The Ultimate Gender Reveal Guide: Everything You Need to Know for a Special Moment

For many parents, a gender reveal is one of the most special moments of pregnancy. It's the moment you involve friends and family in something intimate: revealing the sex of your baby. What started as a trend in the US has now firmly established itself in the Netherlands and other European countries.

These days, a gender reveal is much more than just a balloon or a cake. It's a creative, carefully planned moment that reflects your personal style. Whether you're organizing something grand or more intimate, good preparation ensures it becomes a memory you'll look back on with a smile.

The right time for a gender reveal

Most parents choose to schedule the gender reveal between weeks 16 and 20 of pregnancy. At that point, the gender is usually reliably known through ultrasound or NIPT.

A practical tip: don't plan the party directly on the day you get your results. Give yourself at least a week to prepare—especially if you want to invite family or friends or organize the decorations and reveal.

Also important: if you don't want to find out the gender until the party, make sure one person or someone outside the wedding knows the results and prepares everything. This way, it'll remain a surprise for everyone.

Ideas that go beyond the standard balloon

The traditional black balloon with confetti is still popular, but more and more parents are looking for original, creative ways to reveal the gender. It doesn't have to be grand or expensive, but it should fit the theme of the day.

Popular concepts include:

• A cake or cupcakes with colored filling
  
  
• A box filled with balloons or ribbons
  
  
• A short video or projection with family at a distance
  
  
• A game where guests discover the revelation together
  
  
• An intimate moment with only the immediate circle

The best idea is often simple, personal and easily implementable.

Discover: 51 Gender Reveal Ideas Without Smoke or Fireworks

Safety and sustainability: a conscious choice

In recent years, the impact of gender reveal parties has gained more attention. Smoke bombs, fireworks, or large confetti cannons may create a spectacular display, but they also pose risks and environmental impact.

More and more parents are therefore choosing sustainable alternatives:

• Edible revelations (cake, mocktails, cupcakes)
  
  
• Reusable or natural decoration
  
  
• Light projections or screen reveals
  
  
• Colors in styling instead of explosive effects

What once started as a hype is increasingly developing into a personal and responsible moment. The trend is shifting from spectacle to meaning.

Discover: Throwing a sustainable party

Budget: from small gestures to big moments

A gender reveal doesn't have to be an expensive affair. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you like.

• Small, intimate moments with family and friends can be organised with a budget of €50 to €150.
  
  
• For an average gender reveal including cake, styling and decor you will be looking at around €150 to €500.
  
  
• For those who go all out with location, photographer and professional planning, the costs can run to €1,000 or more.

What's more important than the amount is that the moment feels good—and not like an obligation. Whether you're organizing a gender reveal or a baby shower, this blog offers helpful budget tips.

Who organizes it?

For many gender reveals, one person (often a close friend or family member) chooses to receive the results and plan the reveal. This way, it remains a genuine surprise for the parents.

Some couples choose to organize it themselves—especially if they already know the gender and want to share it with their loved ones. There's no right or wrong. What matters is that it happens your way.

Checklist for a successful gender reveal

✔️ Schedule the time between week 16 and 20

✔️ Decide whether you want to know the results yourself or not

✔️ Choose an original form of revelation that suits you

✔️ Think about safety and sustainability

✔️ Decide who organizes it and who knows the secret

A gender reveal isn't about the biggest impact, it's about the moment you share together .

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