Baby Shower Etiquette

My Baby Shower Etiquette Story

I broke a major Baby Shower Etiquette Rule, which is attend the baby shower you are planning!

Devastation and disappointment were my feelings when the doctor told me I could not attend my best friend’s shower. My BFF, Donna, was not too happy about this at first. You see, we were pregnant at the same. Her baby boy was due 5 weeks ahead of my son.

Donna and I lived about 12 hours away from each other. My OBGYN told me it was unsafe to get on an airplane after being 30 weeks pregnant. Riding in a car for a long time was out of the question, especially when I previously vomited twice during long car rides while pregnant.

Donna’s two friends and I planned her baby shower via conference calls and emails. According to them, it was a success!

We had our showers on the same day and time.

It Happened Again!

When it was time for my celebration, it happened again! I broke another Etiquette Rule! I was late to my own baby shower. Honestly, there is no excuse for it. I was actually ready about 20 minutes before it started. It was so bad that my former boss was about to leave when my husband and I arrived.

I am the person that is MOSTLY early and on time for events. That day, I wanted to give the hosts and hostesses time to set up and guests to arrive. This was a very bad move! I could feel the irritation from the guests once I arrived.

However, they livened up once the shower started! It was a great event, thanks to my hosts and hostesses!

Why is Baby Shower Etiquette Important to me?

So, you are probably asking yourself, why should I take Baby Shower Etiquette Advice from you?

BECAUSE, failures are your best teachers. Many great entrepreneurs will tell you they FAILED THEIR WAY TO SUCCESS! Plus, I did not want to break anymore rules so I researched Baby Shower Etiquette.

I want to share with you what I found and experienced. Let’s start with the most frequently asked questions.

Who should pay for the baby shower?

The hosts and the hostesses should pay for the baby shower. The purpose of the baby shower is for the parents-to-be to receive gifts for their baby and for others to share their joy. Having a baby is very costly and this is a way for family and friends to help lighten the financial load.

How far in advance do you send out baby shower invitations?

Baby shower invitations should be sent four to six weeks before the event. This timeframe accounts for guests who are traveling far distances to attend.

It is also important to have the parents-to-be register for gifts before sending out invitations so this can be included.

Is it appropriate to have a baby shower for your second child?

Yes, it is appropriate to have a baby shower for the second child. There are certain circumstances where it is very helpful.

1. If there is a wide age gap between children.

• By this time, many parents have donated, given away, or sold items they had for the previous baby. Therefore, a baby shower is a perfect way to provide essentials for the new baby.

2. The second baby is a different gender from the first.

• Most parents would prefer their babies to have “gender specific” clothes and toys. For example, most parents don’t want their baby boys to wear a dress. They want their boys to wear clothes with trucks and animals on it.
• Also, many parents want their girls to have pink headbands and blankets. A baby shower is a way to provide these items for the opposite sex.

3. If you are having twins or triplets.

• It is much more expensive to have twins or triplets than to have one baby. You need double or triple of everything! Many parents-to-be would love assistance in this circumstance and a baby shower is a great way to provide it.

4. If you don’t feel comfortable having a baby shower for the second child, do the following…

• Have a friend send out an announcement about the arrival of the second child to family and friends and include the registry.
• You can also have a sprinkle baby shower.

What is a sprinkle baby shower?

It is a baby shower for the second baby; however, you are giving the parents-to-be certain gifts. Typically, parents have the essentials from their first born such as bottles and burp clothes. However, they need diapers, gender-specific clothing, and car seats (if still being used by first child). The sprinkle baby shower will provide the parents with extra items needed for the second baby.

Now that we have SOME of the basics behind us, let get into the 65 + Baby Shower Etiquette Rules!

Hosting

1. The Baby shower should be hosted by a friend or family member.

• Some cultures believe it is rude for family members to “beg for gifts” on behalf of another family member, so it is typically hosted by a friend.
• Some cultures believe a close female family member should host the shower. My family and friends collaborated to host my shower.

 

When to Plan and Have the Baby Shower

1. The planning should occur at least 8 weeks ahead of the shower.
2. Most baby showers are held in the early stages of the third trimester (around 30 – 32 weeks).

