The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Stress-Free Baby or Bridal Shower at The Historic Dallas Jail
Everything included, nothing to worry about — here's what makes our shower package different
Planning a baby shower or bridal shower should be exciting, not overwhelming. But let's be honest — between finding a venue, coordinating setup, figuring out what you need to rent, and managing a million small details, shower planning can quickly become stressful.
That's exactly why we created our all-inclusive shower package at The Historic Dallas Jail.
We've hosted hundreds of showers over the years, and we know exactly what hosts need to pull off a beautiful, memorable celebration without losing their minds in the process. So we've built everything into one simple package that takes the stress out of planning.
Here's everything you need to know about hosting your shower with us — and why our package includes way more than you'd expect.
What's Actually Included (Spoiler: It's A Lot)
When we say "all-inclusive," we mean it. Here's everything that comes standard with our shower package:
Time & Space
✓ 5 hours of venue time
Five hours gives you plenty of time for setup, the actual shower (usually 2-3 hours), and breakdown — without feeling rushed. Guests can arrive, enjoy the celebration, and leave at a comfortable pace.
✓ Climate-controlled historic space with photo-ready exposed brick
No matter what the weather's doing outside, your guests will be comfortable inside. Heat in winter, A/C in summer, and those gorgeous exposed brick walls that make every photo look amazing.
✓ Privacy (not sharing space with other events)
When you book The Historic Dallas Jail, you get the entire venue. You're not competing with another event happening down the hall or worrying about noise from other parties. It's your space for your celebration.
✓ Handicap accessible entrance
Everyone should be able to celebrate together. Our venue is fully accessible on the first floor for guests with mobility needs. The second floor accessed by stairsonly.
Furniture & Setup (We Handle It All)
✓ Tables, chairs & white linens for
We provide everything you need for seating. Clean white linens on every table. Chairs set up. No renting. No hauling. No setting up folding tables in someone's driveway the morning of the shower.
✓ Velvet lounge furniture
Beyond standard tables and chairs, we provide velvet lounge furniture that creates cozy conversation areas. It's perfect for that stylish, Instagram-worthy vibe without you having to source rental furniture.
✓ Cake table
Designated spaces for the cake display — set up and ready to go when you arrive.
✓ Setup & breakdown by our team
This is huge. You don't set up tables. You don't break down chairs. You don't haul anything. Our team handles all of it before and after your event. You literally just show up.
✓ Comfortable seating clearly stated
Our building is set for 40 guests on each floor, accommodating up to 50 total comfortably. You'll know exactly how many people the space can handle without feeling cramped. Our buildings total capacity is 100 guest using both floors.
Coordination & Support (You're Not Doing This Alone)
✓ On-site venue host & coordination
A member of our team is on-site throughout your entire event. Need something adjusted? Have a question? Want help with timing? We're there.
✓ Timeline planning assistance
We help you create a timeline for your shower so everything flows smoothly — from guest arrival to games to gift opening to dessert. You're not guessing at how long things should take or when to serve food.
✓ Setup consultation before event day
Before your shower, we meet with you to discuss your vision, walk through the space, plan the layout, and answer all your questions. You'll arrive on shower day knowing exactly what to expect.
✓ Vendor list (caterers, bakers, photographers we recommend)
We work with amazing local vendors and we're happy to connect you with caterers, bakers, balloon artists, photographers — whoever you need. These are people we trust and who know our space well.
Décor & Styling (The Fun Stuff)
✓ Curated décor collection
We provide access to our collection of vintage and decorative pieces that you can use to style your shower. This includes:
Vintage baby carriage (perfect for baby showers — such a sweet photo op!)
Vintage white bassinet (another adorable baby shower touch)
Decorative cake stands & serving pieces (display that cake beautifully without buying or renting stands)
These aren't generic, boring rentals. They're curated pieces with character that make your shower feel special and unique.
✓ Easel or display stands
Need to display a welcome sign, shower games, or a photo of the bride or mom-to-be? We've got easels and display stands ready to use.
✓ Designated photo backdrop area
We've identified the most Instagram-worthy spots in our venue and set them up as photo areas. Your guests will know exactly where to snap those pics.
✓ Good natural lighting
Our space has beautiful natural light that makes photos look amazing without professional lighting equipment. No dark, cave-like venue here.
✓ Instagram-worthy spots highlighted
Beyond the main photo backdrop, we point out other beautiful areas perfect for photos — in front of the fireplace, by the exposed brick, in the courtyard, etc.
