The secrets of outstanding baby shower cards

Baby showers are very special events, quite unlike many other kinds of parties. It follows that baby shower cards should also reflect some of what makes these events stand out.

In fact, there are all kinds of different baby shower cards being used these days. There are the wild and wacky ones that can create a laughing fit in those who read it. There are the sober, understated ones that still manage to convey a sense of excitement and anticipation about the soon-to-come new addition to the home.

Whatever your style, keep in mind that in most cases, the baby shower invitation is the first point of contact the guest has with your shower. And first impressions are important. So the card should set the tone and mood for the shower. If you are using a theme, the card should reflect that theme.

Incidentally, having a well-defined baby shower theme will make choosing cards -- and just about everything else -- much easier. Do talk to the expectant mother to find out if she has a theme in mind. Or sit together with her and come up with an exciting theme.

One of the things you've got to decide on is whether you want to send baby shower cards in the first place. Would it be better to just call up all the guests and inform them of the party?

Well, not sending cards and calling guests up is fine if you are having a small event. But on the whole, it is better to send cards. Because then the guests have all the details available in black and white. No more wondering "Did she say 5:00 pm or 4:00 pm?"

And of course, if your event has a theme, it is best conveyed by using a card. To get back to the theme of themes, there are excellent baby shower cards available that come pre-designed to fit particular themes. So that's another good reason to have a theme.

You want your invitations to radiate the spirit of these events -- the baby's innocence, the mom-to-be's excitement, the sense of anticipation of the other family members. Naturally, it follows that your imagination is a key component in your baby shower invitation!

If you have guests coming in from out of town, send out the cards about 4 - 6 weeks before the event. That should allow them to fit the party into their schedule and respond to your RSVP. Plus, it gives them time to do any preparation (for games, etc).

Commercially available cards come in many excellent themes and designs such as nursery rhymes, toys, fairy tales, floral patterns, animals, angels, etc. There are specifically designed cards for the first child, second & third children, boys, girls, twins, triplets, etc.

If you are ordering baby shower cards, you have many choices. You could order it from a local print shop (be sure to ask to see a proof copy before you go in for the final print run.)

Alternatively, you can order baby shower cards online. Here again there are two choices -- with the first one, you customize the cards using templates they provide and print them out on your computer. The advantage here is that you can get the invitations out quickly as this eliminates the printing and shipping delays. The second option is to have the manufacturer print it at their facility after you have finalized the wordings and design. They ship the cards to your address. The advantage here is that the cards are printed professionally, so the quality is very high.