When to send your baby shower invitations

A baby shower is an exciting event for everyone involved. From choosing the decorations to planning baby shower games and activities to selecting the perfect cake, there are many details to consider when you plan a baby shower. One important detail that can often be overlooked is determining the best time to send out the baby shower invitations or baby sprinkle invitations. Sending out invitations at the right time helps to ensure that your guests have plenty of time to make arrangements to attend the shower (and find the perfect baby shower gifts if the parents-to-be are accepting presents).

So, when do you send out baby shower invites? The ideal time to send out baby shower invitations is 6–8 weeks before the baby shower. The baby shower can take place anywhere from 4 weeks before the baby’s due date, to earlier, around the 28th to 30th week of pregnancy. This gives everyone on your guest list enough time to plan their schedules and RSVP to the party. Sending out invitations too early or too late can result in low attendance, which can be disappointing for expectant parents who want to share their joy with all of their family members and friends.

If the baby shower is going to be a surprise, you'll need to be more strategic in your timing. Consider sending out invitations a little closer to the event date to avoid the parent-to-be finding out about the surprise. You'll also need to come up with a fun cover story and make sure the guest of honor can attend. Inviting them to go to brunch or lunch is a great option as they'll be prepared to socialize for a while so they'll already be in a celebratory mindset!

If you are planning a destination baby shower, you should send out invitations even earlier than the typical 6–8 weeks. Since your guests will need to make travel arrangements, you should aim to send out invitations at least three months in advance.

Another factor to consider when planning the timing of your baby shower invitations is the season. If the baby shower is going to take place during the summer months or around the holidays, you may want to send out invitations a little earlier to give your guests more time to plan their schedules. Conversely, if the baby shower is taking place during a less busy time of the year, you can send out invitations a little closer to the event date if needed. 

When sending out your baby shower invitations, be sure to include all of the important details. This includes the date, time and location of the event, as well as any special instructions or requests (if it's a surprise shower, make that very clear!). You should also include information about the theme of the party, if there is one, and any baby registry information/baby funds to make gifting easier for your intended guests.

When it’s time to throw a baby shower, you can choose from a wide variety of styles and themes on Evite. Whether you prefer something elegant and traditional, something modern and funny, or something in the middle like a charming woodland theme, there are plenty of adorable themes to celebrate the arrival of the new baby boy or baby girl. Customizing your digital invitations with the parent(s)-to-be name(s) is the most popular way to personalize a baby shower Evite!

In addition to sending out invitations, you may also want to consider sending out reminders closer to the event date. This can help ensure that your guests don't forget about the party and can help increase attendance. Evite automatically sends out reminders on your behalf to nudge the no-reply invitees to respond, but you can also easily send out a message to everyone whenever you want to remind everyone about this unmissable occasion.

By following these simple guidelines and including all of the important details in your invitations, you can help ensure that your baby shower is a success and that everyone has the best time possible! Looking for more baby shower info? Our baby shower etiquette guide, baby shower party guide and top 10 baby shower games and activities recommendations might be just what you need! 

Other questions you may have

Who should not be invited to a baby shower?

Simply put—you can invite whomever you want to your baby shower. Close family and friends usually make up the guest list, but it’s really up to the expectant parent(s) to choose who they want at their shower or sprinkle. Typically, estranged family members are excluded from the celebration to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for everyone. Co-workers and casual friends will often be left off the guest list as they aren’t as well-acquainted with the parent(s)-to-be, but there’s no rule against inviting them.

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Who pays for the baby shower?

Typically, the host or hostess of the baby shower (usually a close friend or family member of the expectant parent(s)) will assume responsibility for the costs associated with the celebration, including venue rental, decorations, food and drinks, and games and activities. The expectant parent(s) may offer to contribute financially to the baby shower to help with the costs though. The host/hostess and expectant parent(s) need to have an open conversation regarding financial contributions and costs so everyone is on the same page and happy with the plan.

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Should both parents be on the baby shower invite?

If you only have one guest of honor at the baby shower, you can opt to list their name only or include both parents’ names if applicable. It’s really up to the host and expectant parent(s)! If you’re sending out invitations for a couple’s shower, include both names on the shower invite.

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How long should you give someone to RSVP to a baby shower

Responses should be received 2–2.5 weeks before the baby shower. If you’re celebrating out of town, consider requesting them even earlier if reservations are required. This should allow the host or hostess enough time to finalize everything before the special day.

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How many guests should be invited to a baby shower

There’s no one answer to this! While a baby shower is a very intimate event, just like a wedding, the number of close friends and family varies. And as co-ed baby showers are becoming more popular, that can mean twice the guests. It’s more important to focus on having the people you truly want to celebrate with you there vs. a specific number.