A baby shower is technically a party to honor the mother, so her name goes on the baby shower invitation by default. However, many modern baby showers are co-ed and also include the father. If that's the case, the mother's and father's names can both be included at the top of the card.
The invitation should clearly state the name of the guest of honor—the mom-to-be, or both parents, depending on if one or both will be in attendance. The host (whoever is planning the shower and will be collecting RSVPs) should also be listed, along with the best contact information for them to get reservations.
The Guest of Honor: who do you honor on a baby shower invite? It may or may not seem obvious, but the mom-to-be or the parents-to-be are the guests of honors at baby showers. If the baby shower is more traditional where only women are invited then the guest of honor will be the mom-to-be.
Who hosts a baby shower? The point of a baby shower is for your community to "shower" you with gifts. Typically, a close friend or family member will throw your shower, but coworkers or another loved one can all host the party.
Classic baby shower etiquette rules state that a close family member or friend should be the baby shower host. And this is good advice. While you don't have to be related to the person, ensure it's someone close. What is this? If no one has offered to host yet, it's ok to ask someone to throw you a little soiree.
Who plans and hosts a baby shower? According to tradition, baby showers should be hosted by a friend or distant relative (like a cousin or an aunt) instead of a close family member. This custom is believed to have developed in order to avoid the appearance that the family was simply on a mission to collect gifts.
Traditionally, baby showers are given only for the family's first child, and only women are invited, though this has changed in recent years, now allowing showers being split up for different audiences: workplace, mixed-sex, etc. Activities at baby showers include gift-giving and playing themed games.
Who Hosts a Baby Shower? Most baby showers should be hosted by a sister, mother, mother-in-law, or close friend. Baby showers were traditionally thrown by family members who weren't close with the parents-to-be, to avoid the assumption that close family members wanted to collect gifts for themselves.
As a fast rule, baby showers are often held at the end of the second trimester or early to midway through the third trimester — usually four to six weeks before the due date. Expectant parents who are having multiples may prefer to have the baby shower on the earlier side.
Sometimes referred to as the “Manshower” or the “Dad-chelor,” the male version of the baby shower has, in recent years, become a thing. (Really.) In some ways, the all-male version of the baby party resembles its female counterpart: Manshowers involve a group of (usually) friends.
Every baby shower is different, but most ladies agree that 15 to 30 is the perfect number of ladies at a typical baby shower or about 30-40 for a coed. These numbers change depending on the size of the family, number of friends, and even work colleagues involved.
A baby shower usually lasts 2-3 hours. Budget about 30-45 minutes at the beginning for guests to arrive, nibble on some food, and mingle with one another before the games / entertainment begin. Spend the next 30-45 minutes playing games. And the rest of the time having cake and opening gifts.
“As new parents to be, we're excited to welcome our new family members into our lives! We already have everything we need, so no need to bring a present. Cash and gift cards are welcome, but not required!” “We're excited to celebrate our new baby with you, and your presence is the only gift we need!
If the expectant parents have picked the baby's name, and they have given you their blessing, you can also include it in the invitation wording. Gift registry information can be included. Hosts should never insist guests use the registry; it is solely the guest's decision what they give the parent-to-be.
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.
to show a courteous regard for: to honor an invitation. Commerce. to accept or pay (a draft, check, etc.): All credit cards are honored here. to accept as valid and conform to the request or demands of (an official document). (in square dancing) to meet or salute with a bow.
Traditional Baby 100 Days Celebration Gift: ang baos
The amount given should end with an even number while favouring the auspicious number eight. Giving new parents an ang bao with $88 or an amount with “88” in it signifies wishing double fortune and blessings.
Don't Schedule It Too Early or Too Late
A baby shower should not be held before the 20-week mark in pregnancy.
Should you open gifts at the baby shower? Tradition would have you open all the gifts in front of the guests. But, times have changed and it's more common not to.
When you start your baby shower guest list, begin with those who are nearest and dearest to the parents-to-be. This should be easy (but not always). Your list might include mom, siblings, mother-in-law, grandmother, best friend, etc.
Traditional Baby Shower Length
Check with the guests of honor to see what they feel comfortable with and adjust if needed. Parent's magazine recommends a shower last three hours at the most. Don't be surprised if not all guests can stay for the entire duration of a particularly long baby shower.
When your guests first arrive, have them sign the baby shower guest book. Mom-to-be will look forward to flipping through the pages to remember her special day. Additionally, you can set up advice cards or a message wall where guests can write down words of wisdom or wishes for the baby and parents.
Little ones are welcome if the invite says so
A baby shower might seem like the perfect function to bring your kids to since it's all about the upcoming special delivery, but don't just assume they're welcome.
Baby showers don't have to be only for ladies. Although it's still okay to only have a ladies-only baby shower, It's become more commonplace for guys to attend. So, if you're planning a baby shower, figure out if you want the baby shower to be female-only for the new mom or a co-ed baby shower.