Star garlands (paper or foil)
- •Crescent moon backdrop piece
- •Twinkling string lights
- •Cloud and star table decorations
DIY Touches:
- •Cut-out stars scattered on tables
- •Star wands for photo props
- •Glow-in-the-dark stars on ceiling
Boho Neutral Theme
Decorations:
- •Pampas grass arrangements
- •Terracotta and sage balloons
- •Macramé backdrop
- •Dried flowers
- •Woven baskets
DIY Touches:
- •Dried flower garlands
- •Terracotta pots as vases
- •Natural wood signage
Budget Decoration Guide
Under $30 Total
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Balloons (party store pack) | $8 |
| Streamers | $4 |
| Paper plates/napkins (colored) | $8 |
| DIY banner (cardstock) | $5 |
| Tape/hooks | $5 |
| Total | $30 |
Under $75 Total
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Balloon garland kit | $20 |
| Backdrop fabric | $15 |
| Backdrop stand (rental or DIY) | $15 |
| Banners and signage | $10 |
| Table decorations | $10 |
| Photo props | $5 |
| Total | $75 |
Under $150 Total
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Balloon garland (professional look) | $40 |
| Custom backdrop | $30 |
| Florals (fresh or faux) | $25 |
| Signage (custom) | $20 |
| Table settings complete | $20 |
| Photo booth setup | $15 |
| Total | $150 |
Where to Shop
Budget-Friendly
- •Dollar Tree - Balloons, banners, tableware
- •Amazon - Balloon kits, backdrops, themed packages
- •Party City - Balloon garland kits, themed decor
- •Target - Spritz party section
- •Walmart - Basic supplies, affordable options
Mid-Range
- •Etsy - Custom banners, unique decor
- •Amazon Handmade - Personalized items
- •Paper Source - Quality paper goods
- •Michaels/Joann - DIY supplies
Premium
- •Pottery Barn Kids - High-end decor
- •Event rental companies - Backdrops, arches
- •Florists - Custom arrangements
- •Event planners - Full setup service
Decoration Timeline
2 Weeks Before
- •Order online items
- •Purchase non-perishable decor
- •Finalize color scheme
1 Week Before
- •Confirm all orders arrived
- •Create DIY items
- •Test balloon setup
Day Before
- •Set up backdrop and major pieces
- •Prepare balloon garlands (don't inflate yet)
- •Arrange non-perishable table decor
Day Of
- •Inflate balloons (helium 3-4 hours before)
- •Add fresh flowers
- •Final touches and photo setup
Decoration Tips & Tricks
Making It Look Professional
- •Stick to 3-4 colors max - Too many looks chaotic
- •Create height variation - Mix tall and short elements
- •Use odd numbers - Groups of 3 or 5 look better
- •Add greenery - Eucalyptus elevates any setup
- •Good lighting - Fairy lights add magic
- •Less is more - Don't overcrowd spaces
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Over-inflating balloons (they pop faster)
- •Forgetting tape/hooks
- •Not testing backdrop stability
- •Ignoring the ceiling (it's decor space too!)
- •Setting up too early (balloons deflate)
Ready to Plan the Rest?
Now that your decorations are sorted, check out:
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Beautiful decorations set the scene, but the reveal moment is what everyone remembers! RevealTogether adds digital magic to your in-person celebration—confetti effects, countdowns, and a synchronized reveal everyone experiences together.
Ready to Create Your Special Moment?
Turn the excitement into action. Create a beautiful, shareable gender reveal experience for your friends and family.