Keeping it Personal: Baby Shower 101

I'm at the age where everyone I know seems to be starting a family. I will be the first to say, I'm beyond elated for my close friends and family who've had or are expecting a new addition! It's a wonderful time in their lives, and I hope they cherish every moment. =)

As we enter into this phase in our lives where baby showers are in abundance, it's always important to keep etiquette in mind. It's no secret that I'm a strong advocate for tradition & decorum!

I thought it might be a good idea to share a little background information on baby showers in general, and etiquette that should be followed during the planning process.


The Hostess
While originally shower hostesses were thrown by someone outside the immediate family, it is now acceptable for anyone besides the Mother-to-be to host a baby shower.

The Guest List
This should be scaled down to include only those closest to you. Think sisters, cousins, aunts, grandmas, and close friends. Anything on top of that should only be carefully considered - this is meant to be an intimate event. You don't want your guests to feel uncomfortable or out-of-place at the party.

The Budget
The baby shower is typically paid for by the hostess(es), which is considered to be the hostess' present to the Mother-to-be. It's important to respect the hostess and her financial contribution - if she has been gracious enough to offer to throw the event, and has given you a budget and # of guests she can accommodate, be sure to honor this and stay within her means.

The Origin
Traditionally, baby showers are thrown for first-time mothers. Contrary to modern belief, baby showers originated for the sole purpose of "showering" the new mother with wisdom, preparing her for this new journey in life. The presents were handmade, and not the reason behind the shower.
While times have changed & the gift giving has evolved, showers are still most commonly held for first-time mothers. However, if someone does offer to throw a shower for a subsequent pregnancy, it should be scaled down in comparison to that for the first birth.

Saying Thank You
The rule of thumb for sending thank you notes is usually within 2 months of an event where gifts are received. However, it's always a good idea to get them done sooner rather than later when it succeeds a baby shower, since you'll soon have your hands full with your new bundle of joy! {HELPFUL TIP: Be proactive and order your thank you cards in advance, so you can start writing them right after the shower.}

I hope this helps shed light on the etiquette & history associated with a traditional baby shower. More importantly, remember that the event should be fun, relaxing & enjoyable for all in attendance! =)