Most baby showers start out planned for someone’s living room. Then the guest list passes 30, both grandmothers need a comfortable seat, half the family is bringing kids, and the host will spend the whole afternoon refilling trays instead of watching the gifts get opened.
That is usually when families start looking at venues, whether they live in Mandeville or are coming in from Covington, Madisonville or Slidell. Here is how to think it through, and what to ask before you book anywhere.
Start with the guest count
The right room depends on how many people are coming. A shower for 25 and a shower for 90 are different events, and a space that fits one will feel wrong for the other.
At Fleur de Lis Event Center in Mandeville, most showers use our Private Restaurant. It is booked as a completely private space for up to approximately 100 guests, with its own entrance, restrooms and bar. There is no formal guest minimum.
Plan around the guest of honor
The mom-to-be should be the most comfortable person in the room. A few practical details make a big difference:
- Temperature. Our venue is fully climate controlled, which matters during a Louisiana summer.
- Restrooms. The Private Restaurant has its own, so nobody walks through another event to find one.
- Parking. Free on-site parking for 175+ vehicles means guests are not circling the block or walking far.
- Getting around. Our primary event spaces are accessible without requiring second-floor access. Please contact us about specific accessibility needs; second-floor areas are accessible by stairs only.
Decide how the kids will count
Baby showers tend to bring little ones. Ask any venue how children are counted toward your guest total. In our Private Restaurant, the first five children under age 5 do not count as paid guests. Additional children under 5, and older kids, count at the normal guest rate.
Settle the drink plan before you ask for a quote
Plenty of baby showers are alcohol-free, and plenty serve mimosas or wine for the other guests. Your choice changes the quote, so decide early.
We can build a bar around the event, including beer and wine only, a cash bar, a signature cocktail or a non-alcoholic mocktail package. All alcohol must be provided through Fleur de Lis under our liquor license, so outside alcohol is not permitted.
One cost to know about: uniformed security is required for events with an open bar. It is optional for events with a cash bar or no alcohol. Security is currently $220.
Bring the cake, cupcakes and cookies
For many families, the dessert table is the centerpiece of the shower. Outside commercially prepared cakes and desserts are allowed, including cakes, cupcakes, cookies and dessert displays. Your favorite bakery is your call.
Outside catering is generally not permitted, so the meal itself comes from our kitchen. The Private Restaurant offers several menu and package structures, so ask us for current menus for what you are planning.
What it costs
Private Restaurant pricing works differently from our ballrooms and is more per-person driven, so your guest count and menu choice drive the total. A $500 deposit with a signed contract reserves your date.
Check the décor rules
Shower décor tends to be balloon-heavy, so ask about restrictions before you order anything.
- Confetti is not allowed, including confetti inside balloons. Balloon drops without confetti can be accommodated.
- Glitter is restricted.
- Open flames must be contained in a proper vessel.
- Ceiling height sets the limit for balloon arches and installations. The Private Restaurant ceiling is approximately 12 feet.
Questions to ask any venue
- Is the space fully private, with its own entrance and restrooms?
- How are children counted toward the guest total?
- Can we bring our own cake and desserts?
- What bar options are there, and is security required?
- What décor is not allowed?
Plan your shower in Mandeville
The Private Restaurant also has its own front courtyard and covered patio, which give you a spot for photos with the mom-to-be. Tours are normally available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday mornings, and we offer virtual tours for family planning from out of town.
Call 985-626-9118 to check your date.
Related: Private Restaurant | Jazz Ballroom | Schedule a Tour
About the Author: Taylor Thomas
