The first impression guests receive of a baby shower is usually the printed invitation. This short guide to invitation etiquette will help the host to get off to a good start and ensure that the shower is a happy and stress-free event for all.
Whether you buy or make your own invitations, make sure your invitations convey the theme, style, and message that you are planning for the shower. For example, a teddy bear theme would call for a different design on your invitations than a celestial theme, and a formal shower would call for a different style of invitation than an informal one.
If you have not decided on a theme and style, a quick online search will provide many ideas. Examples include:
- Yellow Ducklings
- Puppies
- Baby Giraffes
- Stars
- Nursery Rhymes
- Noah's Ark
- Butterflies
- Lambs
- Bottles and Bibs
Perhaps after looking at these examples, you will come up with your own idea for a theme that you know is just right for the guest of honor's interests and personality. Gifts often follow a theme, so be sure to choose one you know the mom will like.
Once you have decided on your invitations follow these additional best-practice guidelines:
- Make a list of whom you will invite. Generally, close friends and family of the mother should be invited. Ask the mom to finalize the guest list to ensure no one has been accidentally forgotten. It's acceptable to include men, but an all female baby shower with the "oohing" and "aahing" over precious baby clothes and cute diaper bags is still traditional. If the shower is not going to be a surprise, check with the mom as to her wishes.
- Be sure the invitations include important detailed information. Your invitations should include the date and time of the party, the guest of honor's name, the party theme if any, and any items you may be asking guests to bring for the mom. Indicating appropriate attire will help guests feel more comfortable.
- Include an RSVP request with your invitations. This is so you will have a good idea of how many guests you can expect. With an informal event such as a baby shower, a reply by email or phone is acceptable. Your name, phone number, e-mail address if you have one, and 'RSVP by?' should all be included.
- Registry information. If the guest of honor has registered for gifts, tuck a small card into the invitation listing where she is registered.
- Include a map and directions to the party. It may be helpful to enclose a map to the venue where the shower will take place.
- Finally, invitation etiquette calls for good timing. Have your invitations ready to send out one month before the shower.
