Planning a Fun Baby Shower Part III: The Invitations

We've covered the guest list, date & budget and the location. This morning, we tackle the invitations!

Invitations

At this point, you’ve done enough planning to work on the invitations. Completing the invitations can be as easy as writing out the details on a pre-printed invite to creating your own. I went to a paper store, which was really fun for this typically non-crafty girl, and selected blank invitations that coordinated with my theme and colors. After I printed and glued them together, I decorated them with a bow and a little ladybug! If you design your own invitations, don’t forget to include the following critical information:

• The mom-to-be’s name
• The date
• The time
• The location and the address
• The host’s name
• RSVP info (a lot of people include a phone number and an email address)

I personally think the name of the store(s) where the mom-to-be is registered should be included, but I know that this might not be the same advice all etiquette experts would offer. However, from a practical, busy gal standpoint, most shower attendees want to know where the expecting mom is registered. Incorporating registry info with the invitations -- whether you include a registry card or write it at the bottom of the actual invite – saves your guests the time of having to make a phone call or two. When I printed the invitations for the shower I hosted, I included an insert with relevant details such as directions to the restaurant, an explanation of the Diaper Raffle (particulars of that and other shower activities are coming up in another post!) and her registry. I simply took a little image of the store’s logo and noted that my friend was registered there. To my knowledge, nobody found it tacky…or the guests were considerate enough not to tell me! Invitations should be sent out two to three weeks before the baby shower to give guests adequate time to plan, shop for a gift and reserve the date. Add your invitation ideas below! And check back later today for the menu and dessert.