Baby Shower Planner & Etiquette

When planning a baby shower there are many details a host should take into consideration, including the mom-to-be's due date, baby shower etiquette, and what type of baby shower the expecting mom might prefer. As a host or hostess you should know that no steadfast rules exist, but traditions and proper etiquette can act as guidelines to help you plan the baby shower. Whether you decide to stray from the beaten path or not, make sure you secure at least a couple of months to plan the baby shower to avoid unnecessary stress. Baby showers can be costly and a sufficient amount of work!

Who Can Host the Baby Shower?

Traditionally, baby showers were hosted by anyone beyond the nuclear family unit. Proper etiquette suggests the mommy-to-be and her mother (or other close family members) should not plan the party - family members do not want to appear as though they are asking for gifts. Despite this dated notion, family members, friends or co-workers have started planning baby showers and escape the backlash of committing a baby shower faux pas. When in doubt, go with your instincts - there is no right or wrong answer.

When Should the Baby Shower Take Place?

If you are pursuing a traditional route, choosing a date one or two months prior to the baby's delivery should be sufficient. Not only will this give guests an ample amount of time to purchase gifts, but it shouldn't interfere with an early or unexpected delivery. You also want to give the expecting parents enough time to set up their new gifts or return/exchange duplicated or unwanted gifts. Having a baby shower too near to the delivery date might also prevent the expecting mother from enjoying herself because she is on the verge of labor. However, friends and family are currently planning baby showers post-delivery. What are the benefits to planning a baby shower after the due date? Guests can purchase gender specific gifts while the newborn makes his or her debut.

Also be sure to ask the expectant mother or parents-to-be about secure dates for the baby shower while considering the schedules of important guests (family members or parents) who will attend. Give yourself plenty of time to send invites (electronic or printed) to your guests and make sure the invite contains the following information:

1. Name of the mom or parents-to-be (if both are attending)
2. Name of the Host(s)
3. Date
4. Location
5. Directions
6. RSVP (include a contact number)
7. Where the expectant mother is registered
8. What the theme is (if any)

Who Should be Invited to the Baby Shower?

Anyone of importance to the expecting mother or parents should be invited to the baby shower. A baby shower guest list will vary depending on whether you follow a traditional or modern day route. Traditional textbook rules would invite strictly females but remember these rules should not govern your decision. Baby shower planners are increasingly throwing coed , friends, and family showers. You should also decide on the ambiance and location of the party: will you have a large production with plenty of people or something more intimate and between friends?

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