Baby Shower Etiquette: Rules to Party By

Baby Shower Etiquette for Everyone Involved

I love baby showers. I can’t get enough of the cute baby clothes and practical gadgets – not to mention the champagne and girly treats. But I know some of you may be less than excited when a baby shower invitation arrives in your inbox or mailbox. Whether you love them or hate them or have never been, baby showers are a fact of life. You will likely meet a few during your lifetime in one way or another- as a guest of honor, guest, or host.

I get a lot of questions about baby shower etiquette. Whether you’re a mom-to-be, a potential shower host, or have been invited to a baby shower, here are baby shower guidelines to help you navigate this unique event.

Baby Shower Etiquette for the Host

• Baby showers should be hosted by a close friend or extended relative (cousin, aunt, etc.), preferably not an immediate family member, although this has become more acceptable in recent years. Never (and I mean NO) throw yourself a baby shower.
• Send the invitations at least 3-4 weeks before the baby shower.
• Traditional etiquette dictates that baby gift registry information should not be included in the invitation but contained on a separate card. However, it seems to be trending now for shower hosts to print it on the invitation.
• If this is your first time hosting a baby shower, check out our 10 Expert Tips for Hosting Your First Baby Shower to help you plan a successful event.

Baby Shower Etiquette for Guests

• RSVP soon.
• If you attend the shower, you should bring a gift. However, you don’t have to send a gift if you can’t be there. Need help with your gift card? Use our guide on what to write on a baby shower card or baby gift card.
• While purchasing something from their baby gift registry is convenient and thoughtful, it’s not necessary. You can see all of mom’s baby registrations at RegistryFinder.com. No registration? We would have suggested one of these baby gifts if he is not registered? They are sure to be a hit!
• Be polite and kind.
  1. Baby shower games can be silly, but be a good sport and participate.
  2. Say positive things to the expectant mother like, “You’re glowing!” or “Pregnancy looks great on you!” and stay away from anything negative like “You’re so big!” or “Are you having twins?” Women in the last months of pregnancy feel great; you don’t need to remind them.
  3. Don’t tell labor and delivery horror stories. This is neither the time nor the place.

Baby Shower Etiquette for the Guest of Honor

• Don’t ask someone to throw you a baby shower. This is a huge commitment of time and money on the part of the host. If someone makes an offer, you can gladly accept. If not, don’t worry! You will probably receive many gifts when the baby is born.
• Meet with your host to discuss his place and perspective before extending any verbal invitations to your friends or co-workers. He may need or want to keep it small, and he’ll probably ask you for a guest list. You should discuss how many quests he wants to invite.
• Don’t make demands or obsess over the details of your shower. If the hostess asks for your input, give it. If not, let him take care of the planning. Sit back, relax and enjoy your special day!
• Try to send handwritten thank you notes within two weeks of the baby shower and before the baby arrives, as you won’t have much time after the baby arrives. Thank you notes are sent to each gift giver even if you thanked them personally at the shower. Not sure what to say in your thank you note? We have included great samples at this blog post! And don’t forget to write a special thank you note to your hostess(es).

Please comment below if you have any additional questions about baby showers or funny baby shower stories. We want to hear from you!