Baby Shower Etiquette
© 2005 Susan AndersonBabyShowerFreebies.com
If you've never given a shower before, here's a crash course on baby shower etiquette for you, the generous person who has elected to bestow a baby shower on a loved one. If you've given enough baby showers to be considered an old pro, then take this as a refresher course.
I've tried to cover all the aspects for you, if I missed something, by all means let me know! Here we go.
The Invitations:
Send invitations in plenty of time for guests to plan to attend. Always let your guests know several weeks in advance, which will allow plenty of time for guests to RSVP. Include a phone number and an email address for your guests to reply.
Include any special instructions, such as if they need to have any written pieces for the baby shower. Some baby shower games ask for letters and notes be written, give your guests the heads up if you plan on doing this.
Consider the addition of directions on how to get to the baby shower in the invitations, just in case.
The Food
Of course there's always cake! Some opt to have mini cupcakes with tiny babies perched atop them, while others opt for the big spread of cake. In either case, too much is better than not enough.
Make other foods available other than cake and punch. Have snacks available such as nuts, finger sandwiches, and snack trays which consist of meats, fruits, cheeses and veggies. Slap a couple bowls of dip on the table and you're going to have a happy crowd!
You may also want to have a couple backup choices in case the non-punch loving crowd comes strolling in, such as coffee, juice or soda.
The Gifts
Make the gift receiving and unwrapping as easy on the mommy-to-be as possible. Bring the gifts to her and then set them aside for her as she opens them. She should be the center of attention, and should not be expected to jump up to retreive gifts to open.
Have a pen and paper handy and appoint someone to write down which guest gave a certain gift. The expectant parents will want to send out thank you cards to all the guests, and having a list of gifts and the gifters will allow them to express their appreciation for the exact item they were given.
