For those planning a baby shower for a friend, one of the more difficult aspects of planning is in choosing and sending the baby shower invitations. Some find that there are too many options in terms of styles and colors and become overwhelmed. Others wonder how to navigate the etiquette concerns that come with drafting and sending formal invitations. When planning your first shower, there are a few things that one should remember that will make the creating and sending the baby shower invitations far easier.
Choose the shower theme first, and find invitations that highlight this theme. There is no need to get too involved in complicated shower themes. Some showers are patterned after high tea services, while others are more informal get togethers. Make sure that the invitations reflect the mood of the party. If it will be an informal occasion, do not send out ornate engraved invitations. For more formal afternoon parties that will require a certain mode of dress, choose invitations in a more formal style to convey that to the guests. Planners should also include any notes on dress code at the bottom of the invitation. This will make it easier for attendees to plan for their appearance.
Showers are not thrown by the mother to be, nor are they generally thrown by a member of her family. Traditionally, baby showers are meant to be thrown by friends of the expectant mother and not someone to whom she is related. If upholding this tradition is important to you, find a friend who is willing to take on the responsibility of sending and addressing the invitations, as well as updating the guest list. Some people do find this tradition a bit antiquated, but sticking to it does not mean that the soon to be mother cannot be a part of the planning process.
Give guests plenty of time to respond. There is no need to send invitations out a few months early, but many guest appreciate being given at least a month to clear their calendars and make arrangements for their attendance. When addressing the invitations, make sure that you are including the name of everyone within the household who will be invited. This can avoid the confusion that comes with not knowing if it is an adults only occasion or one that will include children. It can also be the best way to get a true idea of the number of people who will be in attendance.
Do not email the invitations. While more and more people are using email as their primary means of communication, mailed baby shower invitations should still be sent if at all possible. There is no need to go to great expense to have invitations printed. There are now software programs that enable the printing of professional looking invitations from home, as well as many low cost template invitations that can be personalized by hand. Mailing invitations is a lovely touch that is always appreciated, and makes any occasion feel that much more special.
