“Ultrasound’s next week. Should we plan something?” 📩
Would you agree that that’s usually how it begins? It might be a quick message, but later it would turn into theme ideas, a guest list, and maybe even a cake order. 🎂
As experienced planners for events like this, we have seen how some families celebrate this special occasion. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common timing, what to consider before choosing a date, and how different families decide when the moment feels right.
When to Do a Gender Reveal
Most gender reveals happen between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. That’s the typical window for the anatomy scan, which checks on the baby’s development and usually gives a clear view of the gender. It’s natural to plan something special at this time since the results are more accurate and the news feels official.
Some parents go earlier, using non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). This blood test can reveal the gender as early as 10 weeks, though many still wait for ultrasound confirmation before planning a big reveal.
So, when do you do a gender reveal? If you’re going by the numbers, weeks 18 to 22 are the most common. It lines up with what doctors recommend and gives you time to plan a celebration without rushing into it too soon.
Gender Reveal Timing by Week 📆
Choosing when to share your baby’s gender often depends on how far along you are and what information you have. Here’s a simple breakdown of what each stage offers.
How Many Months Should You Be to Have a Gender Reveal Party?
Most families plan their gender reveal around the five-month mark. This usually falls between 18 and 22 weeks, when the anatomy scan is done. At this point, doctors can usually confirm the baby’s gender with confidence.
It’s the most common time to celebrate because the information feels reliable, and many parents feel ready to share the news. Still, some families choose to reveal earlier. Here’s how the timing usually plays out based on pregnancy weeks:
10 Weeks (About 2.5 Months)
- Some parents choose a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT).
- This blood test is used to screen for genetic conditions and can also identify gender.
- It’s often chosen for private reveals or early announcements shared with close family.
14 to 16 Weeks (About 4 Months)
- Some families book a private ultrasound to learn the gender a little sooner.
- These early scans can be exciting but are less reliable than the standard anatomy scan.
- Parents who choose this window often keep the reveal casual or intimate.
18 to 22 Weeks (About 5 to 5.5 Months)
- This is the most common timeframe for a gender reveal.
- The anatomy scan gives a detailed look at the baby’s growth and can usually confirm the gender.
- By this point, many families feel comfortable planning a full celebration.
What Can Affect the Date
You’ve got the gender reveal idea, but the date still feels wide open. That’s normal. There are a few things that often shape the timeline, and they have less to do with tradition and more to do with what works in real life.
Emotional Readiness 💛
Planning the reveal feels exciting, but it’s also personal. Some people feel ready to share the news right away. You might be waiting on results, or maybe you just want a quiet moment before the celebration. Trust that feeling. You’ll know when the time feels right.
Travel and Schedules ✈️
Finding a date often starts with who needs to be there. Guests may be flying in. Friends could be juggling work, school, or other events. Even the weather can play a part if you’re planning something outdoors. A free weekend that fits everyone’s calendar can make the decision easy.
Medical Timing 🩺
Test dates and checkups can shape the pace. Many parents wait for the anatomy scan, which gives more detailed information about the baby’s health and gender. Waiting for a green light from your provider adds peace of mind and helps the details fall into place.
Best Time by Season and Style 🌤️
When is a good time to have a gender reveal? That might come down to the season you’re in. Each part of the year brings something unique to the table. Here’s a look at how the timing can match the mood.
Spring Moments 🌸
Spring makes it an easy favorite for gender reveals. Garden parties work well this time of year with blooming flowers, floral-inspired desserts, and light pastels. You can have sunny afternoons, fresh air, and plenty of photo-worthy details.
Summer Celebrations ☀️
Warm weather opens the door to more outdoor fun. Parks, beaches, and backyard setups all become great options. A gender reveal picnic from Picnic Makers is perfect for warm days when guests can relax, celebrate, and enjoy the sun.
Water balloon reveals, fruit-themed decor, or even a poolside moment work well in this season.
Fall Themes 🍂
Autumn brings in cozy textures, rich tones, and fun seasonal twists. Pumpkin reveals, hay bales, and golden-hour lighting set the mood.
If you love cider, blankets, and warm colors, fall could be your perfect match. The cooler air also makes outdoor setups more comfortable for expectant parents.
