Planning a baby shower? Start by choosing a baby shower invitation design that reflects the mom-to-be’s style, the type of shower she and her family would like to have, and the theme of the event. There are many different types of baby showers (sprinkles, virtual showers, gender reveals, etc.) and in this article, we will help you better understand each one, provide you with baby shower invitation wording ideas, and sample designs for each style.
So what do you write in a baby shower invitation? No matter what theme or style of shower you host, there are certain elements that should be included in baby shower invitation wording, like the mother’s name, baby shower time and date, address of the party, and RSVP info (email address, phone number, etc). Once your invites are complete, the final question in your mind will most likely be: When should invitations be mailed out? The best practice is to mail baby shower invitations out in the fifth month of pregnancy for a shower that takes place in the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy.
This get-together is held in honor of the mom-to-be and is typically organized and hosted by a close friend. Choose a classic blue, pink, or gender-neutral color scheme. You could also choose a fun coordinated theme for the invitations (like Safari, Woodland, Elephant, or Twinkle-Twinkle) and match them with your day-of decor. If you know the gender of the baby, you may wish to include this information on the invitation, so guests have the opportunity to purchase gender-specific gifts.
Traditional baby shower etiquette requires dressing nicely but not formally in accordance with the venue. You should bring a gift for the guest of honor and anything else the host asks for, such as photos of yourself or the mother-to-be as infants. A traditional baby shower guest list includes her mom, sister(s), aunts, and female friends and colleagues.
Baby Stork by Jen Banks
This celebration honors both parents, so be sure to include both names on the invitation if you're going that route. Also, consider using "celebration" as opposed to "shower," and pick an invitation design that will appeal to a co-ed guest list. With the baby shower invite wording, make the language inclusive and highlight that the party is intended to prepare both mom and dad for a new baby.
Dress for a couples’ shower can be more casual than a traditional event but should match the venue. Invite the guest of honor’s close friends and relatives, making sure to include the ladies’ significant others in your baby shower invitation wording. Consider asking guests who are parents to bring their best parenting advice.
Oh Boy! by Michelle Shanaman
A gender reveal celebration is a special moment to share with friends and family. Have your sonographer write the baby’s gender on a notecard and seal the envelope before giving it to you; open the envelope together at the party to reveal the surprise in front of your guests. When selecting your baby shower invite wording, be sure to include that you’ll be learning the gender identity at the same time as your guests, which will add an extra layer of excitement to the event.
These events tend to be larger in scale and more casual than a traditional baby shower. Etiquette requires including the word “shower” somewhere in your baby shower invite wording if guests should bring gifts for the expectant parents. Themes for a gender reveal can vary, but it’s a fun idea to ask guests to dress in either pink or blue to indicate their guess.
Surprise by AK Graphics
“Sip and See” is commonly a more low-key party held after the baby̦’s birth to introduce him or her to friends and family members. Sip and sees are also a great way to celebrate your little one if you were unable to have an in-person baby shower while you were expecting. Like an open house, guests can come and go, enjoy a beverage, and meet the new baby in a casual setting. If you have a large family and a big friend group, you may decide to have a couple smaller “welcome baby” parties instead of one large one. That is perfectly acceptable!
For this type of event, include in your baby shower invitation wording details about how the new parents would like to handle guests touching or holding their infant. This can offer guidance on hand-washing, mask-wearing, and other concerns. Invite anyone linked to the happy little family for this easy-going, unstructured shower.
Ice Ice Baby by Corie Page
After their first child, some families prefer a "sprinkle" instead of a full-blown baby shower because diapers may be all they need!.Baby shower invitation wording for this kind of event usually indicates a more informal gathering and highlights a few items they may need “sprinkled” in to bolster their baby supply rather than a full registry. This gathering will be more about support and celebration and less about presents!
The etiquette for a baby shower for a second child is looser than for traditional events, allowing guests and parents to relax and enjoy the day. Invite close family and friends, including couples — unless the new mom wants to opt for a ladies’ only outing.
Baby Sprinkle by Susan Asbill
When celebrating an adoption, the timing of the event will vary depending on the nature of the adoption and the comfort level of the parents-to-be. The family may prefer to have the shower before the baby arrives or after the baby is welcomed home. When crafting the adoption baby shower invitation wording, share the child’s exact age and size so guests have an idea of what types of clothing and toys to gift.
Adoption baby shower etiquette is all about the comfort of this new little family. For example, the baby shower invite wording should not include any form of “adoptive baby.” Instead, consider mentioning the country of origin the child has arrived from: “Please join us in welcoming baby Kai who traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo to be in Mama Britney’s arms.”
We Adopted Love by Louise Kay
Virtual showers have become popular during the age of COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines as a way to bring everyone together in a safe, inclusive way. Because these online parties are still somewhat new, it’s important your baby shower invite wording cues guests in on what to expect during the virtual event. Will games be played? Should a beverage be made ahead of time?
Lettering by Jen Owens
An expanding family is a joyous thing! Etiquette for a baby shower for a second child leaves more room for personalizing than a traditional event. Consider making the party co-ed and family-friendly so that dads and other kids can participate. Mention on the invitation whether guests are expected to bring a baby shower gift. Etiquette does not require baby shower games, but they’ll help keep everyone engaged in a big party like this.
What venue is appropriate?
Showers are often held at the host’s home, but a hotel banquet hall or a favorite restaurant of the parents-to-be are also good choices. For a virtual baby shower, consider digital backgrounds that reflect the
mom-to-be’s personality or places she has traveled to. Unique venue choices include:
Who hosts?
Traditionally, showers are hosted by a close friend of the guest of honor, but it has become acceptable for family members to host.
Are there any special requests to include on the invite?
Including registry information or special gift requests like books or diapers helps avoid duplicate or unneeded gifts. However, you may decide to omit this and let guests enjoy finding a gift on their own.
Baby shower games keep guests engaged, but include instructions in your baby shower invite wording if you want attendees to bring photos, song names or parenting advice to contribute to the fun.
Need some help wording your baby shower invitations? Follow our handy invitation wording guide below.