Table of Contents
A baby shower is simply a wonderful, jovial tradition marking the imminent arrival of a little one, filling the expecting parents with love, support, and sometimes many gifts! Of course, at the end of the day, despite the enjoyment and celebratory nature of such an event, etiquette in preparation for and at a baby shower may well prove to be a rather daunting challenge for both the hosts as well as the guests. Knowing your way around baby shower etiquette would definitely save the day for everyone involved-regardless of whether you are a host, an attendee, or a guest of honor. We’ll cover all that in this guide to help make your baby shower experience smooth and enjoyable.
What is Baby Shower Etiquette?
Baby shower etiquette is all about those practices and precepts that should be observed at a certain time of any event in order to honor the feelings, kindness, and happiness of all guests. Traditions include who hosts the event, what to give for and celebrate, and how to make the parents-to-be feel special. Although times have changed as far as baby showers go, keeping etiquette makes sure the day runs pretty smooth and everyone is at ease.
While the etiquette may differ across other cultures and locations, in all its core, a baby shower should still be about celebrating the new baby and congratulating the expecting parents. This knowledge of the etiquette rules, how they might change, and hopefully making the planning or attendance at a baby shower a much easier process.
Who Hosts the Baby Shower?
Traditionally, baby showers have been thrown by non included family members, such as a best friend, aunt, or cousin. The thought was that the baby shower shouldn’t look like the parents-to-be are checking for handouts. But the rule has gone a little lax with time. Today, it’s perfectly fine for a sister or mom or even a parent-to-be to throw the shower, considering it is an intimate, non-mass event.
It’s always a good idea, though, to know what is expected in your immediate family or social group. Some people will be very rigid about the traditional rules, while others are more up on things in their minds. It all just boils down to the fact that as long as the baby shower is real, it really doesn’t matter who organizes the shindig.
Guest List Etiquette: Who to Invite?
The guest list is one of the event planning processes to have a baby shower, sometimes pretty tricky. Ideally, any guest list includes the closest friends and family members of the mom-to-be. In showers with a smaller number of guests, they usually limit the invite list to just immediate family and very close friends, while for larger showers, they may include coworkers, neighbors, and extended family.
Always ask the guest of honor for his or her opinion on who to invite. Avoid making assumptions about the guests to invite. This can mean a smaller guest list for the guest of honor, or it could mean coworkers or neighbors not previously discussed. Get some perspective from the mom-to-be-it can’t be an awkward surprise.
Co-ed showers are becoming a more common offering, and dads-to-be and other men are being invited. If you want to include co-ed in your baby shower, ask the parents-to-be if that would be something they would prefer. Some moms of babies are perfectly fine with the traditional ladies-only shower, and others welcome everyone.
Baby Shower Invitation Etiquette
Invitations should be mailed at least four to six weeks in advance of the shower. This way, the guests will get sufficient time to plan ahead to come, buy a gift and RSVP. An invitation should include information about date, time, place, and how to RSVP. You must also provide all gift registry information and the specifics of the theme or dress code if applicable.
It would always be nice to remind the guests that they should RSVP immediately. Also, most baby showers are catered, and this can aid in the preparations of the host so it’s better if he knew about the headcount beforehand.
If you will send electronic invites, ensure they are clean and easy to read. There are some people who would still want a paper invitation so do give them the option if it’s possible.
Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift-giving is always part and parcel of any baby shower; however, there are etiquette rules here and there. Many expectant moms make a baby registry so guests can easily pick something useful. If a couple has a registry, then it’s perfectly acceptable to send it along with the invitation. But it’s also more than okay for guests to bring a gift of their choice; sometimes a gift might be meaningful from them but not exactly what one would consider useful in the nursery.
Thoughtful parents would take into consideration the needs and wishes of the parents when deciding to buy something. Some guests prefer to pool their money to purchase a larger item, such as a stroller or crib, a very good way to make sure parents get something they really need without anyone feeling forced to spend too much.
Do not forget to be grateful and thankful if you are given duplicate presents or things that you do not really need. Etiquette dictates that the parents-to-be will always be thankful for the thought and effort given in the gift, whether they did not select it themselves.
Food and Drink Etiquette
It can also differ according to the theme that the shower is going to be, and the time of day that it is. For example, a brunch shower might be lighter fare of pastries and fruit, mimosas, but an afternoon shower can very much resemble a meal, or a buffet.
One of the significant decisions would be whether to serve alcoholic beverages or not. Though guests in general are looking forward to a glass of champagne or cocktail, this time she won’t be drinking. Here it would be a nice idea to offer some mocktails so she does not feel ostracized in all the festivities.
If your shower is going to take place at a restaurant or event venue, then let your guests know if food will be served and if there are any dietary restrictions. Guests are fully prepared and not surprised when they state “What’s there to eat?” to other guests.
