Baby shower
Baby shower invitation wording and etiquette
Seven details every invitation needs, copy-ready wording for five kinds of shower, and the registry, hosting and timing etiquette.
The seven things every baby shower invitation needs
- The guest of honour: "honoring Emily" or "honoring Emily & Daniel" for a couples shower.
- Date, start and end time: showers are two to three hours; say when it ends so guests can plan.
- Venue and address.
- The host's name: traditionally a friend or sister, not the mother-to-be herself, though family hosting is common now.
- RSVP deadline and how to reply: a phone number or text works better than e-mail for showers.
- Theme or dress note if there is one: "garden party, sun hats welcome".
- Registry: unlike a wedding, listing the registry on the invitation is expected.
Classic wording
A sweet little one is on the way! Please join us for a baby shower honoring Emily Parker Saturday, March 20, 2027 2:00 to 4:00 pm The Garden Room, 14 Maple Street Please RSVP by March 10 to Sarah · 555-0142 Emily is registered at Target and Amazon
Couples (co-ed) shower
Diapers, drinks and dad jokes Please join us for a couples baby shower honoring Emily & Daniel Saturday, March 20 · 3 to 6 pm The Parker Backyard, 22 Oak Lane Food and drinks served · RSVP by March 10 to Megan
Sprinkle (second baby)
Sprinkled with love Baby number two is almost here! Join us for a baby sprinkle honoring Emily Sunday, March 21 · 1 to 3 pm Brunch at Maple Café Diapers and wipes are the sweetest gifts
Virtual shower
Join us online for a virtual baby shower honoring Emily Saturday, March 20 at 2 pm (Eastern) Video link and games: sent after you RSVP RSVP by March 15 to Sarah · [email protected] Gifts can be sent to the registry address
Sip and see (after the birth)
Baby Harper has arrived! Please join us for a sip and see to meet the newest member of the family Sunday, April 25 · 2 to 4 pm The Parker home · 22 Oak Lane No gifts, please; just come and say hello
The extra lines
| Request | Wording |
|---|---|
| Books instead of cards | "In lieu of a card, please bring a book inscribed with a message for the baby." |
| Diaper raffle | "Bring a pack of diapers for a chance to win a prize!" |
| Gift cards welcome | "If you'd like to give a gift, gift cards to Target are most helpful." |
| No gifts | "Your presence is the only present we need." |
| Gender reveal at the shower | "Pink or blue? We'll find out together at 3 pm." |
Etiquette answers
- Who hosts? A friend, sibling or colleague traditionally; parents and in-laws host freely today. The mother-to-be does not host her own shower.
- When? Four to eight weeks before the due date, or after the birth as a sip and see.
- Who is invited? Close friends and family; only invite people who are also invited to meet the baby later. Co-workers get a separate office shower.
- Men? Only for a couples shower, and say so on the invitation.
- Registry on the invitation? Yes. It is the one party where gifts are the point.
The wording generator builds any of these in a few clicks; paste the result into a baby shower invitation and print the matching games.
Invitations for every kind of shower
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to put the registry on a baby shower invitation?
No. Baby showers exist to help the parents prepare, so the registry belongs on the invitation or an insert card.
Can the mother-to-be host her own shower?
Traditional etiquette says no, because it looks like asking for gifts. A friend or relative hosts; the parents can co-host a sip and see after the birth.
How far in advance do baby shower invitations go out?
Four weeks before the shower; six if guests travel. RSVP one week before.
What is the difference between a sprinkle and a shower?
A sprinkle is a smaller, lighter celebration for a second or later baby: fewer guests, practical gifts like diapers and books.
Should the invitation say the baby's gender?
Only if the parents want it known. 'A sweet little one is on the way' works for any baby and any palette.