Food & Beverage Essentials
✓ Refrigerator/freezer access for keeping food cold
Bringing food that needs to stay chilled? No problem. You have access to our refrigerator and freezer so everything stays fresh and safe.
✓ 4 beverage dispensers
Serving lemonade, iced tea, flavored water, or punch? Use our beverage dispensers instead of buying or renting them. We provide four, so you can offer multiple drink options.
✓ 2 rolling coolers
Keep bottles of water, soda, or other drinks cold and easily accessible with our rolling coolers. Perfect for self-serve beverage stations.
Tech & Amenities
✓ Bluetooth sound system
Play background music during the shower or use it for games and activities. Just connect your phone via Bluetooth and you're set.
✓ Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi throughout the venue for guests (and for you if you need to pull up shower games or a playlist on the fly).
✓ Onsite parking
Your guests won't be circling the block looking for street parking or paying for a parking garage. The Town of Dallas has plenty of free onsite parking.
✓ Clean, updated restrooms
Let's be real — restroom quality matters. Ours are clean, updated, and well-maintained. Your guests will be comfortable.
The Fine Print
→ A 50% non-refundable retainer is required to secure your date
→ Shower bookings are available up to 16 weeks in advance of the event
→ Your 5-hour rental must include all setup, decorating, and clean-up time
→ Events must take place during daytime hours — may begin as early as 8 AM and must conclude by 5 PM
→ If alcohol is being served, a licensed and insured bartender must be hired
What You Need to Bring (It's a Short List)
Since we provide so much, here's what you're responsible for:
Food & Beverages:
Catering (we can recommend caterers!)
Drinks (we provide dispensers and coolers, you provide the beverages)
Cake or desserts
Paper products (plates, napkins, cups, forks) unless you're renting our real dishes
Decorations Beyond What We Provide:
Any specific themed décor you want
Balloons (or hire a balloon artist — we can recommend one!)
Flowers (or hire a florist)
Personalized banners, signs, etc.
Activities & Favors:
Shower games and supplies
Favors for guests (if you're doing them)
Guest book or alternative
That's it. Everything else is covered.
The Planning Process: What to Expect
Here's how hosting your shower with us typically works:
Step 1: Inquiry & Booking
Reach out to check availability for your desired date. We'll discuss your vision, guest count, and any questions you have. Once you're ready, we lock in your date with a signed agreement and retainer.
Step 2: Setup Consultation
Before your shower, we schedule a setup consultation. We walk through the space together, discuss layout, go over your timeline, and answer any remaining questions. You'll leave feeling confident and prepared.
Step 3: Final Details
In the week leading up to your shower, we confirm all final details — arrival time, vendor deliveries, any last-minute changes.
Step 4: Shower Day
You arrive to a space that's set up and ready. Our on-site host is there to support you throughout the event. You celebrate, take photos, open gifts, and enjoy. When it's time to leave, we handle all the breakdown.
Step 5: Post-Event
You take your gifts and any personal items. We handle everything else. You leave stress-free.
Pricing & Availability
Our all-inclusive shower package that includes everything listed above is $495 + NC Sales Tax.
Check availability for your date: 📧 Contact us directly or Email events@thehistoricdallasjail.com
Add-Ons & Rentals
While our package includes everything most showers need, we do offer optional add-ons for hosts who want to enhance their celebration:
Available Add-Ons:
Coffee bar service
Vintage China - Miss Match Vintage China for your guest, plates and cake plates
Glassware - Water or Tea Goblets for your guest
Extended hours — Need more than 5 hours? We can accommodate that
Early decorating access — Arrive earlier to set up elaborate decorations
Courtyard Setup - Weather permitting, it's a beautiful option. Additional outdoor space set with event furniture
Champagne toast station — Styled station with flutes and setup
Professional photography — We can connect you with photographers who know our space
Balloon installations — Professional balloon garlands and arches
Additional décor rentals — Specialty items beyond our standard collection
Ask us about add-on pricing when you inquire. We're happy to customize your package!
Ready to Book Your Stress-Free Shower?
If you're tired of piecing together rentals, stressing about setup, and trying to coordinate a million details, we're here to make it easy.
The Historic Dallas Jail offers:
✨ Shower package with everything you need
✨ Beautiful, unique historic space
✨ Hands-on coordination and support
✨ Perfect for baby showers and bridal showers
Located in Dallas, NC — just 30 minutes from Charlotte
📧 Contact us today to check availability
Let's plan a shower that's beautiful, memorable, and actually stress-free. We can't wait to celebrate with you! 🤍
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