What's the etiquette on baby showers?

Years ago, it may have been thought baby showers were only appropriate for a woman's first child. While some may still stick to that rule, baby shower etiquette has changed over the years. It's now considered acceptable to have a baby shower or baby sprinkle for second or third babies (or fourth or fifth!).

What is the proper etiquette for a baby shower?

There's no set length of time for a baby shower. If you consider all that might be included — a meal or light refreshments, games and opening gifts — about two hours is a good guideline for in-person baby showers. You don't want to exhaust the expectant parent.

Who should throw the baby shower?

Most baby showers should be hosted by a sister, mother, mother-in-law, or close friend. Baby showers were traditionally thrown by family members who weren't close with the parents-to-be, to avoid the assumption that close family members wanted to collect gifts for themselves.

Are friends supposed to throw baby shower?

It is considered inappropriate for you or your spouse to throw the baby shower. It is considered rude to ask someone to throw you a baby shower. Typically a close friend or one of the grandmas-to-be will throw a baby shower. It is acceptable to have a sister or other family member throw the baby shower.

What should you not do at a baby shower?

Baby Shower Etiquette

Is it rude not to open gifts at a baby shower?

As much as guests would love for the mom-to-be to open their gifts, proper etiquette is respecting her wishes and not asking her to open the presents during the shower. Once one gift is opened, a chain reaction will start and everyone will want theirs opened too.

Do you open gifts at baby shower?

Guests have taken a lot of care in selecting their gifts, and part of the fun is watching the mom-to-be open presents. Proper etiquette suggests that gifts be opened toward the end of the shower to avoid the impression that presents are the primary purpose of the party.

What time of day are baby showers usually held?

What Time of Day Should a Baby Shower Start? Baby showers are usually held in the daytime, starting anywhere from 11 AM to 2 PM, with 1-2 PM being the most common.

Do baby shower hosts gift?

Giving the host a gift isn't required, but it is a nice gesture and the host would appreciate it. A bottle of wine, a gift card, or something personalized make great host gifts!

Do you serve cake at a baby shower?

The cake should be a dazzling cake, preferably white cake, with white icing and something very babyish on the top. Think an old-fashioned pram, crib, or the classic baby blocks.

Is the baby shower for the mom or the baby?

Although baby showers were traditionally a chance for friends and family to provide the mom-to-be with the essentials she needs for her first baby, she may now already have the basics. However, even if it's the mom's second or third baby, a shower can still be held to celebrate the new addition to the family.

How much should you spend on a baby shower gift 2021?

What's a typical amount to spend on a baby shower gift? Usually, a normal range for spending is between $30 and $50 for a friend or relative. You can also spend more or less than this, but this is a good starting point. Suppose it's a very close friend or family member.

What should you not put on your baby registry?

Who pays for a baby shower?

The hostess traditionally pays for the baby shower and its associated costs. However, the hostess can divide up the responsibility and costs by asking a few close family members or friends to co-host. This helps to reduce the overall expense and alleviates some of the financial obligation of hosting a baby shower.

How much does the average baby shower cost?

How Much Does the Average Baby Shower Cost? An in-person baby shower's average cost can range anywhere between $100-1000, and a virtual shower averages about $20 to $200. Still, it largely depends on the venue, the number of guests in attendance, and what choices you make with things like party favors or prizes.

Who gets invited to the baby shower?

Who Do You Invite to a Baby Shower? Close friends and family members should be invited to the baby shower. You should always consult with the mom-to-be on the guestlist though, just in case she has any co-workers or friends she wants to add to the list.

How much should I spend on a baby shower gift?

We'll break it down by relationship: For coworkers or acquaintances, people tend to spend around $30 to $50. For friends or distant relatives, many people spend between $50 and $100. For close friends or family members, most people spend between $100 and $200 or more.

How much should you spend on baby shower prizes?

Prizes are usually worth at least $5 up to $20. Party favors are much cheaper or simple like little bags of candy. You don't need to do both at your shower, but most people do. Party favors go to everyone that comes to the shower.

Should a mother in law host a baby shower?

In fact, it's usually considered perfectly acceptable for a sister, mother-in-law, or even the guest of honor's mother to host or co-host a baby shower. It's still unusual for a mother-to-be to host her own shower, though.

How do you ask for money for a baby shower?

Baby Shower Invitation Wording – Asking for Money

Cash and gift cards are welcome, but not required!” “We're excited to celebrate our new baby with you, and your presence is the only gift we need! If you're thinking of giving us something, a contribution to our baby supply fund would be much appreciated.”

How soon before baby shower should I register?

No matter when you start your baby registry, remind yourself that there's still time to get your list updated with everything you need before the baby shower. Aim for having your registry completed about four weeks before your shower, or around the time invitations are sent out. You've got this!

How much is too much on a baby registry?

A general rule of thumb to follow is that having more than 150 items on your baby registry is too much. One way to handle reducing all the “baby stuff” is to just get the essentials that you will need right after birth while your baby is a newborn.

Should I put a crib on my baby registry?

3. Shying Away from Large Purchases. That said, it's totally acceptable to put some expensive items on your registry. You can list the things you need, including items like car seats and cribs.

What do you serve at a baby shower at 2pm?

Do you write a baby shower card to both parents?

If the baby shower is being hosted by the soon-to-be father and mother, then definitely address the card to both of them. If it's a ladies' only thing, then you can just address it to the mother. Finally, you could always address it to the baby and be the first to welcome them to the world.