The Fine Art Of Baby Shower Invitation Wording
There is an art to baby shower invitation wording that defies logic. The wording of a baby shower invitation does more than just convey to guests the time and place of the expected party. When done correctly, it will give guests an idea of the type of party they will attend, tell them if they may bring children or guests, and even give them ideas for shower gifts. Of course, a good baby shower invitation contains wording that accomplishes all of this without offending potential guests or causing Emily Post to turn over in her grave.
Baby Shower Invitation Wording Rule Number One: Keep It Simple
You don't need to go into elaborate detail to explain that children aren't invited to the party or that spouses can come. By keeping your wording simple, you can get your point across without sounding defensive or apologetic. A simple "No Children Please" or "No Children Under The Age of Eight" written across the bottom of the invitation makes the point quite well. If spouses are invited to attend, address the card to both the husband and wife. If children are invited, this can be accomplished through word of mouth or simply wording the invite to read that this is a family affair.
Baby Shower Invitation Wording Rule Number Two: Just The Facts
Make sure that your wording only includes the facts. Your guests need to know what time the party starts and how to get to the party venue. If you are holding the party during a dinner or lunch hour, most guests will assume you will be serving a meal. If you only plan to serve appetizers, make a note that finger foods will be served. You don't want your guests to come hungry and expecting a full meal if you aren't prepared to provide one.
Baby Shower Invitation Wording Rule Number Three: Dealing With Gifts
It is also important to keep gift ideas simple. A shower is thrown with the intent of "showering" a new mother with gifts, so mentioning gift ideas in the invitation is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure you don't go overboard and make the new mom look greedy. Mention one or at most two places that the guest of honor is registered at. It is not necessary to include a copy of their registry list as this list will change from day to day as gifts are purchased. If the guest is not registered anywhere it is ok to add a simple line stating that this is a clothes diaper only shower or to tell guests the gender of the expected child.