Baby Shower Budget (what to include)

1. Location – showers can be held at restaurants, clubs, parks, banquet rooms, or in someone’s home depending on the number of guests.
2. Invites – can be sent via email or mail.
3. Decorations – ideas are balloons, flowers, streamers, and pom poms
4. Food/Drink/Dessert – catering, grocery store, and potluck
5. Games/Prizes – play games that go with theme
6. Favors – ideas are candles, chocolate, cups, and tea

 

Baby Shower Themes and Tips

1. A great way to create a baby shower theme is to talk with the parents-to-be.

• Try to recreate one of their favorites or a memorable event.
• My friend loves the color yellow so we chose the theme “You are my Sunshine.”

2. Baby Shower Theme Ideas for Boys

• Animals
• Cars and Trucks
• Sports Themes
• Cartoon Characters

3. Baby Shower Theme Ideas for Girls

• Animals
• Princess Theme
• Cartoon Characters
• Ballerina Theme

4. Baby Shower Theme Ideas for Twins

• Two Peas in a Pod
• Jack and Jill

Baby shower Invitation

1. Free Online Baby Shower Invitations are great.
2. Organize the guest list with the parents-to-be to ensure no guests are forgotten.
3. Ensure to gather guests’ email and/or addresses (depending on how you plan to send the invitations).
4. Decide with parents-to-be if they want both men and women at the baby shower.
5. Organize date of shower with parents-to-be.
6. If you have a theme, ensure invitations are centered around it.
7. You don’t necessarily have to have a theme for the baby shower.
8. Include the following in the invitation…

• The guests of honor name and surname
• Baby shower date
• Time
• Location
• Directions to the party
• Registry information
• Attire preferred (optional)
• Host’s contact information- phone and email address
• RSVP deadline
• Include return address labels that list your address.
• Specify if the parents-to-be are having a boy or girl (optional)

9. Ask all guests to RSVP before a certain date (at least two weeks or 1 week and a half beforehand)

10. The Invitation’s wording can include the following…

• Wording that conveys a personal touch.
• Wording that is gender specific or opt for something generic
• Nursery Rhymes
• Wording that connects with the theme

Food

1. The time of the party will determine the type of food served.
2. If the party is at lunch or dinner time or you have a lot of out-town guests, you can plan a heavier meal.
3. Finger food, appetizers, and baked goods are an excellent choice.
4. The party’s location will also determine the food.
5. If hosting a party at home, then you will have access to the kitchen.
6. If the party is at a restaurant, then you can choose food from their menu.
7. Consider the type of food the parents-to-be like.
8. Have options for vegetarians and consider religious diets.

Décor Ideas

1. Décor ideas include the following…

• Plants
• Flowers
• Balloons
• Fishbowls
• Gift Basket – with stuffed toys and baby essentials such as baby lotion, wipes, and diaper rash cream
• Diaper Cake
• Anything related to your theme

Baby Shower Favors

1. Favors are a way of saying thank you to your guests for coming to the party.
2. Favors are also a reminder of this special new journey in your life and appreciation of them taking part in it.
3. You can buy favors online or make them yourself.
4. Favors can connect to the theme of your party.
5. Some ideas for favors are…

• Customized cups
• Chocolates
• Cookies
• Frames
• Candles
• Soaps
• Lotions
• Here are Other Ideas

Basic Dos

1. Involve parents-to-be in the planning process.
2. Invite men and possibly children
3. Have fun with the process.
4. Play fun games.
5. Make a guest book or frame for guest to sign.
6. Be mindful of guests who have miscarried
7. Ensure guests RSVP with hosts/hostesses.
8. Hosts/Hostesses should ensure their return address or email address is available in the invitation.

Basic Don’ts

1. Don’t play humiliating or embarrassing games

• Talk to parents-to-be to get information on what this means to them.

2. Don’t force people to watch gifts being unwrapped

3. Don’t skimp on the food and cake.

4. Don’t send invitations too early to ensure people remember the baby shower.

5. Don’t send invitations too late so people have enough time to make travel arrangements.

Baby Shower Games and Prizes

1. Ideas for baby shower games are…

• Baby Shower Bingo
• Word Scrambles
• Baby Shower Trivia
• Charades
• Here are Other Ideas

Baby Shower Speeches

1. Often the host/hostess gives a short speech to welcome guests and to honor parents-to-be.
2. There are no set rules for the host/hostess’s speech but here is what should be included…

• Mention the parents-to-be by name.
• Discuss how you know the guests of honor.
• Say thank you to the other hosts/hostesses.
• Welcome everyone to the event.

3. The Parents-to-be should also give speeches. Here is what should be included…

• Thank the hosts or hostesses for coordinating the event.
• Thank the guests for coming and sharing in this great occasion.
• Mention the baby and details you want to reveal.