Winter Vibes ❄️
Winter calls for smaller, more intimate gatherings. Indoor setups with candles, fairy lights, and snow-inspired decor make the celebration feel extra special. A hot cocoa bar, cozy seating, and maybe even a fire pit can turn the reveal into a warm, memory-filled night.
This season works well if you prefer a calm, quieter experience. For chillier months, our backyard picnic setups offer a cozy and beautiful way to celebrate without needing to leave home.
What We’ve Seen as Planners
We’ve planned gender reveals in backyards, on beaches, and at rented rooftops. In our experience, when people do gender reveals usually depends on three things:
- how solid the gender results feel;
- how ready they are to share; and
- how much prep time they want.
We’ve seen parties just days after an ultrasound, and others scheduled weeks later to line up with a birthday or holiday. There isn’t one right way to do it. The best moments happen when the timing feels natural. That’s usually when the parents are excited and the setup feels true to them.
Deciding on the Right Date 🗓️
Still settling on a date? A few simple prompts can help you find what fits without turning it into a puzzle.
Feeling Ready
You may share the news as soon as they have it or hold the moment a little longer. Choose what feels right for you.
Party Style
A small gathering feels very different from a full celebration. If you’re planning something relaxed with close friends, you might feel ready sooner. If you’re coordinating vendors, decor, or travel, a little more time helps the experience come together.
Personal Traditions
Family customs often influence timing. If your culture or household follows a certain rhythm for big milestones, let that guide the date. These personal touchpoints make the event feel even more meaningful.
How to Throw a Gender Reveal Party 🎉
Start with the Big Picture
Begin by asking how you want the day to feel. When you picture the energy, the setting, and the people involved, the rest of the planning becomes much easier.
Some families lean into softness and simplicity. Others love the idea of a thoughtful, detailed setup. There’s no single path, but clarity early on helps shape the entire day. Our baby shower planning guide offers more inspiration if you’re planning ahead.
What’s Your Vibe?
Every reveal carries its own energy. Some feel lighthearted, with a picnic outdoors and plenty of space to relax. Others take place indoors, surrounded by soft light, music, and a few familiar faces.
It’s not about scale. It’s about how the day feels. Once that’s clear, the details tend to fall into place without much strain.
When’s the Best Time to Host It?
As mentioned, most gender reveals happen between 18 and 22 weeks after the anatomy scan. It’s a point in the journey where things feel more certain, and the celebration can truly begin.
If you’re hosting outside, let the season help set the tone. Spring brings flowers and fresh air. Summer stretches the days and adds warmth to any setting. Fall introduces natural texture and color. Winter shifts the mood indoors and invites cozy details.
Whatever the date, the right time is the one that fits your season of life.
Pick Your Reveal Style
The reveal is the part everyone waits for. It doesn’t need to be dramatic, but it should feel exciting and true to you. Keep it light, go for something bold, or settle into a moment that simply feels like yours.
Classic Ideas That Still Work
These favorites have stood the test of time and are easy to plan with little stress.
- Cake cutting: A single slice shows pink or blue inside
- Balloon pop: One large balloon filled with color sets the mood
- Confetti cannons: A high-energy way to bring guests into the surprise
- Colored smoke: A bold option for outdoor spaces with a strong visual impact
If you’re leaning toward something soft and feminine, these baby shower ideas for girls may inspire your reveal look too.
Unique Ways to Personalize the Moment
If you want something that feels more custom, these ideas add a creative spin to the reveal.
- Pinata: A burst of color as treats or paper fall from above
- Scratch cards: Guests reveal their gender at the same time with coordinated cards
- Custom gifts: Open a box to reveal baby items in pink or blue
- Pet or sibling reveals: Let a furry friend or future big brother or sister take the lead
Build the Guest Experience 🥂
The way your guests feel throughout the day shapes what they remember. A smooth flow and thoughtful details go a long way. Here’s how to create a warm and welcoming experience from start to finish.
Invitations and RSVP Tips
Start by choosing how you’d like to invite people. Digital options are fast and simple. Printed invitations feel more personal and work well for formal gatherings. Either way, keep the message clear and easy to follow.
Include the location, date, time, and dress code. If guests need to bring something, make that part clear. A soft theme or color palette can help guide your design choices and give the invite a polished look.
