Baby Shower Invitations

Invitations for an event can set the mood and tone of the occasion more than anything else. Your initiations will tell people not only the information they need to know such as time and place, but also serve as an example of the formality of an event. For baby showers, choosing an invitation that allows you to convey your message will be fun.

There are many themes for baby showers and most available themes will come in accompanying invitations. From fancy and frilly to plain and elegant, you should find something that speaks to the tone of the event. If your shower is a blue jeans casual affair, then choose something in bold colors or a denim look print. If this is a formal affair at the local church, a more formal invitation will suit. Your invitations can also give the invitees a hint as to the theme of the party. Teddy bears, duckies, dolls, or animals adorning your invitations can fit into the theme of the shower.

Your invitations should include the dress code. Don't rely on the invitation to convey that message in its entirety. If you will be having the baby shower at work for a co-worker, then make sure that your guests understand the dress code be it casual, business casual, or formal. This prepares the guests for the location and doesn't leave anyone feeling out of sorts.

When filling out invitations, it is a good idea to list any places that the mother to be has registered with. It is not recommended to give a list of needed items in the invitations however. Letting your guests choose where they want to shop and what they wish to buy is courtesy. Also, if you include a list of items from a registry, people will be less likely to ask for an updated registry at the store location and there fore duplicate gifts may be purchased. A simple note letting people know that the mother to be is registered and the locations she is registered at will be much more useful.

Along with the registry information, you may want to include any theme or nursery ideas the mother to be has. If the mother to be has picked out a classic Winnie the Pooh theme, you may let your guests know her desires in the initiation. This allows guests an insight into the mother to be's wishes without a great deal of phone traffic. Don't forget to include the specifics, for example, classic Pooh is different from modern Pooh. If your mother to be has a preference, that is what should be stated in the invitations.

Time and place of course are important and directions to the location. Don't assume that all of your guests will know where your home or church or community center is located - include directions. There are many programs on the internet that can help with written directions. State the time, date, and roughly how long the shower is expected to last. Inform your guests if there is a parking fee and how much it will be. If you are going to be holding the shower at someone's home, ensure that you have adequate parking. Check with the local authorities as well in this case, so that you do not break any fire ordinances. Letting guests know ahead of time where to park will save time and aggravation when guests start to arrive. If you are expecting any handicapped or physically impaired guests, have an accessible parking available to them.

RSVP's are important if you are concerned about guest count and food. This means you must get your invitations out with enough time for them to respond to you. If you have email, it is a good idea to include your email address, as many people will respond that way, saving themselves the time and postage on snail mail. Also include your phone number so that you can be reached in that fashion. Make it clear in your invitations whether or not children will be invited to attend or if you are planning a nursery.

Your invitations will help eliminate confusion. Getting the information to your guests in this fashion will make for a fun and smooth baby shower.