Baby shower invitations: who hosts, who to invite, what to say
When to hold and invite for a baby shower, who traditionally hosts, how to include the registry politely, and wording for classic, co-ed and virtual showers.
The short version
- A baby shower is usually held four to eight weeks before the due date, with invitations sent four to six weeks before the shower.
- A close friend or relative usually hosts; today the parents-to-be often host their own, and both are fine.
- Unlike a wedding invitation, a shower invitation can include the registry, briefly.
- Say whether it is women only, co-ed, or a family gathering.
A baby shower invitation goes out four to six weeks before the shower, which is usually held four to eight weeks before the baby is due. It names the parent or parents-to-be and the host, gives the date, time and place, says what kind of shower it is, and, unlike a wedding invitation, can mention the registry.
Who hosts a baby shower?
Traditionally a close friend, sister or cousin. Older etiquette discouraged the mother or mother-in-law from hosting, because it could look like asking for gifts on the family's behalf; today mothers host often, and so do the parents-to-be themselves. The invitation should say who is hosting, so guests know whom to reply to.
When should the shower be?
Most often four to eight weeks before the due date, when the parent-to-be is still comfortable and there is time to use the gifts. Some families prefer to wait until after the birth, sometimes for cultural or personal reasons; a "meet the baby" party works just as well.
Who should be invited?
Close family and friends of the parents-to-be. Traditional showers were women only; co-ed showers with both partners' friends are now common. Say which it is on the invitation, and ask the parents-to-be for the guest list rather than guessing.
Classic shower wording
Please join us for a baby shower honoring Chloe Martin. Sunday, March 14, at 2 PM, at the home of Sophie Carter, 22 Oak Street. Hosted by Sophie Carter. Kindly reply to Sophie by March 1. Chloe is registered at Little Nest.
Co-ed shower wording
Baby Martin-Moreau is on the way! Join Chloe and Lucas for a backyard barbecue shower on Saturday, March 13, from 1 to 5 PM, 14 Linden Avenue. Partners and kids welcome. Reply by March 1.
Virtual shower wording
Wherever you are, join us online to shower Chloe with love! Sunday, March 14, 3 PM New York time (8 PM London). The video link is below. Gifts can be sent to Chloe directly from her registry.
How do you include the registry?
Briefly, near the end: one line with the store or a link. Baby showers are, by tradition, gift-giving parties, so this is accepted in a way it is not on a wedding invitation. Keep it to a mention, not a list of requested items.
We design baby shower invitations to order, with replies collected online, for $49 once, and you see the finished invitation before you pay.
Tell guests who it is for, who is hosting, and whether to bring the whole family. The rest is cake.
Common questions
When should baby shower invitations be sent?
Four to six weeks before the shower. The shower itself is usually held four to eight weeks before the due date.
Who should host a baby shower?
Traditionally a close friend or relative. Today mothers and the parents-to-be themselves often host too. The invitation should name the host.
Can you put registry information on a baby shower invitation?
Yes. Unlike wedding invitations, baby shower invitations can briefly mention the registry, usually in one line near the end.
An invitation designed for your occasion
We design it for your event, with replies collected online, for $49 once. You see it finished before you pay.
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