Whether you've hosted baby showers before or not Marcus Davenport Authentic Jersey , chances are you've got some questions regarding the right baby shower etiquette. You want to create a truly special time for the guest of honor without any unintended faux pas. This guide was specially created to help you get there.
The real basics
Take the wishes of the mom-to-be into account at every stage. That includes the games, food, invitation list and all other aspects of the baby shower.
You can have baby showers either before or after the baby is born. Generally, they're held 1 or 2 months before due date. But they're also held after baby arrives because of medical or other reasons.
These days Michael Thomas Authentic Jersey , it is perfectly ok for a close relative or even the couple themselves to host a shower. Those ?rules? about only non-relatives hosting a baby shower are quite dated now.
Before deciding on the kind of baby shower you plan to have -- girls-only or coed, theme or no theme and so on -- consult mom-to-be and find out what she prefers.
Who can be invited? Generally, anyone the mom-to-be feels she should call. She's the best guide here.
Do you always need to send written baby shower invitations? It is usually the better choice. With a written invitation, guests have all details at their fingertips and need not rely on memory. Plus Drew Brees Authentic Jersey , you can (and usually should) include directions on how to get there.
At the same time, it is fine to just inform people on the phone. Do tell them well in advance, though. So they have enough time to buy gifts, arrange for a baby sitter Womens Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Jersey , etc. And leave your contact numbers with them so they can reach you easily if they need any clarifications.
Can you hold a surprise shower? Sure. It can be a wonderful feeling for the expectant mother. But do consult someone close to her (mother, sister, etc) to know about her likely preferences in all areas.
The devil is in the details
Here's more in depth information on baby shower etiquette that'll help you host a truly great party.
Send out shower invitations at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Send them even earlier for out-of-town guests. Request an RSVP by a date 2 weeks before the baby shower.
If you're having a coed shower, you might turn the guys off if you send frilly baby pink invites full of baby talk. Stick to attractive Womens Erik McCoy Jersey , stylish invitations.
Greet all guests at the door as they walk in, provide them with name tags (if there are many guests) and introduce them to others to get conversations going.
Register for gifts at only one place. Even if there are reasons like another store being closer to some guests. Else mom-to-be may end up with duplicate gifts she may have to return. And guests will be disappointed if they find that someone else has chosen the same gift they have.
While giving gift suggestions, include items at a variety of price points, not just high-ticket items. And do suggest that guests can get together to purchase higher priced items.
If there are older siblings Womens Alvin Kamara Jersey , make sure they receive a gift each. They may already be feeling somewhat left out with a new baby on the way, so this is a great idea.
Irrespective of whether it's a coed baby shower or not, buy a gift specially for dad. He should feel that he was remembered too.
Record who gave each gift. Essential information when the time comes to send thank you cards! Sending thank you cards is essential baby shower etiquette.
Hand gifts to mom-to-be for her to open and take it from her once she's done with it. This will save her the hassle of continually getting up and moving about to pick up gifts.
Sometimes, some guests may need to leave early. They'll appreciate it if mom-to-be will open presents while everyone is eating.