Formal Baby Shower Etiquette & Invitation Wording
Traditional etiquette for formal baby showers: host lines, honorifics, RSVP language, dress code, and elegant wording templates.
By BabyWelcome TeamUpdated 2025-01-27
Etiquette Basics (Quick Guide)
Essential Elements
- • Use full names (no nicknames)
- • Write out dates completely
- • Include start time
- • Specify venue address
- • Add RSVP deadline
- • Include host contact information
Formal Language
- • "You are cordially invited"
- • "Please join us"
- • "Kindly reply by [date]"
- • Avoid contractions
- • Use proper honorifics
- • Include dress code
Honorifics & Hosts
Proper Honorifics
- • Mrs. [Full Name]
- • Ms. [Full Name]
- • Dr. [Full Name]
- • Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]
- • The Honorable [Name]
Host Guidelines
- • Close friend or relative hosts
- • Parents may co-host
- • Include host's full name
- • Provide contact information
- • List host at bottom of invitation
Wording Templates
Luncheon
Traditional Luncheon
You are cordially invited to a Baby Shower Luncheon honoring [Full Name] Saturday, August Second · Twelve-Thirty in the Afternoon The Garden Room, [Venue Address] Kindly reply by July Twentieth to [Host Name] · [Phone/Email]
Elegant Luncheon
Please join us for a Baby Shower Luncheon celebrating [Full Name] Sunday, September Eighth · One O'Clock in the Afternoon The Grand Ballroom, [Venue Address] RSVP by August Twenty-Fifth to [Host Name]
Afternoon Tea
Traditional Tea
Please join us for Afternoon Tea celebrating [Full Name] Saturday, October Twelfth · Three O'Clock in the Afternoon The Tea Room, [Venue Address] Kindly reply by September Twenty-Eighth to [Host Name]
Elegant Tea Service
You are cordially invited to Afternoon Tea honoring [Full Name] Sunday, November Tenth · Two-Thirty in the Afternoon The Conservatory, [Venue Address] Please reply by October Twenty-Sixth to [Host Name]
Cocktail Reception
Evening Cocktail
You are cordially invited to a Baby Shower Cocktail Reception honoring [Full Name] Saturday, December Seventh · Six O'Clock in the Evening The Crystal Ballroom, [Venue Address] Cocktail attire · Kindly reply by November Twenty-Third
Elegant Reception
Please join us for a Baby Shower Cocktail Reception celebrating [Full Name] Sunday, January Fourteenth · Five-Thirty in the Evening The Grand Salon, [Venue Address] Formal attire · RSVP by December Thirty-First
Garden Party
Garden Celebration
You are cordially invited to a Garden Baby Shower honoring [Full Name] Saturday, February Eleventh · Two O'Clock in the Afternoon The Rose Garden, [Venue Address] Garden party attire · Kindly reply by January Twenty-Eighth
Outdoor Elegance
Please join us for a Garden Baby Shower Celebration celebrating [Full Name] Sunday, March Tenth · One-Thirty in the Afternoon The Botanical Gardens, [Venue Address] Spring attire · Please reply by February Twenty-Fourth
No Gifts
Presence Only
You are cordially invited to a Baby Shower Luncheon honoring [Full Name] Saturday, April Thirteenth · Twelve O'Clock Noon The Garden Room, [Venue Address] Your presence is the present · Kindly reply by March Thirtieth
Celebration Focus
Please join us for a Baby Shower Celebration celebrating [Full Name] Sunday, May Twelfth · Two O'Clock in the Afternoon The Grand Ballroom, [Venue Address] No gifts, please · RSVP by April Twenty-Eighth
Dress Code Lines
Dress Code Examples
Cocktail attire
Garden party attire
Spring attire
Formal attire
Business casual
Sunday best
Elegant casual
Smart casual
RSVP Language
Formal RSVP Examples
Kindly reply by [Date] to [Host Name]
Please reply by [Date] to [Host Name]
RSVP by [Date] to [Host Name]
Kindly respond by [Date] to [Host Name]
Please respond by [Date] to [Host Name]
Registry Placement
Registry Guidelines
Bottom Placement
Registry appears at bottom of invitation or on separate card
Optional Information
Registry information is optional and should be subtle
Separate Card
Consider including registry details on a separate enclosure card
Complete Formal Etiquette Guide
Get our full formal etiquette guide with more templates, hosting tips, and traditional customs for creating elegant baby shower celebrations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should host and be listed on formal invitations?
A close friend or relative should host. Parents may co-host, but traditionally someone else hosts the shower. List the host's full name and contact information.
Is "no gifts" appropriate for formal invitations?
Yes! Use "Your presence is the present" or "No gifts, please" to indicate that attendance is more important than gifts.
How formal should the language be?
Use full names, write out dates completely, and include proper honorifics. Avoid contractions and casual language.
Should I include dress code on the invitation?
Yes, for formal showers. Include lines like "Cocktail attire" or "Garden party attire" to help guests dress appropriately.
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