Preparing the Baby Shower Guest List

The first step to planning and hosting successful baby showers is to prepare the guest list, All About Baby Showers. Creating the initial baby shower guest list will assist in determining how many people will be invited to the baby shower. The number of guests invited to the baby shower is usually the biggest factor in developing your baby shower budget. It's always a good idea to determine if the Mommy-to-Be is going to have other baby showers given by her family member or friends. Talk to the Mommy-to-Be's family members and friends about the other baby shower dates and baby shower invitation list. Other than her immediate family members, there is no need to invite people that are attending the Mommy-to-Be's other baby showers unless you want to. Make sure you have current addresses and phone numbers for everyone. This will allow you to use the baby shower guest list to keep track of RSVPs. Plus you can give it to the Mommy-to-Be so she will have everyone's correct address to send personalized baby shower thank you cards.
The baby shower hostess is likely have some idea of those the Mommy-to-Be wants to invite to the baby shower, but it is always a safe bet to run the guest list by the Mommy-to-Be to ensure no one has been left off the list. If the baby shower is not for a first born, you might want to invite only those close to the Mommy-to-Be or those who have not attended previous baby showers.

Here’s a quick summary of things to remember when preparing the baby shower guests list:
a. Check with the Mommy-to-Be's for the guest list as to who should be sent baby shower invitations
b. Ensure there are no schedule conflicts with the significant people attending, like Mommy-to-Be, her mom, her husband, if it is a couples baby shower and best friends
c. Give the baby shower invited guests enough time to purchase baby shower gifts. Custom and personalized baby shower invitations should be mailed four to six weeks before the date of the baby shower
d. The printed baby shower invitations announcements cards should include the name of the Mommy-to-Be, host, location, date, directions, phone number for emergencies, RSVP, where the Mommy-to-Be is registered, theme of the baby shower and any other pertinent information
Although guests can be invited to the baby shower by phone or e-mail, sending personalized baby shower invitations is still the most preferred way to invite the baby shower guests. Customized baby shower invitations are a great way to set the theme for the baby shower and also a reminder for the guests to keep on their bulletin board or refrigerator door. You can purchase printed baby shower invitations announcements cards and get the baby shower invitations exactly like you want with all your personal information.

When personalizing your printable baby shower invitations, be sure and include all the pertinent information:
(a) Name of Mommy-to-Be and hostess;
(b) Location;
(c) Date and time;
(d) Directions;
(e) Phone Number in case of emergency;
(f) RSVP;
(g) Where the Mommy-to-Be is registered and
(h) Theme for Baby Shower

Invite Men or Not to Invite Men to the Baby Shower – Inviting men to the baby shower depends on the type of baby shower you are planning. Guys likely will not be interested in playing traditional baby shower games and eating cutesy foods while ooohing and aaahing over a Mommy-to-Be's tummy! Having said that, a baby shower can be a special event for Daddy-to-Be’s as well as Mommy-to-Be if they're organized with women and men in mind.
If the baby shower party is not a surprise, be sure to check with the Mommy-to-Be as to whether the Daddy-to-Be (and his friends) would enjoy a baby shower celebration. If baby shower games are planned at your baby shower, be sure to make them "men friendly." Have plenty of food available for your male guests. And, it would be a nice touch to include gifts that are special for the Daddy-to-Be like, an "I love my daddy" bib for the baby, a book on fathers and children or maybe a frame Dad can take to the office to display a new picture of hisbaby!

Do I invite a friend who recently miscarried or is dealing with infertility - In situations like these, you should err on the side of caution. Although your friend might not want to attend the baby shower because it would be too painful, she might feel even more hurt if she isn't even invited to the baby shower. You might very discretely ask your friend if she would feel up to coming, and let her make the decision. Let her know that it is OK for her to decline the baby shower invitation if a baby shower will make her uncomfortable.
A Friend who recently Miscarried or is dealing with Infertility - In deciding whether to invite a friend who recently had a miscarriage or is dealing with infertility, it is usually better to err on the side of caution. While your friend may not want to attend the baby shower because it would be too painful, she may feel even more hurt if she isn't invited at all. Gently ask your friend if she would feel up to coming. Assure her that it is ok for her to decline the baby shower invitation if a baby shower is just too difficult for her.

You can view lot of printable Baby Shower Announcements, Baby Shower Invitations and Baby Shower Cards, add your personal message, along with your favorite fonts, ink color and then Preview your personalized baby card. This process allows you to see your baby card before you buy!

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