Classic afternoon shower
A baby shower for Hannah hosted by her sister Claire Sunday, April 14, 2pm–5pm 32 Blenheim Court Afternoon tea, cake, and nothing too competitive. Hannah’s registry: [link] Please reply by April 4.
A baby shower is usually organized by someone other than the guest of honour, for a guest list they only partly know, on a date that cannot move very far. That combination makes clear invitations and early replies matter more than they would for a party you host yourself.
Because showers are usually hosted by a friend, sister or colleague, guests can genuinely be unsure whose event it is and who to reply to. Put both names in the first two lines: who is hosting, and who is being celebrated.
If several people are hosting together, name one of them as the contact. A guest with a question who does not know who to ask will simply not ask.
Gifts are the expected part of a shower, so a registry line is not the imposition it would be on a birthday invitation. Keep it to one line and one link, placed after the practical details rather than before them.
If the parents would rather not have a registry, say what to do instead — "books instead of cards" and "diapers in any size" are both common and both give guests something concrete.
Most showers land in the last trimester, four to six weeks before the due date, which is late enough that the guest of honour tires quickly. Two to three hours is plenty, and stating an end time in the invitation is a kindness to everyone.
Being explicit about the shape of the afternoon — food, a couple of games, presents opened or not — also lets guests know what they are arriving into.
For family who cannot travel, a virtual shower or a hybrid one is now ordinary. If you are running one, the invitation needs a joining link, a time zone next to the time, and a note about when the video part starts, which is often not when the event starts.
Send those invitations by email rather than text — guests will want the link on the device they will actually join from.
A baby shower for Hannah hosted by her sister Claire Sunday, April 14, 2pm–5pm 32 Blenheim Court Afternoon tea, cake, and nothing too competitive. Hannah’s registry: [link] Please reply by April 4.
We’re throwing a shower for Meg and Ben before baby Ellis arrives. Saturday, September 21, 12pm–3pm The Garden Room, 40 Hollow Lane Lunch provided. No games, we promise. Instead of a card, please bring a favorite children’s book with a note inside for Ellis to read one day. Reply by September 10.
A virtual baby shower for Rosa Saturday, February 8 3pm London / 10am New York Joining link: [link] We’ll be on for about 90 minutes. Bring a drink and a bit of advice for Rosa. Registry: [link] Please reply by February 1.
Usually four to six weeks before the due date — late enough to feel close to the birth, early enough that the mother is comfortable and the date is unlikely to be overtaken.
One line and one link, placed after the practical details. Gifts are expected at a shower, so a registry line is normal — leading with it is what reads badly.
Yes. Include the joining link, put a time zone next to the time, and say how long the video part will run. Send those invitations by email so guests have the link on the device they will join from.
Traditionally a friend, sister or colleague rather than the parents-to-be. Because of that, name both the host and the guest of honour in the first two lines so guests know whose event it is.
Invitations that reach parents, come back answered, and tell you about allergies before the day.
For events where you have to book and pay ahead — get firm numbers before the deposit is due.