Baby Shower Etiquette

Baby Shower Etiquette - Tips for Correct Baby Shower Etiquette

Baby shower etiquette has definitley changed over the years. Traditionally, baby showers were hosted by a non-relative and men were never invited. These days, however, it is common to find a party being hosted by a sister, mother or aunt and there are even co-ed parties.

As the host of a baby shower you will need to make a few decisions. The first thing to decide is when to hold the shower. Baby shower etiquette dictates that it be held held about a month before the expected due date, possibly a bit earlier. Start planning your party about two months before this so that you can consult with the mom-to-be if necessary. Do take her feelings into account when planning the party.

It is perfectly acceptable in terms of baby shower etiquette to hold the shower after the baby is born. This way gifts can be given based on the gender of the child and mom will get a chance to show off the new baby to all her friends. Should the party be a surprise? Surprise parties are quite appropriate for baby showers. But make sure that your guest of honor will appreciate the gesture.

What about throwing a co-ed shower? According to modern day baby shower etiquette a co-ed shower is fine but you should check with the mom-to-be first. If you are planning a co-ed shower make sure that there are games and refreshments on offer that will appeal to the men as well.

How many people should you invite and who? The correct baby shower etiquette is to run your guest list by the guest of honor to make sure that nobody has been forgotten. If the party is to be a surprise, ask her husband or close friends or family to suggest a guest list. Once the list has been finalized send out the baby shower invitations and specify a RSVP date.

According to correct baby shower etiquette, invitations should be sent out a few weeks before the shower. This gives guest time to R.S.V.P. and buy a gift. Make sure to include all pertinent information on the invitation. Invitations can be sent via e-mail or guests can be invited over the phone. If a gift list has been registered this notification should be sent out separately.

In modern times baby shower etiquette is a lot more relaxed. The main thing to keep in mind when hosting a baby shower is that it is a way of celebrating the coming birth of a new baby. Keeping this in mind, you will want to make sure that the mom or parents-to-be be given gifts that the baby can use. If the shower is being held for a second, third or even fourth baby gifts can be more in tune with the couple's other needs (frozen dinners, DVD's or coupons for a night out and baby sitting services).

So be sure to check out our pages about Baby Shower Planning, Baby Shower Themes, Baby Shower Favors, Baby Shower Invitations, and Baby Shower Food Ideas elsewhere on this site.