Baby Showers 101: Etiquette
Being aware of etiquette helps the hostess of a baby shower ensure her event is a success for the expectant mother and guests. While many of the formal practices observed in the past have been relaxed, many of the traditional rules of etiquette have survived for a very good reason: they take the guesswork out of planning the shower and help set everyone’s expectations!
Invitations – Setting the Tone of the Shower
When should baby shower invitations be sent out? They should reach guests two to three weeks in advance to allow everyone ample time to 1) arrange their busy schedules, 2) hire baby sitters for their own kids, and 3) shop for presents.
Hosting – Who gets the Honor?
Traditionally, a friend of the expectant mom, not a relative, was supposed to host the shower. This avoided the appearance of family members throwing a party to solicit gifts from friends. But now, however, just about anyone can throw the baby shower to honor the expectant mother.. and this includes the pregnant mom herself!
Because hosting a baby shower can be quite expensive in terms of both time and money, someone who gladly volunteers for the honor is best for the job. Never put someone on the spot and ask him/her to host a shower. Volunteer hosts who are happy to perform this service for their friend or family member are the best hosts to have.
Time – How Close to the Baby’s Arrival?
When’s the ideal time to hold the shower? It’s usually before the birth of the baby, in the late stages of the pregnancy. It’s usually at this time that pregnant women start feeling stressed out with worries about the delivery or their physical discomfort. So having a baby shower at this time can create just the diversion she needs to keep her spirits bright.
The sight of loved ones gathered to celebrate her pregnancy helps remind the mom-to-be of the importance of her pregnancy. Now, traditionally, showers were only held for the first child, but now, that’s out the window! Showers are now acceptable for subsequent children, including those who are adopted.
Guest List
Yes, it may be tempting to do all the planning for the mom, but it would be a mistake not to ask her input for the guest list. There are probably many guests she’d love to have at her party whom the host doesn’t know. For example, traditionally, baby showers were women-only affairs. But nowadays, it’s perfectly acceptable for the mom to invite men as well. In fact, an increasing number of baby showers today are being held for both the mom and dad.
Behavior
Because the reason for the shower is to celebrate the arriving baby, congratulations to the soon-to-be mom and dad are expected of every guest. And like with any part, the shower guests should also give thanks to the host for his/her work in holding and organizing the event.
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