Baby Shower Planning Timeline

8 weeks Before Shower

• Contact Parents-to-be
• Set a date and time
• Compile guest list and their contact information (name, email addresses, and home address)
• Choose the location
• Discuss food options
• Discuss invitation preferences
• Ask Parents-to-be to create a registry

7 weeks Before Shower

• Ask the Parents-to-be about registry
• Create or purchase invitations for emailing or mailing – include registry information on invitation or on a small card.

6 Weeks – Five Weeks Before Shower

• Mail the Invitations – (4 to 6 weeks before the Shower)
• Plan the Menu – Check with Parents-to-be about food allergies
• Decide on décor.
• Make a list and check on tableware, tables, chairs to ensure you have enough.
• Create a list of rental supplies if needed.
• Make a list of prizes and favors you will need.
• Think about the gift you want to give the parents-to-be

Four Weeks to Three Weeks Before Shower

• Purchase gifts for parents-to-be and baby.
• Designate a person for parents-to-be to bring them to the shower – or they can bring themselves if preferred.
• Designate people to bring food or items if necessary.
• Reserve rental supplies if needed.

Two Weeks – A Week and Half Before Shower

• Gather a list of guests who have RSVPed.
• Purchase or make decorations.
• Prepare a shopping list of food and beverages.
• Purchase prizes and party favors.
• Wrap all gifts and favors.
• Confirm food, location, and supply reservations.
• If the party is at someone’s home, decide which serving dishes, utensils, table linens and napkins you will use.
• Order flowers

One Week Before Shower

• Contact anyone who has not RSVPed
• Shop for “freeze-ahead” dishes
• Prepare “freeze-ahead” dishes
• Confirm with guests or hosts/hostesses who have been asked to bring food or special items.

Two Days Before Shower

• Shop for perishables, ice, and other supplies.
• Prepare food that can be made in advance.
• If possible, put decorations into place.
• If possible, set the table.
• Check with parents-to be for any last-minute requests.
• Have a comfortable chair, with a pillow, for mom-to-be to use at the shower.

One Day Before Shower

• Finish preparing food.
• Pick up prepared food (if possible) or touch base with caterer.
• Pick up flowers or ensure they get delivered.
• Purchase balloons (if you are using them).
• Clean home, especially guest bathroom
• Set up extra chairs for guests (if possible)
• Set up a small table for holding gifts. (if possible)

The Morning of the Shower

• Give the parents-to-be a call to make sure they are feeling good.
• Have the hosts/hostesses go to party site an hour or two ahead of time.
• Decorate and set up chairs and tables.
• Chill refreshments to be ready for the Shower.
• Set out food, except items that need to stay warm or cold.

Shower Time!

• Introduce the guests to each other
• Socialize and mingle
• Eat
• Take pictures
• Play games
• Open gifts (optional)
• Designate someone to record who gave which gift.
• Assign someone to collect all the wrapping paper for trash.
• Designate someone to pack the gifts in the car for the parents-to-be to take home.
• Ensure the parents-to-be are happy, comfortable, and well-fed.

After the Shower

• Parents-to-be should send thank you cards to the guests – ask them if they need help with this.
• Ask Parents-to-be if they need help with organizing anything before the baby arrives.

Baby Shower Schedule – Below is a sample schedule for a baby shower from 11am – 1pm.

• 9am – Hosts/Hostesses arrive at party location.
• (9am – 11am) – Host will decorate, set up party space and games, and prepare food.
• (11am – 11:20am) – Parents-to-be will arrive. Hosts/Hostesses will greet and mingle with guests.
• (11:20am – 12:50pm) – Eat, Take Pictures, Play Games, and Open gifts and favors.
• (12:50pm – 1:15pm) – Host will thank everyone for coming, pack the parents-to-be car with gifts, and clean up.

Resources – For more information read the following books

• Baby Shower Etiquette for Moms to be and Guest: Shower the Baby with the Perfect Gifts by Brenda Downings
• Etiquette for Dummies by Sue Fox
• The Bump – Baby Shower Etiquette

 

So, are you ready to have a fun celebration of new life? Let’s do this!

---

Hello, I’m Andrea! I am a mom of a curious, energetic preschooler! I love using PLAYFUL methods to expose my son to new things. He learned how to read at 21 months through play. The whole world has become our learning playground! Get our FREE Course of How to Teach the Alphabet in a Fun Way. Also, save money with 9 Tips to Hosting a Baby Shower on a Budget.