Baby Shower Invitation Wording: Examples for Every Style (and When to Send Them)

A baby shower invitation names who the shower honours, then gives the date, time, place and how to RSVP. The rest — a theme, a dress note, a book-instead-of-a-card request — is personality. Below is wording for every style, from classic to playful, plus Indian Godh Bharai and Valaikappu examples, and the timing rules most hosts follow.

What should a baby shower invitation include?

The parent or parents being honoured, the date, time and place, and how to RSVP. The Emily Post Institute lists these as the essentials of a baby shower invitation, with the baby's sex or a nursery theme as optional extras.

• Who it's for — "honouring Priya" or "for Emma & James".
• When and where — the date, start time, and address with a map link.
• RSVP — a reply-by date and who to reply to.
• Optional — a theme, what to wear, food, and a gift note.

What's good baby shower wording for each style?

Match the wording to the parents and the party: formal for an afternoon tea, warm and simple for brunch at home, playful for a backyard party. Each line below works on its own above the details.

Style	Example wording
Classic	"Please join us for a baby shower honouring Emma Clarke"
Warm	"A little one is on the way — come celebrate with us"
Playful	"Oh baby! Brunch, games and a lot of tiny socks"
Co-ed	"Diapers, drinks and good friends — a baby shower for Emma & James"
Gender-neutral	"Boy or girl, we can't wait to meet you — Baby Miller's shower"
Twins	"Double the love, double the fun — a shower for Emma's twins"

Classic

Please join us for a baby shower
honouring Emma Clarke
Sunday, May 9 at 11 am
The Garden Room
Kindly reply to Sophie by April 25

Modern and simple

Baby Clarke is almost here!
Brunch for Emma · Sunday, May 9 · 11 am
RSVP by April 25

Co-ed (for both parents)

Emma & James are expecting!
Join us for a backyard baby shower — drinks, games and a barbecue
Saturday, May 8 · 3 pm

How do you word a Godh Bharai or Valaikappu invitation?

Name the mother-to-be, the ceremony and the family hosting, and add a blessing line if your family uses one. Godh Bharai is the North Indian ceremony and Valaikappu (or Seemantham) the South Indian one; both invitations usually come from the family rather than friends.

With the blessings of our elders
the Sharma family invites you to the Godh Bharai of
Anjali
Sunday, May 9 · 11 am · lunch to follow

Our family warmly invites you to the Valaikappu of our dear Meena
Bring your blessings — and your favourite bangles!
Sunday, May 9 · 10 am

Should you put registry details on a baby shower invitation?

Traditional etiquette says keep the registry off the invitation itself. The Emily Post Institute's gift guidance is that registry information belongs on a separate insert, not the invitation.

With a digital invitation, put it in a separate details section rather than on the card, or let the host share it when guests ask. A "book instead of a card" request is a popular, gentle alternative.

When should you send baby shower invitations?

Three to six weeks before the shower. The Emily Post Institute gives that window for sending baby shower invitations, and notes showers are usually held four to six weeks before the due date — or a few weeks after the birth.

Who hosts and who's invited?

Usually a close friend or relative hosts, and the guest list is the parents' closest circle. Many showers are now co-ed and include both parents' friends — say so in the wording so nobody is unsure.

Can you send a baby shower invitation digitally?

Yes — it's the easiest way to reach friends and family in different cities, and RSVPs come back to you in one list. PixerInvite's baby shower designs open with their own animation — a star that lights up, hot-air balloons that rise, a marigold swing for a Godh Bharai — then show your photo, the details and an RSVP. Choose baby shower, Godh Bharai or Valaikappu when you fill in your details.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance do you send baby shower invitations?

Three to six weeks before the shower, according to the Emily Post Institute — a little earlier if guests are travelling.

Who is named on a baby shower invitation?

The parent or parents being honoured — "honouring Emma" or "for Emma & James" — and usually the host, for RSVPs.

Can a baby shower be co-ed?

Yes. Many showers now include both parents' friends; say "a baby shower for Emma & James" so guests know everyone's welcome.

Is it OK to ask for books instead of cards?

Yes — it's a popular, gentle request. Add one short line in the details.