How to Plan a Fabulous Baby Shower: Invitations

When choosing the timing of your shower, think about how much food you really want to be responsible for making, as well as how far the mommy-to-be lives from the majority of guests. (They may not want to drive two hours home in the dark, for example.)

Will your party have a theme or color scheme that should be reflected in your invitations? Is the party for couples, or just the gals? Whatever you decide, be sure you've covered the vital information: date, time and location of the baby shower; if it's a surprise party; and how and by when to RSVP. (I like to include registry information as well but, of course, that's optional.)

To DIY

Let's get digital, digital:

If all of the guests communicate regularly by email (not the same as having an email address), the most cost-effective and efficient way to create and send the invitations is to use Evite! or a similar free online invitation service.

Break bad with your scissors and cutouts:

If you're feeling up to it, why not create your own paper invitations to mail to the guests? You can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. I recently handmade baby shower invitations despite paper not being one of my usual mediums.

I used "shower" as the theme - illustrated through umbrella cutouts. My friend likes warm, earthy tones and is having a boy so I used shades of cream, brown, gold and yellow for the invitations and embellished them with blue umbrella cutouts made from an umbrella-shaped punching tool.

Take a look at the pictures to see the method behind my madness. I chose only to include a small example of the text in order to focus on the design itself. Get a complete list of my materials (click here), including places to find them locally or online.

To Purchase

The sellers included in this guide meet or exceed the following criteria*:

Offer high-quality products at reasonable prices

Maintain a 100% positive customer feedback rating

Respond promptly (within 24hrs) to inquiries

Welcome custom orders

*For a more detailed explanation of these criteria, click here.

Perhaps hand-making the invitations just ain't your thang. No worries! You can purchase high-quality handmade invitations for very reasonable prices. Aside from paying, all you need to do is supply the seller with the cold hard facts about your shower.

Sweet Wishes:

Kelly, the talented designer behind Sweet Wishes, has created all of the illustrations/images you see on her invitations and other paper goods. Her art is both whimsical and hip, and you can purchase add-ons that match your chosen theme including favor labels and thank-you cards.

COST: As low as $22 for 20 printed invitations with envelopes! {shop now}

Shalom's Cottage Home Greetings:

Shalom is a full-time artist/graphic designer and uses her own illustrations for the baby shower invitations (and other items) she sells at Shalom's Cottage Home Greetings. All of her pieces are customizable, and each listing provides specific information on every detail you can alter without paying extra. Take time to read Shalom's shop announcement and each listing carefully; bargains await!

COST: As low as $36 for 30 customized invitations with envelopes. {shop now}

Baby Shower Invitations by Sweet Wishes on Etsy

Next up... Bring on the Fun!

Images courtesy of and copyrighted by Sweet Wishes Stationery

Researched and written by Brigitta Kral, a sarcastic pessimist and freelance writer/editor/teacher who loves to laugh and craft. For examples of her craftiness, check out Brigitta's shop, BrigaBauble, which features handmade gifts designed for women and men. Follow BrigaBauble on Twitter for random musings and special deals.