Baby Shower: Party Timing & Invitation Advice
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Baby showers are not just for first babies. They can be held (often as "sprinkles") for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and beyond children. And a "welcome shower" can be held for those adopting children older than the baby stage. These showers are a chance to help prepare a parent, parents or a family for welcoming a new child into their life. They can be hosted by anyone who is able to host. While traditionally showers were not held by immediate family of the honoree, today, sometimes this person is the only sensible option.
Timing the Party
In an effort to beat the clock, showers are usually given four to six weeks before the baby's due date. Parents who receive gifts in advance of the birth have the advantage of knowing what additional items they'll need to buy or borrow. However, showers can also wait until a few weeks after the birth. In fact, some expectant couples prefer to defer receiving gifts until after the baby's arrival.
Baby Shower Invitations
Traditionally baby shower invitations were printed and mailed. Fill-in options quickly became a useful option and today digital invitations are also a good choice. Store-bought fill-ins come in a wide variety of designs and are widely available, as are invitations that can be designed via a website like Greenvelope.com, or on your computer. However creative your invitation, don't forget the essentials:
1. The mother's (or parents') names(s)
2. The shower's date, time and location,
3. A request to RSVP and contact information (Please RSVP by June 19th, call/text Kaitlin 802-888-9999)
4. Registry information. While typically gifts are not mentioned on invitations, this information can be included in a separate enclosure or because the invitation is to a shower - a party based solely on giving gifts to help during this new and exciting time - directly on the invitation.
5. You can also list other information like the baby's sex if it's known, or colors and themes the parent(s) are aiming/hoping for (like "Darren and Seth's nursery is woodland critter themed, and they are expecting a baby girl.")
When to Send Out Baby Shower Invites
Invitations are sent out three to six weeks before the shower. This gives guests enough time to respond, and get/send a gift if they are going to.
