Send Shower Invitations to Attend Something Different
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Written by: ginathompson
Total views: 11 |
Word Count: 655 |
Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2009 |
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I have some good friends who are pregnant for the first time and due this next month. I offered to throw them a baby shower. They were a little wary at first. Given that they are not the kind of people who like to be in the spotlight, I was not surprised. "So, you just send out baby shower invitations and people have to buy you things?" They asked. Given that I myself am an outspoken opponent of any shower that makes people feel obligated to buy something, I saw their point and wanted to come up with something different. I also know that baby showers represent something altogether more fulfilling emotionally than the average greedy bridal shower. A lot of brides and grooms are waiting until later in life to get married. Most of them are well established in their careers and already have everything they need for their homes. In the old days, young couples did not have much for their households and bridal showers helped fill that void. Couples should send out wedding shower invitations with the sole purpose of requesting guests to help them rejoice and party. Friends and family will always want to give gifts anyway, but you want them to feel unencumbered and inspired when doing so.
My friends who were against the idea of a baby shower were afraid of those same bridal shower expectations. I assured them that guests receiving baby shower invitations would be the same people who were overcome with a desire to help as soon as they heard the news of the pregnancy. For couples who have never had children, the things that you need for a baby are not things you have on hand, no matter what your socio economic status. When you are expecting your first child, you have no idea what you need and where to start. Having a baby shower allows people who know what they are doing to lend a hand and give you some things they think will be special or helpful. The only thing that kept our first baby sleeping happily at night was a sleep sack, yet we would have never even tried such a thing if someone had not given it to us as a shower gift. Shower invitations will also be received by people who have no idea what having a baby is like. Those guests have been looking for a good reason to go into that baby boutique and buy you the softest baby blanket known to man.
I came up with an idea that was well received by my friends. I sent out shower invitations for a "Wisdom and Wives Tales" party. Attendees were to bring a baby proofing item and a supply (diapers, wipes, baby thermometer). I also asked the people who were given shower invitations for the best piece of knowledge they received before they had a baby, and the most ridiculous thing masquerading as advice they had received. I printed up and gave credit for all the input in two separate books (one for the good advice; the other, for the ridiculous stuff) for the couple to have. The books were a big hit and my friends adored that everyone shared such helpful information and entertaining tales. And they were very grateful for all the practical items and supplies that will make their life easier when the baby comes home. The shower invitations did not leave anyone with an obligation to purchase anything beyond the theme. I think all the guests, however, happily brought additional baby gifts. But all the guests loved being asked to be helpful and contribute something. And that is what it is all about.
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