Invitations for the baby shower

The baby shower has settled into British life over the past decade or so, especially in the cities — London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh. It is a party held before the birth, usually organised by a close friend or the mum-to-be's sister. A gift list, a cake to match the theme, a few games ('guess the due date', 'guess the baby's weight') and small, thoughtful presents. An online invitation helps you gather the guests and share the gift list in a single link.

In Britain the occasion tends to be gentler than the American version — fewer elaborate decorations, more of a relaxed afternoon tea for 8 to 15 people. It is usually held in the final trimester, while the mum-to-be still has energy and the sex of the baby is often already known — a detail that matters, as some guests like to tailor their gift. In our experience a gift list works wonders: it spares everyone the same seven cuddly toys and leaves the parents with what they actually need.

The invitation should carry the mum-to-be's name, the date (often a weekend afternoon), the venue (the organiser's home or a tea room), an outline of the afternoon, the colour theme (pink, blue, or a neutral yellow or green) and a word on the gift list with its link. Boho or greenery templates with pastel accents suit it particularly well. A precise pin with the flat or house number helps guests who don't know the address.

The digital format suits a baby shower perfectly: it is a party for 8 to 15 people, and the link goes out by WhatsApp or an Instagram DM to the group of friends. The gift list is often a link to an online basket, easy to drop into the invitation. The RSVP form counts the guests, and a Google map guides everyone to the venue.