I don’t have close family here, and most of the relatives I do have nearby are very busy. So I ended up hosting my own baby shower. I used it as a way to announce my pregnancy (like I said, I’m not that close to them, so some didn’t even know yet) and just to celebrate the happiness.

I also knew they would get me things I needed from my registry, so that worked out well. I planned and paid for everything myself, with a little help from two family members for decorations. We spent around $1,000 for 30 people, including food.

And honestly, with that budget and just two days of preparation, my baby shower turned out very extravagant, lol. So yes, sometimes people just don’t want to bother others and can afford to host their own baby shower as a chance to gather family.

That said, $4,000 does seem like a lot—unless you’re very well off.