About Baby Showers FAQs

The shower can be hosted by a close friend (or friends) of the mother-to-be. It has traditionally considered improper for a family member of the mother-to-be to host because showers are primarily a gift-giving event. However, today family members commonly help and many often plan the showers in many regions. It is still considered improper in some areas for family members to host the shower, so if you are concerned about this, it is best to ask some close friends that might know more of the local etiquette.

Who should be invited?

Immediate female family members of both the mother & father-to-be's families should be invited as well as close friends of the mother-to-be. It is best to consult with the mother-to-be when making up the invitation list.

When should the shower be held?

A good time for the shower would be 1-2 months before the baby's due date. If the shower is held later, there is always a chance that the baby will be an early arrival and make it to his/her own shower or the mom and baby may still be at the place of delivery. The shower can also be held after the baby is born. This is the tradition in some cultures or regions.

What information should be included in the invitations?

* guest of honor's name * shower date and time * hostess' name and phone number * address of shower * map of shower location (optional) * RSVP date and phone number * shower theme information (if applicable) * sex of baby (if known)

What order should events happen at the shower?

* Greet Guests - serve light appetizers * After all or almost all guests have arrived, go around the room and have each guest introduce themselves and identify how they know the mother-to-be. * Play 2-4 Shower Games. It is good to play games at the beginning as ice-breakers. Remember some guests may not know *anyone* but the mother-to-be. * Let everyone go get whatever food may be available and then once everyone has been served, the mother-to-be can begin to open her gifts. Be sure to have someone write down each gift and who it is from. It will make sending thank-you notes a lot easier. * People chat and usually leave a few at a time. Make sure the mother-to-be gets to say goodbye to everyone and the hostess thanks the person for attending. If the hostess has shower favors, they should give this to the guest now.

How long should the shower last?

Two hours is a good estimate. Things may wind down early or they may likely continue on as guests chat together.

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