When to Send Baby Shower Invites: The Ultimate Planning Guide
Planning a baby shower is exciting, but timing the invitations perfectly can be tricky. Send them too early, and guests might forget; too late, and they may not be able to come. This guide covers the perfect timeline, etiquette, and tips to ensure your celebration is a success.
🎯 Quick Answer: When to Send Baby Shower Invites? You should send baby shower invitations 4 to 6 weeks before the event. This gives guests plenty of time to RSVP, purchase a gift, and make arrangements.
📆 Ideal Baby Shower Timeline (Month-by-Month Breakdown)
Pregnancy Month |
What Happens |
Baby Shower Planning Stage |
Months 1–4 |
Early pregnancy, usually kept private |
No planning yet |
Months 5–6 |
Gender reveals, registry setup begins |
Start initial baby shower planning |
Month 7 |
Ideal month for most baby showers |
Finalize guest list & send invites |
Month 8 |
Some showers happen now |
RSVP follow-up & confirm plans |
Month 9 |
Usually avoided for showers |
Send thank-you notes |
Note: Most baby showers happen in the third trimester (weeks 28–34).
📝 What to Include in the Invitation
A great invitation is clear, informative, and warm. Here’s what to include:
Please join us for a baby shower honoring
Sarah Thompson
Saturday, August 12, 2025 • 2:00–5:00 PM
123 Bloom Lane, New York, NY
Hosted by Emily Johnson
RSVP by July 25: 555-123-4567
Registered at BabyList and Amazon
🧠 Pro Tips for Sending Baby Shower Invites
- Confirm Guest Availability First: Before setting a date, quickly poll key guests like grandparents and close friends to ensure they can attend.
- Send Save-the-Dates (Optional): If the shower is near a holiday or involves travel, send a “save the date” 2–3 months in advance.
- Double-Check the Registry: Ensure the gift registry is published and working correctly before you include the link in the invitation.
- Proofread Before Printing: Carefully check all names, dates, and addresses for typos. A second pair of eyes is always helpful!
🙋♀️ FAQs: Baby Shower Invitation Timing
- Is 3 weeks too short notice for baby shower invites?
- Yes, it’s generally too short. It makes it hard for guests to RSVP or plan. Aim for at least 4 weeks’ notice.
- Can I invite someone by text or social media?
- For casual or virtual showers, this is often acceptable. For more traditional or formal events, a proper digital or printed invitation is recommended.
- When should the baby shower be held?
- Most showers take place between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. This is late enough for fun bump photos but early enough to avoid any surprise early arrivals.
By sending invites 4 to 6 weeks ahead, you set the stage for a smooth, stress-free, and memorable celebration for the parents-to-be!
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