Baby Shower Games & Entertainment Etiquette
Games and other kinds of entertainment can also be done during baby showers but cannot actually replace them. If the expecting mom is shy or prefers something casual, fine-not necessarily to do games, but if you plan to have some games, low-key ones must be prepared which are fit for anyone’s participation.
You can also have the more classic baby shower games, such as “Guess the Baby’s Due Date” or “Diaper Raffle.” Other ideas that you might use would include a station with onesies to decorate, or even just a memory jar where guests are invited to leave advice for the new parents.
Show respect for your guests’ desires. There are guests who may not like to play in a very competitive game or a game that puts them in the limelight. If you are not sure, ask your guest of honor what he or she likes best.
Thank-You Note Etiquette
All those who attend this event should be sent a thank you note, especially those that gave presents after the shower. Since the pregnant woman may still be overwhelmed with everything associated with the joyous celebration of the special day for her, it is perfectly justifiable if the host or the closest member of the family writes the thank you notes if necessary.
A thank-you note should generally be kept personal and specific. In this case, don’t forget to mention what gift or what item was received, and how much it was appreciated even if it has not been used, because it belonged to the parents-to-be. Good etiquette practices exist when it comes to sending thank you notes a few weeks after the event, but if the parents are really busy, there is usually leeway for delay.
Check Out: Hosting a Memorable Diaper Raffle.
Virtual Baby Shower Etiquette (Post-Pandemic Tips)
Among them, virtual baby showers are quickly gaining popularity and special applause in the current COVID-19 times. A shower given in the virtual world does not feel the least meaningful compared to a shower in the physical world; instead, it can be at least as fun and stimulating.
Preparations for a virtual baby shower most often include enough instructions on how to join the event-whether that’s via Zoom, Skype, or some other application. Don’t forget all the other details you would want to include for an in-person shower-date, time, and gift registry information, of course.
Even in a virtual setting, you can still play games and swap stories. You could have a virtual scavenger hunt, a baby-themed quiz, or simply swap advice and well-wishes. Just anticipate and be prepared for technology problems, so all involved, including the mom-to-be and dad-to-be, will always feel connected and included.
Etiquette for Multiple Baby Showers (Second Baby, Different Circles)
This is when multiple baby showers have become a common phenomenon, especially when the parents-to-be boast of a different social circle or when it already comes to the second or third child. On the other hand, hosting multiple showers comes with its own etiquette etiquette rulebook.
That would make for a much quieter “sprinkle” by second-time parents. Baby showers or really practical gifts-they tend to go more for what’s needed, practical as opposed to some big-ticket items.
If you’ve been invited to more than one baby shower from the same family, it’s okay. You do not need to and should not attend more than one. Neither should other guests have to, not to mention bring a couple of different gifts. If you cannot attend a second shower, consider sending a small gift or card with congratulations wishes.
Baby Shower Etiquette for Guests
Attending a baby shower as a guest, whenever invited to do so, is to support the future parents, and it’s always fun to be overjoyed with the new addition for them. Some etiquette nitty-gritties need to be kept in mind also:
- RSVP on time. Sending word to the host that you will attend the baby shower with enough notice is in order for some planning and clearing of heads as regards attendance.
- Bring a gift, but don’t go overboard. Gifts are normal; there is no need to break the bank on this account. No one is expected to spend more than he wants or than he’s supposed to. Good gift, not expensive.
- Participate, but don’t feel pressured. If there is a shower with games or any such activities, it’s good manners to join but you can leave the group if you don’t feel comfortable participating in the act. The whole event should be fun doing it and making the mother feel special.
Conclusion
A baby shower can really be a time of great celebrations, fun, and excitement. Proper etiquette at the baby shower will ensure that everyone enjoys themselves during the occasion. That way, the focus is on the new baby and finally blessing the expectant parents. Whether you are hosting, attending, or being honored at a baby shower, it will surely prove to be one you will not forget by following the guidelines we have set below.
For more details : Click Here.
FAQs on Baby Shower Etiquette
Should you bring kids to a baby shower?
Unless it says otherwise on the invitation, it’s generally best to leave little ones at home; baby showers tend to be pretty adult-oriented.
If I cannot attend the baby shower, but I still really want to bring a gift?
If for whatever reason attendance is not possible, at least a gift has to be sent and it is the courteous thing to do. In such a case, such a gift may be mailed ahead of time to the host or directly to the parents-to-be with a lovely little note for them.
When to Host a Baby Shower?
To put it simply, the most opportune time to hold a baby shower would be when the pregnancy is well established that the mom isn’t getting uncomfortable with herself-that’s to say, she’s in her third trimester.
