What is a baby shower?

This get-together is held in honor of the mom-to-be and is typically organized and hosted by a close friend. Choose a classic blue, pink, or gender-neutral color scheme. You could also choose a fun coordinated theme for the invitations (like Safari, Woodland, Elephant, or Twinkle-Twinkle) and match them with your day-of decor. If you know the gender of the baby, you may wish to include this information on the invitation, so guests have the opportunity to purchase gender-specific gifts.

This celebration honors both parents, so be sure to include both names on the invitation if you’re going that route. Also, consider using “celebration” as opposed to “shower,” 
and pick an invitation design that will appeal to a co-ed guest list. With the baby shower invite wording, make the language inclusive and highlight that the party is intended to prepare both mom and dad for a new baby.

A gender reveal celebration is a special moment to share with friends and family. Have your sonographer write the baby’s gender on a notecard and seal the envelope before giving it to you; open the envelope together at the party to reveal the surprise in front of your guests. When selecting your baby shower invite wording, be sure to include that you’ll be learning the gender identity at the same time as your guests, which will add an extra layer of excitement to the event.

“Sip and See” is commonly a more low-key party held after the baby̦’s birth to introduce him or her to friends and family members. Sip and sees are also a great way to celebrate your little one if you were unable to have an in-person baby shower while you were expecting. Like an open house, guests can come and go, enjoy a beverage, and meet the new baby in a casual setting. If you have a large family and a big friend group, you may decide to have a couple smaller “welcome baby” parties instead of one large one. That is perfectly acceptable!

After their first child, some families prefer a “sprinkle” instead of a full-blown baby shower (diapers may be all they need!). Baby shower invitation wording for this kind of event usually indicates a more informal gathering and highlights a few items they may need “sprinkled” in to bolster their baby supply rather than a full registry. This gathering will be more about support and celebration and less about presents!

When celebrating an adoption, the timing of the event will vary depending on the nature of the adoption and the comfort level of the parents-to-be. The family may prefer to have the shower before the baby arrives or after the baby is welcomed home. When crafting the adoption baby shower wording, share the child’s exact age and size so guests have an idea of what types of clothing and toys to gift.

Virtual showers have become popular during the age of COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines as a way to bring everyone together in a safe, inclusive way. Because these online parties are still somewhat new, it’s important your baby shower invite wording cues guests in on what to expect during the virtual event. Will games be played? 
Should a beverage be made ahead of time?

What venue is appropriate?
Showers are often held at the host’s home, but a hotel banquet hall or a favorite restaurant of the parents-to-be are also good choices.

Who hosts?
Traditionally, showers are hosted by a close friend of the guest of honor, but it has become acceptable for family members to host.

Are there any special requests to include on the invite?
Including registry information or special gift requests like books or diapers helps avoid duplicate or unneeded gifts. However, you may decide to omit this and let guests enjoy finding a gift on their own.