Confirming your guest list early helps you plan food, seating, and the reveal without last-minute stress.
Food and Drinks
Guests always notice the food. You don’t need a full spread, but offering something fun and easy to enjoy keeps the mood high.
Treats like cupcakes with a surprise center, frosted cookies, or pink and blue-dipped strawberries add a playful touch. Mocktails work well too. Use fresh ingredients, serve them in beautiful glassware, and give each one a name that ties into the theme.
If you’re planning a picnic, go with food that packs easily and can be enjoyed without much setup. A grazing board styled around the reveal colors makes an effortless centerpiece.
Decor That Feels Like You ✨
Decor sets the tone the moment guests arrive. Balloons, florals, signage, and soft lighting can transform a space without making it feel too staged. Keep the setup simple by choosing a color palette or theme to guide your choices.
Outdoor gatherings benefit from picnic-style setups. Use low tables with layered blankets, soft cushions, and styled tableware to create a space that feels grounded and relaxed.
If you’re celebrating outside, the little details make a big impression. These outdoor baby shower ideas offer even more inspiration for pairing comfort with design.
Let the space reflect who you are. Those are the touches guests remember most.
Create the Reveal Moment
The reveal is the peak of the celebration. It doesn’t need to feel overproduced. A few intentional steps make this part feel personal and complete.
Set the Mood
Right before the reveal, pause the energy for just a moment. A short toast or a few thoughtful words help everyone feel present.
Music can support the tone you’re aiming for. Go soft and emotional or choose something upbeat and light. A countdown brings everyone together and builds quiet anticipation before the surprise.
If you’re looking for the perfect words to pair with the moment, explore our collection of the gender reveal quotes.
That small pause gives the moment its full weight.
Capture It All 📸
The reveal moves quickly, so plan ahead to document it. You don’t need a professional photographer. Just make sure someone is ready to take photos or record a video.
If you’re using a phone, check your lighting and angles before guests arrive. A simple setup gives you a clean space for a few quick photos right after the reveal.
Keep It Moving
Once the reveal has happened, keep the celebration flowing. Serve dessert, raise a glass, or invite a few games. Even something as simple as a toast helps guests settle into the moment and enjoy it together.
You don’t need a detailed agenda. A smooth transition helps keep the mood high and makes everyone feel included.
Finding Your Right Moment 💫
“Ultrasound’s next week. Should we plan something?”
That message may have started off light, but now it’s become something real. You may see a backyard picnic. You might be picturing candles, dinner, or a gathering with everyone you love. However it looks, the moment you choose will become one you always remember.
Picnic Makers creates gender reveal events that feel like yours. If you’re ready to plan something thoughtful and personal, we’ll help you shape it without the stress.
This moment belongs to you. Make it feel like it.
Quick Answers for Curious Parents
1. When is the best time to have a gender reveal party?
Most families choose to celebrate between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, just after the anatomy scan. This is when gender results are usually clear, and there’s enough time to plan the details without rushing.
2. Can I have a gender reveal earlier than 18 weeks?
Yes. Some parents use non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) at 10 weeks, and others book private ultrasounds between 14 and 16 weeks. If you’re planning something before the anatomy scan, consider keeping the reveal smaller until the results feel certain.
3. Is it okay to have a gender reveal and baby shower separately?
Yes. Many families host the gender reveal early in the pregnancy and wait until the third trimester for the baby shower. Each event can reflect a different mood and focus.
4. Do I need to host a big party for a gender reveal?
You don’t have to. Some parents choose a quiet picnic or a dinner at home. Others create a larger celebration with guests, themes, and decor. Let your energy and comfort guide the size of the event.
5. What are some low-stress gender reveal ideas?
Simple ideas like a cake cutting, balloon pop, or scratch card reveal are easy to set up and still feel special. A picnic with soft styling and light food creates a relaxed setting without a long to-do list.
6. Should I include a theme or color palette?
You don’t need a full theme, but a color palette helps tie everything together. Soft pink, light blue, or warm neutral tones can guide your invites, food, and decor choices without adding pressure.
8. What if I want to be surprised too?
We’ve helped many parents plan reveals without knowing the gender themselves. If you want to keep it a surprise, we’ll work with your provider or a trusted contact to handle the details and set up the reveal for you.
